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Eco-friendly lightbulbs are an energy efficient step in the right direction, but it could be that the bulb’s days are numbered. First we had light-emitting wallpaper ^[5], and now Saazs’ ^[6] light-emitting glass plates. Using planilum technology, these plates are the world’s first active light-emitting glass. Incorporated into shelves and tables, the technology provides beautiful, understated lighting for homes and offices.

Co-developed with Saint-Gobain Innovations ^[7], Saazs’ designs are the epitome of excellent eco-design ^[8]: stunning forms that emerge from cutting-edge sustainable design thinking. Christian Biecher ^[9], Adrien Gardère ^[10] and Arik Levy ^[11] have produced special limited edition designs, with the ‘standard’ series designed by Tomas Erel.

While the unit itself is dazzling, it produces a soothing light that eliminates the need for lampshades, and is better for wellbeing. Environmental improvements are delivered in part by the non-toxic gas employed: a significant improvement over the mercury-infused gas of neon bulbs. The average lifespan of a plate is 50,000 hours, which translates to 20 years of domestic use. And when it does cease to function, 90% of the design can be recycled ^[12], as it’s essentially based on glass.

Currently, each 100W plate lights 40 square meters of space, an efficiency halfway between a conventional bulb and a neon light. The company is working to improve the light efficiency ^[13] of the shelf, aiming to develop plates as effective as a neon light within 3 years, but without neon’s toxicity and somewhat unpleasant light quality and color.

+ Saazs ^[6]
+ Saint-Gobain Innovations ^[7]
+ Christian Biecher ^[9]