LED tube retrofit for refrigerated shelves at Axfood – GLT LED TUBE

The Challenge

The previous T5 and T8 fluorescent lighting in Axfood’s refrigerated display cases caused high energy costs, required frequent maintenance, and no longer met the strict requirements of food safety standards.
A sustainable and reliable solution was needed – one that could operate safely at temperatures as low as –40 °C while providing consistent, high-quality lighting for product presentation.

The Solution – LED Retrofit with GLT LED TUBE

A total of 15,000 outdated T5 and T8 fluorescent tubes in refrigerated shelves and display coolers were replaced 1:1 with GLT LED TUBES during regular store opening hours – fully compliant with IEC/EN 62776. The GLT LED TUBE is IFS-compliant, shatterproof, and meets all food-safety and hygiene requirements, making it ideal for supermarket refrigeration environments.

All existing luminaires and mounting systems were converted according to EN standards, and old ballasts were removed. The LED driver is fully integrated into the GLT LED TUBE, enabling staff without electrical training to replace lamps safely and easily. Maintenance costs drop to an absolute minimum – supported by an exceptional service life of up to 130,000 hours.

The new LED lighting meets all technical standards and legal requirements for quality, energy efficiency, and sustainability. Thanks to the Environmental Product Declaration (EPD), every environmental impact of the GLT LED TUBE can be documented transparently.

Key advantages of our LED retrofit for Axfood

• Energy-efficient and economical: 15,000 GLT LED TUBES save approx. 3,632,000 kWh of electricity per year with a payback period of only 10 months.
• IFS-compliant, shatterproof and maintenance-free LED tubes that meet the highest standards for food safety and hygiene.
• Temperature-resistant down to –40 °C, ideal for cold storage, refrigerated shelves and deep-freeze departments.
• Long-life, maintenance-free LED retrofit with a lifetime of up to 130,000 hours – drastically reducing service costs.
• Sustainable & resource-efficient: The EPD-verified life cycle assessment of the GLT LED TUBE supports Axfood’s ESG and sustainability goals.
• GLT Reuse System: At the end of lifetime or rental period, GLT takes back used tubes, refurbishes them, or returns materials to the circular economy. When purchasing new GLT LED TUBES, €5 per returned tube is credited.

Key Benefits & Advantages

Conclusion

With the 1:1 conversion from fluorescent to GLT LED TUBESGLT LED TUBES in its refrigerated shelves, Axfood AB has implemented a cost-effective and sustainable lighting solution for its cold storage and display areas. The combination of energy efficiency, food safety, and enhanced product visibility makes this project a best-practice example for sustainable supermarket lighting.