Incandescent bulbs have had their day

On 23 October 2008 the FMB, the French association of DIY retailers (11 store types) and the FCD trade association (including 12 food retailers), signed an agreement with Jean-Louis Borloo, the French minister of the environment, which provides for a gradual withdrawal from the sale of incandescent bulbs. The withdrawal is to begin on 30 June 2009 and is scheduled for completion by 31 December 2012. The DIY stores are expected to complete the phasing-out earlier, by 31 December 2011. In parallel to this the associations are going to campaign for increased sales of energy-saving bulbs, which are expected to make up half of their ranges by the end of 2008 and three-quarters by the end of 2009. This type of bulb accounts for no more than a 15 per cent share of sales today. Its market share is expected to increase to 25 per cent by the end of 2009 and 35 per cent by the end of 2010.