For 30 years, ASSIL has been on its members’ side. What are the challenges soon facing the lighting industry?
In 2024, our sector faced multiple challenges, for instance, difficulties in implementing projects related to the PNRR or cuts in the various building bonuses. In addition to the internal threats, some look beyond the borders. I am referring above all to the issue of unfair competition from producers in non-European countries. A recent survey by Lighting Europe estimates that 71% of lighting products sold online in Europe and inspected are non-compliant. It is then clear that there are still too many entries of products with quality and safety levels that do not comply with European standards.
If competition is only price-based instead of quality, we will lose market share and decrease the quality of our sector. Fortunately, technology has remarkably improved energy and lighting performance in recent years. The issue of market surveillance, therefore, becomes crucial to avoid unfair competition. It is necessary to establish market rules that allow for the marketing of quality products and the operation of a regulated market in which all companies can compete equally.
Sustainability and energy efficiency issues are also driving the sector. How important are these values for your members?
A survey among our members showed that the sustainability value comes first and foremost as a competitive advantage and a valuable opportunity for business development. Sustainability, however, must not penalize companies and since innovation in this sense requires concrete resources, interventions by the Government are necessary to support the evolution of production and products. Sustainability is a matter of energy transition and also a fundamental feature in achieving consumer well-being. It will thus become increasingly crucial to design sustainable places that know how to consider people’s comfort and well-being. To extend this reflection to the general public, ASSIL will be present at Euroluce with the Engagement campaign “Image Your Light”, asking visitors to imagine the world that revolves around light. And we are sure that many people will associate it with well-being and sustainability.
The 30th anniversary of ASSIL is definitely an opportunity to look to the future. How do you intend to strengthen the activities dedicated to members?
Our network includes large and medium-sized businesses. Our goal is, above all, to strengthen the structure, role and image of the entrepreneurial fabric of our sector. I think that the task of an Association that interprets its role in a contemporary way is to invite entrepreneurs to invest part of their time in the life of the association, sharing with colleagues a pragmatic vision of the future of lighting, of the current and future problems of the sector, highlighting the need for support in favour of member companies.
With this in mind, ASSIL will continue to develop a system of support and training services, identifying qualified partners to always be at the side of entrepreneurs and help them manage their businesses in the best possible way for an increasingly structured and competitive lighting sector.
