FTC Expects New Labels for Light Bulb Packaging in Mid-2011
Starting in mid-2011, the Federal Trade Commission states that consumers shopping for light bulbs will notice new labeling on packaging designed to help them choose among the different types of bulbs on the market -- traditional incandescent bulbs, and newer high-efficiency compact fluorescent (CFL) and light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs. The new labels will enable consumers to save money by selecting the most efficient bulbs that best fit their lighting needs.
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For the first time, the label on the front of the package will emphasize the bulbs’ brightness as measured in lumens, rather than a measurement of watts. The new front-of-package labels also will include the estimated yearly energy cost for the particular type of bulb.
Under the new rule, the back of each package of light bulbs will have a “Lighting Facts” label modeled after the “Nutrition Facts” label that is currently on food packages. (See ITT's Online Archives or 11/12/09 news, 09111220, for BP summary of FTC's proposed rule on this change.)