Old-school glass neon signs got a bad rap — high voltage, fragile tubes, and gas-filled tech that felt more ‘hazard’ than home décor. But modern LED signs have flipped the script.
At Smithers, we’re proud to say our LED neon signs are energy-efficient, low waste, and a far cleaner choice for stylish neon lighting with minimal environmental impact.
How Traditional Neon Affects the Environment
Glass neon signs are made by hand-bending glass tubes and filling them with inert gases like neon or argon. That sounds cool — but there’s a downside:
- High energy use – transformers push 15,000 volts to excite gas
- Short lifespan – tubes break easily, especially in transport
- Difficult recycling – contains lead glass, mercury (in some argon signs), and complex wiring
- Hard to repair – often replaced rather than fixed
It’s beautiful but wasteful — and far from ideal for modern eco-conscious spaces.
Why LED Neon Signs Are the Greener Option
Here’s how our LED neon signs stack up when it comes to sustainability:
| Feature | Traditional Glass Neon | LED Neon (Smithers) |
|---|---|---|
| Power Use | High (up to 15,000V) | Low (12V USB or plug-in) |
| Lifespan | 8,000 – 15,000 hrs | 20,000 – 50,000 hrs |
| Materials | Glass, gas, lead, metal | Acrylic, silicone, LED |
| Recycling | Complex | Simple (plastic & LED) |
| Heat Output | Hot | Cool to the touch |
Smithers signs are made using flexible LED tubing, acrylic backing, and low-voltage tech — meaning they:
- Use up to 80% less power than traditional neon
- Stay cool (no excess heat = no extra cooling needed)
- Last longer, reducing waste
- Are built from materials that can be broken down and recycled
What About the Power Supply?
Our signs are powered by USB or standard plug-in adapters — no big transformers, no high-voltage risks. This reduces power usage and means you can safely run your sign for hours without hammering your electricity bill.
Eco Packaging and Responsible Design
We don’t just stop at the product.
Smithers packaging includes:
- Cardboard-based shipping boxes
- Minimal single-use plastic
- Protective wrap designed for re-use when storing your sign
We’re also investing in greener courier options for local delivery wherever possible.
🔌 Want Low-Energy Lighting That Still Shouts?
Our LED Neon Signs give you all the glow with none of the guilt.
Designed in Shoreditch, shipped worldwide, and built to last — no gas, no glass, no drama.
Shopping for someone bold? Start with the Glow Guide.
🔗 Want More?
- Discover Custom Neon Signs Ready to Hang
- How to Design Your Own Neon Sign
- Get inspired by our Neon Signs for Home Decor gallery
- DIY Make your own Neon Sign
- How to Clean your Neon Sign Safely
- Are Neon Signs Bad for you?
- What Hot Neon Signs 2025 TOP NEON Trends
- Neon Revival is Booming Why Neons Back In Style Across The Uk
✅ Summary: Are Neon Signs Bad for the Planet?
Old glass neon – kind of, yeah.
Smithers LED neon sign – not at all.
It’s lighting with attitude, not an environmental hangover.
Need to purchase a neon light sign from us? take a look at the full range.
💬 Eco-Friendly Neon Sign FAQs
• Are traditional neon signs bad for the environment?
Yes. Classic gas-filled neon signs use high-voltage transformers, fragile glass, and sometimes mercury or lead-based components. They’re hard to recycle and often get binned when broken.
• What makes LED neon signs more eco-friendly?
LED neon signs use low-voltage power, last up to 50,000 hours, and are made with recyclable materials like acrylic and silicone. They run cooler, consume less energy, and create less waste.
• Do LED neon signs use less electricity than traditional neon?
Massively. LED neon runs on 12V (USB or plug-in), while old-school neon can hit 15,000V. That’s up to 80% less energy use—especially if the sign is running daily.
• Are Smithers LED neon signs recyclable?
Yes. While not curbside recycling, the acrylic backboards and silicone tubing can be dismantled and processed by specialist recyclers. No gas, no mercury, no landfill drama.
• Do LED neon signs give off heat?
Nope. They stay cool to the touch, which means no extra energy waste, no overheating, and no fire risk. You can even use them safely near fabrics or walls.
• Is the power supply safe and energy-efficient?
Absolutely. Smithers LED signs use USB or low-voltage plug-in power adapters. No bulky transformers. No high-voltage risks. Just consistent, low-impact glow.
• How long do LED neon signs last before needing replacement?
20,000 to 50,000 hours—depending on usage and placement. That’s years of shine, with zero maintenance. Longer life = less landfill.
• Does Smithers use eco-friendly packaging?
Yes. Our signs ship in cardboard-based boxes with minimal plastic. We also use reusable protective wrap and are exploring greener courier options in the UK.
• Are LED neon signs safe for indoor air quality?
100%. There are no toxic gases or emissions. No mercury, no off-gassing, and no weird chemical smells. They’re clean, quiet, and safe for every room in the house.
• Can I run a LED neon sign all day without killing my energy bill?
You can. Many customers use their Smithers neon signs daily—whether in shops, lounges, or studios—without a spike in energy costs. It’s style that doesn’t sting.