Antimicrobial Lighting Makes Way for Healthy Spaces: illumiPure CEO

SAMUEL JOSHUA

Lighting is moving beyond basic illumination in homes, hospitals and commercial buildings, with antimicrobial LED technology being used to combine everyday lighting with added protection against harmful microbes.

US-based illumiPure, which has developed 405nm white-light technology, is now expanding its presence in India, including through manufacturing in Hyderabad. 

Unlike conventional LED lighting, antimicrobial lighting is designed to provide regular illumination while also helping reduce harmful microbes in the surrounding environment.

“We may not just totally kill everything, but we can damage it to the point where if you are a normal healthy person, you are less likely to catch what is there,” said John Higgins, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of illumiPure, which developed CleanWhite LED technology.

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Different Range for Residences, Commercial Spaces

For residential projects, Higgins noted that the company’s technology can be adapted to standard fixtures rather than requiring developers or homeowners to adopt a completely new lighting system.

The company offers products across formats such as A19 bulbs, MR16s, and downlights, allowing the technology to be used in different applications. 

In commercial buildings, the company is targeting offices, healthcare facilities and other specialised spaces. Its CleanWhite Rx range is designed for hospitals and clinics, combining white-light illumination with antimicrobial properties and high colour rendering.

Higgins said the technology is already being used in office buildings in the US and other international markets.

The company is also working with Indian real estate developers on lighting packages for homes and common areas.

Higgins said some developers are exploring the use of the technology not only in common areas but also as part of lighting options for individual residences. The approach would let homebuyers choose the lighting system while designing their interiors. 

“Lights are not a byproduct. Lights are actually life,” Higgins added, explaining the company’s approach to lighting design and indoor environments. 

Cost is also narrowing between antimicrobial and conventional LED lighting, according to Higgins. While the technology was earlier more expensive, the company has brought the price closer to standard LED fixtures as production costs have come down. “It's almost the same price as a regular fixture. With three times the warranty,” he added. 

For existing buildings, retrofitting the technology would cost around 10% to 12% more than conventional LED fixtures, Higgins noted. The company has also reduced its pricing as manufacturing costs have come down, with some markets seeing prices comparable to or even below conventional fixtures.

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Energy-Efficient LIghting

In terms of energy use, the technology draws the same power as conventional LED lighting at comparable wattages. However, Higgins said customers have found that its higher colour rendering and clarity allow them to dim the lights while maintaining visibility. He estimated that around 75% to 80% of customers are dimming the lights further after installation. 

illumiPure is expanding its Hyderabad presence with a larger manufacturing facility that will produce around 60 to 70 SKUs for the Indian market as well as exports to the US, Canada, Europe and parts of the Middle East.

On Hyderabad’s real estate market, Higgins said the city stood out during his visit, particularly the way new projects are making room for green and open areas instead of putting buildings too close together.

“I think it's a good sustainable model for the rest of the world to watch,” he noted, adding that he was impressed by the pace of construction and the way the city is preparing for future expansion.