Circularity

Interview with Dean Campbell-Smith, Director of Innovation at Fagerhult Group

Why is circularity central for Fagerhult Group in achieving its net zero-target? 
To achieve our net zero goal, we need to reduce our dependence on greenhouse gas-intensive raw materials. Circularity gives us a practical framework for doing this. By closing the loop on the resources we use to deliver professional lighting solutions we can significantly reduce, and eventually eliminate, the need to extract and process new raw materials. The benefits of circularity go well beyond our commitment to net-zero, but this commitment and the climate emergency provides the urgency to act now and move away from the linear ’take-make-waste’ model.

What do you see as the biggest risks and opportunities for Fagerhult Group as you accelerate the transition to circular lighting solutions? 
One of the biggest opportunities in the circular transition is the chance to take a fresh approach. The transition will encourage us to rethink product design, manufacturing, business operations and our role in the industry. Circularity opens up new materials and partnerships that benefit our customers, the Group and the environment. Our strong presence in Europe is a strategic advantage, providing a solid foundation and a supportive framework for our circular transition. This is why we focus on demonstrating that circularity is not just good for the environment, but also for business – making our supply chains more resilient, reducing dependence on distant resources, cutting waste, improving products, and strengthening relationships with our partners and customers. When we look at risks, the building industry’s risk-averse nature could be the biggest challenge. This challenge will require us to not only deliver and communicate the benefits of circular solutions, but also to work within our industry to highlight the more substantial risks associated with inaction.

Looking towards 2030, what do you want customers and partners to associate with Fagerhult Group when they hear the word ”circularity”?
By 2030, I want customers and partners to see Fagerhult Group as a leader in the circular transition for professional lighting – a benchmark for integrating circular solutions into the built environment, benefiting owners, facility managers, tenants, and the planet. I hope our commitment to circularity leads to stronger, more productive relationships and expands our industry networks, helping to enable a truly circular economy. When people think of Fagerhult Group and circularity, I want them to remember that we embraced circularity as an opportunity and developed capabilities that go far beyond those required for the old linear ‘take-make-waste’ model.