As lighting consumption continues to increase, solid state lighting will become a major driving force for LED lighting growth that is expected to grow for several years, said Micheal Schmitt, Regional Marketing Director at Osram during LEDinside’s LEDforum at Guangzhou International Lighting Exhibition (GILE) on June 11, 2014.

 “LEDs has propelled the lighting industry evolution,” said Schmitt. “Strong market growth is anticipated to continue growing till 2020.”

Micheal Schmitt, Regional Marketing Director at Osram during LEDinside’s LEDforum at Guangzhou International Lighting Exhibition (GILE) on June 11, 2014 (LEDinside)

Despite the thriving LED lighting industry and ban on incandescent lighting by various countries earlier this year, conventional lighting will still continue to maintain a stable market share for a few years. 

Commercial lighting has been one of the fastest growing segments in the LED lighting market. Within commercial lighting, Schmitt pointed out requirements differed depending on application fields. Aesthetic lighting for architecture and hotels, for example, require high CRI, cost/performance ratio (C/P), and long lifespan. Residential lighting, however, places more importance on C/P, while industrial lighting focuses on luminosity and lifespan. 

In terms of retail lighting, lighting plays a very important role in creating a conducive atmosphere that encourages consumers to buy, noted Schmitt. Lighting is able to transform a simple shop window into an eye-catching display case, drawing passersby attention. Retail lighting is able to make products more attractive and create a happier and comforting atmosphere within the store. Research has shown that color temperature is more important in retail lighting than brightness. Retailers are therefore using narrow beam spotlights to create ambient lighting atmosphere and a sharp contrast with the surrounding, to make products stand out.

Although, Osram did not set up a booth at this year’s GILE 2014, they did host a “Light is Osram” even for clients on June 11th. The company displayed both conventional and specialty lighting products and solutions. Products, technology, and services showcased covered commercial lighting in fields such as chain stores, hotels, tunnels, architecture, and residential indoor lighting. Osram is very optimistic about the future of commercial lighting.