The WEEE Directive, in its recast form, affects the lighting sector more than any other. Despite the fact that it is an industry whose products are relatively lightweight, more lamps are collected and recycled in Europe than any other type of electrical appliance. Furthermore, unlike most WEEE, lamp waste has no positive value. Most lamps are fragile and contain small quantities of hazardous substances (and are therefore difficult to transport), requiring specialized recycling facilities.
The creation of EucoLight, based in Brussels, stems from a desire to respond positively to these challenges and to engage effectively with other associations and entities across Europe. EucoLight will work to improve the regulatory framework for waste lamps, ensure a level playing field in the market, support the development of appropriate international standards, and provide guidance and support to its members.
Any non-profit WEEE Collective Scheme that complies with the Extended Producer Responsibility for lighting equipment and is based in Europe can join EucoLight. Its membership already includes Collective Schemes from 16 EU member states.
According to Mr. Juan Carlos Enrique, recently elected Chairman of the Board of Directors of EucoLight and Managing Director of AMBILAMP (Spain), “the creation of EucoLight is a fundamental milestone for WEEE Collective Systems for lamps and lighting equipment in Europe, which will now have their own face and voice in Brussels. EucoLight will help its members strengthen their activities and services in Europe and, consequently, the recycling of lighting equipment, with the ultimate goal of promoting a more efficient circular economy.”
In fulfilling his responsibilities, he will be supported by Mr. Hervé Grimaud, Managing Director of RECLYLUM (France), as Vice Chairman; Mr. Béla Kovacs, Managing Director of ELECTRO-COORD (Hungary) and RECOLAMP (Romania), as Treasurer; and Mr. Nigel Harvey, Managing Director of RECOLIGHT (United Kingdom), as Secretary of the Board of Directors. and Mr. Diederik DE STOPPELAAR, Secretary General of LightingEurope. LightingEurope is an affiliate member of EucoLight.
Any non-profit WEEE Collective System that complies with the extended producer responsibility for lighting equipment and is based in Europe can join EucoLight. Its membership list already includes Collective Systems from 16 EU member states.
