10 Things Singaporeans May Not Know About Signify (Formerly Known as Philips Lighting)

Signify, a leader in innovative lighting solutions, has a rich history and a vision for a sustainable future that many may not be familiar with.

Here are ten fascinating facts about Signify that might surprise you:

1. Philips Origins and Rebranding to Signify

Signify was originally part of Philips, the well-known Dutch multinational corporation. In 2016, Philips decided to spin off its lighting division into a separate company, Philips Lighting N.V. By 2018, this entity rebranded to Signify, reflecting its vision to use light as an intelligent language to connect and convey meaning. Despite the name change, Signify continues to produce lighting products under the Philips brand due to a licensing agreement​.

2. Leader in the Internet of Things (IoT) for Lighting

Signify is at the forefront of integrating lighting with IoT technologies. Its smart connected lighting offerings, like the Interact platform, enable users to manage lighting systems and collect data, transforming how we think about lighting in homes, offices, sports stadiums, and even cities. This technology not only provides illumination but also gathers valuable data to improve energy efficiency and user experiences​.

3. Ambitious Climate Transition Plan

In June 2024, Signify announced a comprehensive Climate Transition Plan aiming to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 90% across its entire value chain by 2040, using a 2019 baseline. This plan aligns with the company’s sustainability goals and reflects its commitment to leading the lighting industry towards a greener future. Impressively, Signify has already achieved a 50% reduction in GHG emissions​.

4. Partnership with Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team

Signify has recently partnered with the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula 1 Team to promote sustainability and technological innovation. This collaboration focuses on using advanced lighting solutions to enhance the team’s performance and reduce their environmental impact, showcasing Signify’s commitment to sustainability even in high-performance sports environments​.

5. Advocate for the Adoption of LED and Connected Lighting in Singapore and Globally

Signify’s Green Switch initiative advocates for the adoption of LED and connected LED lighting as a powerful strategy to reduce energy consumption and carbon footprints. If all light points in Singapore switched to LED, it could cut emissions by 1 million tonnes of CO2 annually and save S$700 million in energy costs. This program supports Singapore’s green initiatives by providing financing and subsidies to encourage widespread adoption of energy-efficient lighting​.

6. Innovative Product Development with Philips UltraEfficient LED Bulbs

The company has launched Philips UltraEfficient LED bulbs, which boast a lifespan of up to 50,000 hours—over three times longer than standard LED bulbs. These bulbs consume 60% less energy, offering significant savings and long-term reliability, particularly for cities and businesses looking to reduce their energy costs and carbon footprint​.

7. Advancing Smart Lighting in Hospitality

With its Interact Hospitality system, Signify provides dynamic, mood-enhancing lighting solutions that integrate with other hotel systems such as HVAC and property management. This innovation allows hotels to optimise energy usage and enhance guest experiences, contributing to a more sustainable and efficient hospitality industry​.

8. Pioneering Indoor Natural Light Solutions with NatureConnect

Signify’s NatureConnect lighting solutions mimic natural daylight indoors, which enhances well-being and performance by supporting the body’s natural rhythms. This biophilic design approach is gaining popularity in offices and public spaces, creating environments that boost productivity and comfort​.

9. 3D Printing for Sustainable Lighting Solutions

Signify is pioneering the use of 3D printing to produce lighting fixtures, reducing waste and promoting sustainability. The company’s 3D printed luminaires use at least 55% recycled materials and aim to create a fully circular production process. This innovative approach not only cuts down on waste but also allows for the customisation of lighting solutions to fit specific brand needs and spaces​.

10. Continued Innovation with Philips Hue and WiZ Smart Lighting

Under the Philips brand, Signify continues to innovate in the smart home sector with products like Philips Hue and WiZ. These systems offer advanced features such as remote control, scene settings, and integration with other smart home devices, making them a popular choice for homeowners looking to enhance their living spaces with smart lighting​.

From smart cities to eco-friendly sports partnerships, Signify is lighting the way to a smarter and more sustainable future.