FTC finalises a rule that will require the new labels on light bulb packages. 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.
With this, the US consumers 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 and light-emitting diode bulbs.
While watt measurements are familiar to consumers and have been featured on the front of light bulb packages for decades, watts are a measurement of energy use, not brightness. As a result, reliance on watt measurements alone make it difficult for consumers to compare traditional incandescent bulbs to more efficient bulbs, such as compact fluorescents.
The new labels that focus on brightness in lumens will help consumers make purchasing decisions as they transition to more energy-efficient types of bulbs.
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.