Covestro Supplies Signify with Advanced Polycarbonate for 3D‑Printed Luminaires

Covestro is supplying Signify, the global lighting pioneer, with high‑performance polycarbonate designed for additive manufacturing of luminaires.

Signify is expanding its 3D‑printing operations in the Netherlands and is preparing new facilities in the United States, India and Indonesia.

The polycarbonate chosen by Signify meets stringent customer requirements for impact resistance, thermal stability, design flexibility, optical clarity and flame retardancy. It also is 100 % recyclable, enabling the company to deliver luminaires that fit a circular‑economy model, where nearly every component can be reused or recycled.

“We are the first lighting manufacturer to produce 3D‑printed luminaires at an industrial scale,” said Coen Liedenbaum, venture manager for 3D printing at Signify. “Customers can transform their ideas into reality in days instead of months, and the process consumes less energy.” Signify is already supplying the printed luminaires to a number of leading retailers.

“The circular economy is a strategic priority for Covestro,” said Rainer Rettig, head of the circular‑economy program. “We aim to drive the transition from a disposable to a circular model with as many partners as possible. This collaboration exemplifies that mission.”

Covestro is investing in advanced laboratories for 3D printing at its Leverkusen, Pittsburgh and Shanghai sites, where it develops and validates material solutions for serial additive manufacturing in partnership with diverse customers.

Patrick Rosso, global head of additive manufacturing, added: “Covestro offers a comprehensive portfolio of polymeric materials for all mainstream 3‑D‑printing technologies, including polycarbonate raw materials for this promising application. By partnering with companies like Signify, we push the boundaries of scale and support industries on their journey toward digital mass production.”