Colour matters. In architectural lighting, colour rendering quality defines how natural, attractive, and convincing an illuminated object looks. That is why Light4U is moving entirely to luminaires with a minimum. CRI>90, leaving CRI80 behind. In this article, we explain what CRI is, why CRI80 was used for many years, and why modern high-efficiency LED COB (Chip-on-Board) technology makes CRI90 the clear standard.
What is CRI?
CRI stands for Colour Rendering Index. It measures how accurately a light source shows the true colours of objects compared to natural light. The scale runs from 0 to 100. The higher the number, the better the colour rendering. CRI80 was long considered sufficient for general applications. In retail, hospitality, and office lighting, a CRI of 90 or higher helps colours appear more vibrant and realistic, while improving visual comfort.
Why CRI80 used to dominate
For many years, CRI80 LED COBs were the most common choice. The main reason was efficiency. With the same power, CRI80 typically produced more lumens than CRI90. This higher output made it easier to design energy-efficient systems, especially in large projects. The trade-off was a modest reduction in colour fidelity. Where efficiency targets were strict, CRI80 became the default.
What has changed in LED COB technology
LED COB development is moving fast. In recent years, efficiency gains have closed the gap between CRI80 and CRI90. Modern high-efficiency LED COBs deliver excellent luminous flux at a CRI of 90 while maintaining high system efficacy. Improved phosphor mixes, refined chip architectures, tighter binning, and better thermal paths all contribute. The long-standing argument that CRI80 is necessary for efficacy is no longer valid. With today’s COBs, CRI90 provides both quality and performance.
Optics and drivers complete the picture
Efficacy does not depend solely on the COB. Well-engineered reflectors and lenses reduce losses and manage glare. Stable drivers maintain current levels to protect colour stability and extend lifetime. In Light4U luminaires, these elements work in conjunction with high-efficiency COBs to achieve strong lumen packages at CRI 90 without compromising comfort.
A Light4U example: Edda M HE
Our track spot Edda M HE shows this progress clearly. In CRI90, the system achieves up to 150 lm/W while maintaining precise and comfortable beam quality. Designers can use fewer fixtures or lower power settings to meet targets and still deliver faithful colour rendering. This combination of output, control, and colour accuracy is now standard across our HE (High Efficiency) approach.
The Light4U decision
With these advances, Light4U has decided to phase out CRI80 completely. Only the final pieces remain available from stock. After that, our entire portfolio will consist solely of min. CRI>90 luminaires. This ensures every Light4U product delivers both efficiency and outstanding colour rendering.
Enjoy a colourful life with Light4U luminaires.
