What are typically the main differences between luminaires made in Finland and in China?

Impact of production processes on quality

The Finnish lighting industry is characterized by high quality requirements and strict standards. Luminaires are often designed to withstand the harsh Nordic climate conditions, such as cold and humidity, which increases their lifetime. Luminaires manufactured in Finland typically use high quality components and are carefully tested before they enter the market.

In China, production processes can vary considerably depending on the manufacturer. Mass production has the advantage of being cost-effective, but this can sometimes translate into shorter life or poorer performance. In high-volume manufacturing , quality control of individual components is not always as accurate as in smaller batches. 

Working conditions and accountability

Finnish production strictly respects working conditions and safety laws that guarantee the well-being of workers. In addition, Finnish factories are increasingly focusing on energy efficiency and low-carbon production.

In China, working conditions and environmental requirements vary widely from region to region and between manufacturers. Although many factories have international certifications, the level of sustainability does not always match Western standards. This can affect both the carbon footprint of the product and its ethical sustainability. Anyone making purchases without seeing where and how luminaires are actually manufactured should consider potential consequences if problems arise.  

Carbon footprint of transportation + Waste

Transportation is a major source of environmental impact. The shorter supply chains for lighting products manufactured in Finland reduce emissions and ensure that there is no wastage or waste. Shipping lamps made in China to Europe involves long sea journeys, which increase carbon emissions, while lamp bodies made from recycled aluminium, for example from Greenled , are manufactured less than 300 kilometres from our factory.

When products are ordered overseas the quantity of products is normally much higher than when ordered locally. In a business such as professional lighting, where mass tailoring plays a significant role, one can raise a question about serviceability, faulty products and buffer volumes. On a site where over 1000 luminaires are installed, a buffer inventory might be dozens of luminaires. What happens to this inventory post project? Too often the answer is waste. Luminaire industry is manufacturing over 1000 Eiffel towers worth of luminaires each year, and over 50% of this ends up as waste in less than 10 years from purchase. The better the products, the less the buffer orders, the less waste we create. 

Material choices: recycled aluminium reduces logging

The material used to make a luminaire has a major impact on its durability, environmental impact and life-cycle costs. Many luminaires manufactured in Finland have switched to recycled aluminium, a material that is both ecological and long-lasting.

Why is the choice of recycled aluminium an important change? If all the lamps produced in the world in a year were made from primary metals, more than 400 square kilometers of forest, rock and nature would have to be extracted to make up for the loss. That 's practically everything you see when you drive from Helsinki to Tampere, and then some.

Recycled aluminium consumes significantly less energy in the production process compared to the production of primary aluminium or other metals, which reduces the carbon footprint. In addition, aluminium can be recycled almost indefinitely without significant quality degradation, making it an ideal material for responsible lighting manufacturing. That's why Greenled's new luminaires come with a lifetime frame guarantee.

Read more about why many Finnish lighting manufacturers are leading the way in the use of recycled aluminium.

Summary: Why "Made in Finland"?

Finnish luminaires offer an excellent combination of quality, durability and responsibility. Close production also allows for closer cooperation with the manufacturer and a quick response to customer needs. Greenled is a strong believer in Finnish luminaire manufacturing as a guarantee of quality and sustainability. We are ready to help our customers make smart lighting choices for the environment and for their business.