MARETTI LIGHTNING

The lighting industry is constantly innovating and developing products. Lamps are becoming more and more efficient and energy-efficient. Sustainability is also one of the spearheads for Maretti Lighting. 'It's not just about money, but about the future of our earth.'

When he strikes up a conversation with a stranger about work, Edgar Heins usually tells them that he sells lamps. 'People then often think I have a lamp shop,' he says, laughing. But nothing could be further from the truth. Maretti Lighting is a leading company that imports and makes design lighting by well-known Dutch designers, including Jan des Bouvrie, Eric Kuster and Piet Boon. The company has been based in Almere for 25 years, where much of the collection is designed and produced.

Edgar started his business in 1994 in the attic room at his home. A year later, Maretti Lighting moved to business park De Vaart in Almere. An ideal location, Edgar thinks. 'Many young people live in Almere and the supply of personnel is great. Moreover, it is centrally located and easily accessible, which is also nice for our customers. There is always enough parking space here in front of the door.' At its current location, the head office cum showroom has an area of no less than 10,000 square metres at its disposal.

Big steps

In terms of sustainability, the lighting industry has made great strides in recent years. 'Of course, the incandescent lamp was not yet sustainable at all. The halogen lamp was already about 50 per cent more economical and had a much longer lifespan,' recalls Edgar. 'Then came various forms of energy-saving bulbs, which were even more economical and over time became smaller and more beautiful. Energy-efficient gas-discharge lamps were developed for industry, offices and shops.

Nowadays, we actually only sell LED lighting. LED lights are not only many times more economical, but also have a significantly longer lifespan.' 'So we are already sustainable just by following the market,' Edgar concludes.

Yet at Maretti Lighting, he would like to go one step further. 'Look at climate change. The melting ice caps, rising sea levels. As a society, we cannot escape it anymore: sustainable business is important for the world and our children's future. But it is also often about the wallet, especially as energy costs continue to rise. After all, with energy-efficient lighting, you can quickly and easily reduce your energy bill.'