Panasonic has announced that it will cease production of fluorescent lamps by the end of 2027, marking the end of over 70 years in the market. This decision aligns with an international agreement to ban the manufacture, export, and import of most fluorescent lamps due to their mercury content. Panasonic is one of the few remaining producers of fluorescent lighting in Japan and the first to set a definitive timeline for phasing out the product.
While the company will continue manufacturing fluorescent lamps until the 2027 deadline to meet ongoing demand, it plans to increase production of LED lamps in response to the shift. LED lighting, which currently accounts for 60.3% of Japan’s lighting market, is a key part of the government’s goal to convert all lighting to LEDs by 2030.
However, the transition to LEDs is not without challenges. The higher cost of LEDs and the need for renovation to replace fixtures pose obstacles, especially for inflation-affected consumers and small businesses. Despite these hurdles, the move is expected to significantly reduce energy consumption in Japan.
