Top lighting solutions brand Signify is expanding its operations to include lighting innovations that address the energy needs and sustainability that the Filipinos demand.
In a media roundtable, Signify Philippines Commercial Leader Professional Redin Cuento Aliling unveiled the company’s strategic road map for the coming years.
“We can’t stay stagnant offering one conventional product. We’ve been setting the trend when it comes to technology and innovation in the market, so that will continue,” Aliling said.
One of the leading innovations that Signify is pushing forward is connectivity, whether it be on home, office, or street light products. Aliling said that when it comes to connected lighting, Signify is the leading producer worldwide.
Connected lighting not only enables ease of use but it enables more efficiency and less energy consumption. Connectivity pertains to networks of technology that are integrated within a space, such as smart technology. Demand for automated lighting through connectivity is also increasing, especially among younger generations and industry-grade infrastructures, Aliling said.
He provided an example. If a room was occupied by a group of people who went out all together, they lights would dim upon sensing that there are no more people in the room. The lights may also automatically dim if the room has windows that are well-illuminated by natural sunlight. This way, users can maximize the use of free, natural light and lessen energy use. The same principle applies in essential public lighting: street lights would be turned on in critical hours; when the sensors indicate that there are no pedestrians nor cars about to pass by, the lights would dim.
Because of this, Aliling also stressed the importance of education about connected lighting. Some public lighting maintenance programs merely change lightbulbs without knowing about connectivity, which could save them more energy in the long run. It also makes lighting easier to maintain; with connectivity, maintenance simply needs to use technology without constant manual monitoring to determine which lights need fixing.
“That’s why we see that connectivity could be one of the game changers in the future, and that’s what we’re heading, “ Aliling said.
Currently, Signify has already worked with some local government units such as Baguio City to spearhead the movement on connectivity in lighting and spread awareness on its energy saving feature.
“We try to look for an entity or an LGU where our offering is a match on what they want to achieve. If they really want to address and have proper lighting, we work with them. We send our resources, we help them on the design,” Aliling said.
He said that five percent of its sales are invested into research and development and keeping up with Light Emitting Diode or LED technology.
Signify has also released new lighting solutions such as NatureConnect, which mimics daylight to simulate the ambiance and warmth of natural light. “We try to create that visibility, that energy and relaxation in the room. We have had good success marketing those products,” Aliling said.
The company is also developing a lightbulb that would be able to run for 100,000 burning hours, which can run for at least 50 years. This lightbulb can not only lessen spending on new lightbulbs but reduce electronic waste from unused lights.
Because some families’ homes are powered by off-grid solutions, Signify is also exploring solar-powered products. This is partnered with the company’s corporate social responsibility initiatives, tying up with different organizations how to reach out for those who are less fortunate families in remote areas or communities who will be needing support when it comes to lighting.
Signify also celebrated its 135th anniversary, recognizing the companies’ years of providing quality lighting. According to Aliling, Signify has been providing lighting solutions to the Philippines for 60 years. This also represents the opportunities and the market in the Philippines
“Signify will be here to stay,” he said.