The Circular Economy Case for LED Retrofitting in Electric Fly Killers

The Circular Economy Case for Retrofitting EFKs – Key Points:

• The circular economy focuses on reuse and retrofit, not full replacement.
• Fluorescent lamps in EFKs are exempt from RoHS until 2027 as special-purpose lighting.
• 2027 is a review point, not an automatic ban—market readiness will decide.
• Retrofitting is more sustainable than replacing whole traps.
• A rushed ban could lead to unnecessary waste and higher costs.
• An extension is likely, as retrofit options for all special lighting uses aren’t yet available.
• Pest professionals can lead with retrofit-ready LED solutions that reduce impact and maintain performance.

For pest professionals, food safety officers, and facilities managers, it's essential to understand how this shift could impact future regulations, including further restrictions on fluorescent lighting.

What Is the Circular Economy?

The circular economy is a model of production and consumption that emphasises the reuse, repair, refurbishment, and recycling of existing materials and products for as long as possible. This is in contrast to the traditional linear model, which follows a take-make-dispose pattern.

In practical terms, a circular approach in lighting would mean:

• Designing products that can be repaired, not replaced.
• Extending the useful life of equipment.
• Reducing waste to landfill through the reuse or recycling of components.
• Minimising the need to manufacture new raw materials (like metals or plastics).

Governments, regulators, and sustainability frameworks, such as the EU Green Deal, are increasingly applying circular economy principles to a wide range of products, including electronics, packaging, lighting, and white goods.

Circular Economy in Lighting: Why It Matters Now

Lighting systems, especially fluorescent lamps, are under increasing scrutiny due to their mercury content and limited recyclability. That’s part of the reason fluorescent lamps used in general lighting were phased out across the EU and UK starting in 2023 under the RoHS Directive.

But what about special-purpose lighting, like fluorescent lamps in electronic fly killers (EFKs)?

Currently, fluorescent lamps used in EFKs are exempt from the RoHS legislation. The ban introduced under RoHS applies only to general lighting at this stage. EFKs fall under the special purpose lighting category, which is why they remain exempt.

This exemption was renewed in 2022 and is valid until 2027. According to LightingEurope, an extension beyond 2027 is likely, as a complete range of retrofit LED alternatives is still needed to cover the full spectrum of special lighting applications -including not just insect control, but also sectors like medical lighting and sterilization.

This is where the circular economy becomes central to the conversation.

Why Premature Upgrades Undermine Sustainability

At first glance, LED might seem like the obvious solution. It's more energy-efficient, mercury-free, and long-lasting. But switching to LED isn't automatically “green.” Many LED traps on the market today require completely new units to be installed.

That means:

• Removing functioning EFKs prematurely
• Sending them to landfill
• Increasing capital expenditure for pest control companies and end-users

As Jasmin Emmerson, Sales Director at Fotolec Technologies & Opti-Catch, recently explained on the Pest Perspectives podcast:

LED is not truly sustainable if it means prematurely disposing of a unit that is still working

The true sustainability win comes from retrofitting - upgrading the technology without discarding the housing or the entire unit. This aligns perfectly with circular economy principles.

The Case for Extending the Fluorescent Lamp Exemption

As 2027 approaches, the lighting industry is watching closely. For a full ban on fluorescent insect control lamps to be viable, there must be:

• A retrofit LED alternative for every type of fluorescent lamp in use
• Assurance that performance is equal to or better than fluorescent equivalents
• Compatibility with a range of existing trap brands and ballast types
• Avoidance of premature waste and disruption to food safety compliance

Currently, many retrofit LED solutions still do not cover all lamp types, particularly those using electronic ballasts. That means thousands of working traps - some purchased as recently as this year - would be rendered obsolete if a ban were rushed through.

Lighting experts believe that due to these gaps, another five-year extension to the exemption is not only likely, but essential to ensure that a transition to LED follows a genuinely circular and sustainable path.

In a recent statement, LightingEurope clarified a common misconception about RoHS exemptions - namely, that they expire on their listed dates. In reality, these dates are not final if a renewal request has been submitted and is still under review by the European Commission.

Key facts from LightingEurope:

💡If a renewal request is under review, the exemption remains valid, and lamps covered by it can continue to be placed on the EU market.

💡If a renewal request is eventually denied, there must still be a 12–18 month transition period before a full phase-out.

LightingEurope has already submitted renewal applications for key exemptions to ensure continuity for essential lighting applications, including those used in pest control.

How Pest Controllers Can Lead with a Circular Mindset

Pest control professionals and facilities managers have an important role to play in this transition. By choosing retrofit LED solutions, such as Opti-Catch, you not only support your clients with energy savings and performance but also help reduce environmental impact.

Here’s how to apply a circular mindset to your EFK strategy:

✅ Don’t Dispose Prematurely

If your existing EFKs are working and fit for purpose, keep using them. Retrofit when you’re ready, not because of fear-mongering.

✅Ask for Independent Catch Rate Data

Ensure any LED upgrade delivers equivalent or improved fly catch. This avoids installing a sub-standard retrofit lamp that compromises pest control.

✅ Check for Compatibility

Opt for LED solutions that fit existing traps and wiring. This prevents unnecessary replacements and maximises existing resources.

✅ Plan Ahead for 2027

Even though a full ban on fluorescent lamps is unlikely to happen in the next years, it's wise to begin auditing your current ILT inventory and understanding what options are available for retrofit vs replacement.

More Than a Ban: A Chance to Reframe the Conversation

The potential extension of the special lighting exemption is not just about regulatory timelines, it's an opportunity to rethink how we approach product lifecycles, especially in pest control. Rather than viewing upgrades as a race or a burden, the circular economy invites us to see product longevity, adaptability, and resource efficiency as strategic advantages.

It also opens up new conversations with clients about sustainability, operational savings, and the kind of partnerships that build trust over time.

Shaping a Smarter, More Sustainable Future

The conversation around insect light traps is no longer just about switching to LED or meeting compliance deadlines. It’s about embedding sustainability into every stage of pest control - from the way equipment is designed and serviced, to how long it’s used and how it's ultimately replaced.

As regulations continue to evolve, the real opportunity lies in moving beyond quick fixes and embracing long-term, circular solutions. By choosing options that extend product life, reduce waste, and support responsible resource use, the pest control industry can play a meaningful role in broader environmental progress.

This is about more than staying compliant. It’s about making choices today that support a cleaner, more efficient future for everyone involved.

Ready to Retrofit?

👉 Contact Opti-Catch today to learn more about our retrofit options, access independent catch rate data, or get advice on transitioning your current ILT inventory sustainably.