ams OSRAM sets a new Benchmark for Sustainable Packaging in the Electronics Industry

As a long-standing partner in the Spectronet cluster, ams OSRAM is once again demonstrating its strong commitment to sustainability and innovation. Together with the Zumtobel Group, the company has developed a groundbreaking paper-based reel that replaces conventional plastic reels used for transporting LED strips and components. This new solution represents a major step forward in reducing environmental impact across the electronics supply chain — without generating any additional costs.

The advantages of the paper reel are significant. Compared to a plastic reel weighing 217 grams, the new paper version weighs only 140 grams, cutting material weight by around 35%. Even more impressive is the reduction in emissions: the lifecycle of a plastic reel creates roughly 1.075 kilograms of CO₂ equivalents, while the paper reel generates just 203 grams — an 80% decrease. Because paper is more recyclable and biodegradable, it also avoids disposal fees that may apply to plastics in certain regions.

If scaled across more than half a million reels per year, ams OSRAM could save 108 tons of plastic, 436 tons of CO₂, and nearly 38.5 tons of transport weight annually. These reductions extend across the entire supply chain, from manufacturing and logistics to end-of-life disposal — highlighting the practical benefits of sustainable materials in industrial applications.

Despite its ecological advantages, the paper reel fully meets the rigorous demands of the LED industry. Stability, handling, and cleanliness have been validated through extensive testing by ams OSRAM and the Zumtobel Group. The reel performs reliably on standard SMT production lines and complies with clean-room particle safety requirements, all while holding the same number of components as its plastic predecessor.

According to Martin Bachler, Head of Sustainability at ams OSRAM, this development underscores the power of collaboration: “If you want to be more environmentally friendly, you have to challenge established standards, and that requires openness and courage.” Bernhard Apsner of the Zumtobel Group adds that sustainability is inherently a “team sport,” emphasizing the importance of shared goals and cooperative innovation.

The project, driven largely by ams OSRAM’s team in Malaysia, has now entered an advanced pilot phase and has already passed positive customer qualification. Notably, the paper reel offers comparable production costs to plastic alternatives, while creating long-term savings through cheaper logistics and simplified disposal. This positions the solution as both environmentally and economically attractive — particularly for companies seeking to meet ESG criteria.

Looking ahead, ams OSRAM plans to expand the use of paper reels to additional product lines, including automotive components, and is actively exploring recycling pathways to strengthen circular economy principles.

Visitors will have the opportunity to experience the new paper reel firsthand at Light + Building 2026, taking place in Frankfurt am Main from March 8–13, 2026, where ams OSRAM will present the innovation to a global professional audience.

At Spectronet, we congratulate our cluster partner ams OSRAM on this milestone and see it as a highly relevant example of how technological leadership and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.

For more information visit our clusterpartner website.