LIGHTS x SOPHIE

Artisan Eco-Conscious Lighting

Sustainability

At Lights x Sophie, sustainability isn’t an add-on — it’s at the core of every design decision. My goal is simple: to create beautiful lighting that enhances your home today without burdening the planet tomorrow.

My lighting designs are created using a combination of 3d printed decorative panels with stained glass style ‘gems’ taking inspiration from the timeless stained glass lamps and design principles of the Art Deco & Art Nouveau movements.

Next Generation Materials

Most 3D printing relies on PLA (PolyLactic Acid), a material often marketed as an eco-friendly “bio-plastic” because it’s made from corn starch.

But PLA is not biodegradable in a home environment – it only breaks down in industrial high-heat composting systems, most of which are not available to consumers. In normal conditions, PLA is likely to last as long as any other plastic.

Similarly many “bio-resins” are advertised as biodegradable as they are made from renewable resources, but only decompose in industrial conditions. Traditional stained glass is beautiful — but energy intensive to produce, breakable, heavy, and not recyclable in small craft formats.

Lights x Sophie products are created using the latest innovative eco-conscious materials which are:

  • 100% biodegradable in garden compost
  • Require no industrial processes
  • Leave no microplastics
  • Made from renewable, plant-derived components
  • Strong, durable, and heat-resistant for everyday use

Both the PHA filament (PolyHydroxyAlkanoates) used for the 3D printed components, and the plant-based resin used to create the glass-like gems are fully compostable, but only in the right conditions. They will remain stable and durable in your home and will not degrade until intentionally placed in a compost environment.

Minimal Waste

Each garland of lights or lampshade is made to order or in small batches to minimise waste. This way I don’t end up with old stock sitting on a shelf or wasting unnecessary power and resources.

All Lights x Sophie packaging is:

  • Plastic-free
  • Made from recycled materials
  • Recyclable
  • Purposefully minimal

This keeps the environmental footprint low from start to finish.

Honest Transparency

The underlying LED garlands I work with are energy-efficient, USB-powered, and designed to reduce waste through recharging rather than disposable batteries.
To be fully transparent:

  • Some components—such as LED housings, wiring insulation, connectors, and rechargeable battery casings—are made from plastic.
  • These parts are currently necessary for safe, reliable, long-lasting electrical function.
  • I only source high-quality garlands to minimise failure and help each piece stay in use for as long as possible when treated appropriately.

I test every set before sending it out, and I continually review suppliers, products and materials to find the most sustainable options available.

Responsible Disposal

Your light can be easily taken apart and disposed of with minimal impact on the environment when it eventually reaches the end of its life.

What goes where:

  • 3D-printed elements: home compost
  • Decorative “stained glass” pieces: home compost
  • LED components, wire & USB connectors: WEEE electrical recycling
  • Packaging: paper & card recycling