LEDs Look Like Fluorescent Tubes but Use Less Energy
IDEC Corp., (800) 262-4332 www.idec.com/usa Edited by Leland Teschler |
Maintaining 70% of their initial luminance at 40,000 hr and only using one-third the energy of fluorescent lights, LF1B LED light strips provide a bright 62.5 lumens/W while producing less heat than a fluorescent lamp. Manufactured by IDEC Corp., Sunnyvale, Calif., the LED light strips emit light in three color ranges: cool white, warm white, yellow and red.
LF1B miniature LED light strips are a mere 27.5-mm wide and 16-mm thick. They are available in four lengths with LED arrays of 3 × 1 to 24 × 1 with either transparent or white covers. The units also have an IP54 rating, providing protection from dust or water spray. Targeted applications include areas where repairs can not be easily performed, as well as for cabinet lighting. LF1B light strips have a rated voltage of 24 Vdc.
A Green Coke Bottle
Someday soon, you may be drinking Coke from a plastic bottle made partially from plants. The Coca-Cola Co., Atlanta, says its new PlantBottle is fully recyclable, has a lower reliance on a nonrenewable resource, and reduces carbon emissions, compared with petroleum-based PET plastic bottles.
The new bottle is produced from a blend of petroleum-based materials and up to 30% plant-based materials. It is made with process that turns sugar cane and molasses, a by-product of sugar production, into a key component for PET plastic. Coca-Cola is also exploring the use of other plant materials for future generations of the bottle. The company says a life-cycle analysis conducted by Imperial College London indicates the PlantBottle reduces carbon emissions by up to 25% compared with petroleum-based PET. And unlike other plant-based plastics, it can be processed through existing manufacturing and recycling facilities without contaminating traditional PET.
Coca-Cola North America will pilot the PlantBottle with Dasani and sparkling brands in select markets later this year and with vitamin water in 2010.