To see the lighting trends from Light+Building Fair

The Frankfurt Lighting Fair has long been recognized as one of the most important barometers of the global lighting industry, and every edition of Light+Building is a major event in the lighting sector. With the 2026 Frankfurt Fair now concluded, what lighting trends can we discern from it?

I. A Look Back at the Fair’s Themes: Reviewing the themes of Light+Building over the past six years, it is clear that the lighting industry is shifting from being merely an “industrial product” to becoming an integral part of the human environment sector. In the past, we focused solely on the lighting fixtures themselves, but now we are increasingly considering the relationship between lighting, people, and the environment. Artificial light is, by its very nature, a product of humanity’s struggle against natural rhythms—a process of creating something from nothing. Today, the goal is to make artificial light as natural as possible—a process of returning to nothingness. This “nothingness” refers to an unobtrusive presence, encompassing aspects such as lighting comfort, light control, and the seamless integration of product design with architectural spaces. Whoever can better understand and articulate the relationship between light, people, and the environment will be competitive in the future lighting industry.

II. Trends as Seen Through Exhibitors and Exhibits

1. The format and structure of lighting exhibitions are likely to change in the future

The absence of several major European lighting brands from the 2026 Frankfurt Fair is undoubtedly a blow to the event. While these major brands have not provided official explanations, looking beyond the surface reveals that this outcome is both unexpected yet understandable. Given the economic downturn in recent years, geopolitical instability, the industry’s ongoing evolution, and rising exhibition costs, brands are increasingly adjusting their exhibition strategies. They are prioritizing smaller-scale, more targeted, and experiential events that better align with their brand identity and customer-centric values, enabling more personalized and effective interactions and dialogue. In the short term, this has a negative impact; the absence of major brands inevitably leads to a loss of customers and visitors. However, in the long run, this may prompt exhibition organizers to rethink and establish a more rational and dynamic exhibition model.

2. EPDs, full-lifecycle low-carbon practices, and sustainability have become entry requirements for high-end product lines in the lighting industry.

From the products on display to the booth designs of exhibitors, we can see an increasingly “raw” aesthetic. The use of recyclable and eco-friendly materials, along with the reduction of materials and processes that impact the environment, is not driven by cost-cutting or frugality, but rather by a comprehensive commitment to the principles and requirements of sustainability, low-carbon practices, and EPD. These are actions taken in terms of materials and processes.

In terms of performance, the most notable feature is high luminous efficacy. The higher the efficacy, the lower the energy consumption, and the more favorable the EPD data. Consequently, we see that this year’s products boast exceptional luminous efficacy. For instance, TRILUX’s YONOS series of linear lights has achieved a luminous efficacy of 174 lm/W with a UGR of 19.

This implies that in the future, maintaining competitiveness in the high-end market will require a thorough understanding of EPD standards and requirements. Product design must prioritize low-carbon practices throughout the entire lifecycle. When defining specifications, products must deliver high luminous efficacy, glare control, and a long service life.

3. Acoustic foam products will become more specialized and popular

The lighting industry is transitioning from being a purely “industrial product” to becoming part of the human environment sector. And within the human environment, there is not only light but also sound. Take XAL as an example: as early as 2014, XAL proposed the concept of acoustic lighting and incorporated acoustic panels into its product line. In 2018, XAL explicitly positioned itself around the acoustic concept and has continuously launched multiple products in its acoustic lighting series from 2018 to 2024. Furthermore, in collaboration with acoustic laboratories, the company conducts acoustic testing and research on spaces, designs the layout and usage of lighting fixtures, quantifies noise reduction effects through data, and ultimately delivers solutions comprising lighting fixtures, acoustic panels, and noise reduction reports. This approach demonstrates a deep understanding and interpretation of the relationship between light, people, and the environment.

While the number of acoustic foam products at the 2026 Frankfurt Fair was indeed significantly lower than in the previous edition, this does not mean that the popularity of acoustic foam products has waned or that they are no longer in vogue. The acoustic foam products that have disappeared were merely trend-followers; they focused solely on the decorative aspect of acoustic foam lighting fixtures rather than their acoustic functionality. For the acoustic functionality of such fixtures to be effective, as demonstrated by XAL, it must be achieved through rigorous calculations by a professional team. The disappearance of many acoustic foam lighting fixtures will allow this category to return to rationality and its essence. Looking at future trends in the relationship between light, people, and the environment, acoustic foam lighting fixtures have a very promising outlook. Lighting products with acoustic functionality will become increasingly popular. Whether discussing the 100% polyester fiber material, the environmental noise reduction capabilities, or the aesthetic texture this material provides, all align with the trends and currents of lighting development.

4. Design Capabilities Surpass Manufacturing Capabilities

Looking at the products at trade shows—whether industrial or outdoor items—they are becoming increasingly attractive and refined. A great deal of thought has been put into the use of different materials, the control of product proportions, structural and form design, and product presentation. However, if you look closely, you’ll find that the details and craftsmanship aren’t actually that strong. Yet the overall presentation is still eye-catching. This highlights a gap between Chinese manufacturers and their international counterparts: we excel at manufacturing but lag in design. Yet the core value of this industry is currently shifting from production and manufacturing toward creative design and the creation of lighting environments. In the future, many high-value clients will no longer select factories based solely on production capabilities. Instead, they will prioritize partners who understand their brand language, teams capable of participating in design discussions, and suppliers capable of providing comprehensive solutions. Whether you aim to build a brand or operate as an ODM/OEM, this is becoming one of the core competitive advantages.

5. Smart Control, System Integration, Flexible Modules, and Optical Technology

At any trade show, it’s clear that these are the key strengths of major lighting brands which we need to pay attention to.

As a professional lighting manufacturer with over a decade of experience, BLED has consistently kept pace with industry trends and developments, making timely updates to provide our customers with lighting solutions that best meet market demands. We are also eager to collaborate with our customers to co-develop lighting products with unique features.