UK lighting manufacturer Philip Payne has launched ARDEN, a pioneering wooden emergency exit sign that combines innovative engineering with sustainable manufacturing principles. The new product, designed and manufactured in Britain, represents a significant leap forward in emergency lighting technology, showcasing the country’s continued leadership in innovative manufacturing and sustainable engineering solutions.
ARDEN is a testament to British engineering ingenuity, successfully merging traditional materials with cutting-edge technology to create a product that is both sustainable and high-performing. Crafted from European joinery-grade oak sourced from responsibly managed forests, ARDEN addresses the growing demand for environmentally conscious solutions in building design without compromising on safety or functionality.
Nick Revell, Managing Director at Philip Payne, explained the engineering challenges and achievements behind ARDEN: “Developing ARDEN pushed us to rethink emergency lighting from the ground up. We had to ensure that a wooden product could meet the stringent safety standards required for emergency exit signs while also delivering on sustainability and aesthetic fronts. The result is a product that not only meets but exceeds expectations in all these areas.”
One of the key engineering feats of ARDEN is its fire resistance. The sign has been glow-wire tested to 850°C, meeting stringent safety standards and providing peace of mind in day-to-day use. This achievement demonstrates that sustainable materials like wood can be engineered to perform in safety-critical applications traditionally dominated by non-renewable materials.
ARDEN also showcases advancements in battery technology, utilising a Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) battery with a superior design life. This choice significantly reduces maintenance requirements and waste compared to traditional battery systems, addressing long-standing issues in the emergency lighting sector.
The product’s circular design principles are another highlight of its engineering. At the end of its lifecycle, the oak body is fully recyclable, contributing to a circular economy. This approach to product design demonstrates how manufacturers can take responsibility for the entire lifecycle of their products, from sourcing to end-of-life disposal.
Lighting performance was not overlooked in the pursuit of sustainability. ARDEN features a long-lasting, British-made LED module with a rated lifespan of 100,000 hours, ensuring consistent and reliable illumination. The high-transmission acrylic legend panel boasts up to 90% recycled content, further reducing the product’s environmental impact without compromising on performance.
In terms of smart building integration, ARDEN’s emergency module has achieved DALI 2 certification, enabling seamless integration with building management systems for efficient monitoring and control. This feature highlights the product’s compatibility with modern, intelligent building designs and its ability to contribute to overall building efficiency.
Perhaps most impressively, ARDEN achieves all these engineering feats while maintaining a low embodied carbon score of 29.87kg CO₂e for the DALI surface mounted version. This represents a 30% reduction compared to many non-wooden alternatives, setting a new benchmark for sustainability in emergency lighting.
The development of ARDEN demonstrates the UK’s capacity for innovative manufacturing and sustainable engineering solutions. It shows how traditional industries can be transformed through the application of advanced engineering principles and a commitment to sustainability.
As part of the wider FW Thorpe Plc group, Philip Payne’s work on ARDEN also aligns with ambitious sustainability goals. The group has committed to reaching net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across its value chain by FY2040, a target validated by the Science Based Targets Initiative under the Net-Zero Standard.
