Atelje Lyktan & Snohetta – Superduper Tube

The Superdupertube is a modern twist on the classic Supertube we all loved. Its round shape makes it perfect for all kinds of rooms and environments.
More than just an evolution of the classic, the Superdupertube represents Atelje Lyktan’s commitment to sustainability and material exploration. Just as the Supertube in the 1970s was groundbreaking for its time, the Superdupertube is a tool for navigating towards a circular economy.

We know that 70 – 80% of a luminaire’s climate impact occurs during the user phase. Energy-efficient materials, components, and intelligent control systems are fundamental in the development of sustainable products. But AL didn’t stop there; the remaining 20 – 30%, related to raw materials, manufacturing, and recycling, must has also been taken into consideration and was part of the wider focus of this project.

Atelje Lyktan’s collaboration with Snøhetta came from a shared desire and persistence to evolve together towards a more sustainable future.

Light has always played a significant role in human activities and well-being. AL aim to create solutions that help people create healthy environments and optimise their capabilities with minimal impact on the environment. Together, they have refined every aspect of the product – from design to manufacturing – to minimise its environmental footprint. They have carefully considered every step in the lifecycle, from raw materials to recycling. The Superdupertube is not just a product; it is a statement of our commitment to sustainability and responsibility.

After 5 years of development, many may wonder, why did it take so long? The major challenge of the project was that the material had never been extruded in an existing extrusion process before and it was this challenge that would become a significant test of patience and belief in whether this could succeed or not.

Atelje Lyktan’s collaboration with Snøhetta came from a shared desire and persistence to evolve together towards a more sustainable future.

Light has always played a significant role in human activities and well-being. AL aim to create solutions that help people create healthy environments and optimise their capabilities with minimal impact on the environment. Together, they have refined every aspect of the product – from design to manufacturing – to minimise its environmental footprint. They have carefully considered every step in the lifecycle, from raw materials to recycling. The Superdupertube is not just a product; it is a statement of our commitment to sustainability and responsibility.

From hemp to lamp

A starch-based polymer is reinforced with fibres from wood cellulose and long-lived plants like industrial hemp. The bio-based polymer originates from plants such as sugarcane, but the profile’s strength comes from the hemp fibre. The profile consists of 15 – 20% natural fibre.

What are the benefits of hemp specifically?

01. Stores carbon dioxide

One hectare of hemp cultivation sequesters 10–15 tons of carbon dioxide per year, or roughly the same amount as a young forest. This is in comparison to grains, which sequester approximately 1 ton of carbon dioxide per hectare per year.

02. Contributes to increased biological diversity

Hemp plants produce large amounts of pollen, which is a significant advantage for bees. The flowering period coincides with other crops having low pollen production, making the plant a great complement in cultivation.

03. No use of pesticides

Hemp has low susceptibility to pests because it lacks natural enemies. This means that in most cases, farmers do not need to use pesticides.

04. Resilient to drought and water stress

The taproot of hemp improves nutrient uptake from the soil and makes the crop resistant to both water scarcity and flooding

05. Prevents soil erosion

The dense foliage of hemp forms a natural ground cover that reduces water loss and protects against soil erosion. Hemp becomes ground-covering as early as three weeks after germination.

06. Can break the disease cycle

Hemp can help break a cycle of diseases such as fungal attacks when used as a diverse complement in crop rotation.

The Superdupertube comes in a colour created by the natural and bio-based content of the material and comes in four lengths: 1143mm, 1426mm, 1708mm, 2273mm.

Weight savings of 53% with the main profile and LED profile in bioplastic.

In comparison to the equivalent in aluminium, by minimising the amount of metal and thus weight, there is a weight saving of 53%.

End caps, louvre, and suspension in injection-moulded biopolymer, along with an untreated wire lock.

The Superdupertube has been meticulously developed down to the smallest detail. To make the luminaire comparable, it also has an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD). The EPD gets you a clear picture of the luminaire’s total environmental impact.

The total carbon footprint of this luminaire is 150 kg over 20 years. A similar luminaire in aluminium has a total carbon footprint of 170kg over 20 years. Putting this in a perspective, 200 pcs in a project gives you a saving of 4000kg, which is around 10 return trips to Malaga from London. By switching from aluminium to a biobased polymer, AL have saved 36% in carbon footprint.

Currently, it’s challenging to find an alternative for LEDs and drivers, which constitute a significant portion of the carbon footprint when considering raw materials. If you compare only the body of the luminaire, in biobased polymer to one in aluminium, there is a saving of 73% in carbon footprint.

70-80% of a luminaire’s climate impact occurs during the in-use phase.

The importance of efficient luminaires and smart systems is therefore crucial in creating a sustainable product. The luminaire is available with the wireless control system, Organic Response. Smart lighting can provide up to 80% energy savings compared to ON/OFF.

The unique diagonal louvre creates a well-diffused light that, with the material’s naturally warm colour, contributes to a cozy atmosphere in its environment.

The Superdupertube also features lighting technology to meet the demands placed on us as a leading lighting company. It produces up to 138 lumens per watt with UGR <19.

Optics and Light Performance

The Superdupertube comes with four options of optics, all developed for its purpose.

• Diagonal louvre with Lens 60°
• Diagonal louvre with Linear Film and Optic diffuser
• Clear acrylic with Linear prism and Optic diffuser
• Clear acrylic with Mini microprism and Optic film

From cradle to cradle

The material is recyclable and compostable in an industrial composting environment. At Ateljé Lyktan, we assist with the recycling of the material.
If the material were to be incinerated, the net carbon dioxide emissions would be zero as the carbon dioxide emitted was previously absorbed by the plant as it grew.

The first of its kind, contributing to knowledge and technological development for the entire industry.

Superdupertube is the first project where a material based on hemp is extruded in an existing extrusion process. Through knowledge and technology development, we can contribute to the advancement of our recycling methods and encourage production, using sustainable materials.