Color Rendering Index (CRI)

COLOR RENDERING AND THE COLORS OF LIFESunlight is the most natural light we have, and therefore daylight (100%) is accepted as the reference for any light source.There is a misconception that when the light color is selected in light sources, the desired effect will be achieved immediately. The result is not always as expected. The reason is that, in addition to light color, the effect of the Color Rendering Index (CRI) is ignored. Lighting preferences should be determined using these two parameters, which must be evaluated completely separately.CRI: Color Rendering Index expresses how colors appear under artificial light sources. The higher the CRI value of an artificial light source, the closer the colors under it appear to their natural colors in daylight.To illustrate the Color Rendering Index value with an example, we can examine the color change on the apples below.To give an industry-related example, we can consider hair salons, which are among the places most frequently visited by women. If you want to ensure that a customer who has her hair dyed sees the correct color in the mirror and does not encounter a surprise when she goes outside, light sources with a CRI value of 85 and above should be preferred.Similarly, in the fruit and vegetable sections of supermarkets, light sources with high CRI values (CRI>85) are preferred so that the products on sale look fresh and thus increase their appeal in the eyes of the customer. If the correct CRI values are not used for the meat displayed in butcher shops, the products will look dull and old even though they are fresh. Likewise, in jewelry stores, the correct lighting will bring out the color of gold more prominently and attract customers’ attention.We can, of course, multiply these examples. In every sector where accurate color representation is essential, it is recommended to take the CRI value into account when selecting the light source.If we are to talk about the importance of the color rendering index in lighting;

• The eye’s visual ability increases.
• Eye health is protected.
• With increased visual performance, the efficiency of the work performed rises, providing economic benefits.
• Visual comfort is ensured psychologically, and users feel happy in the environment they are in.
• Accidents caused by visual misperceptions or poor visibility are reduced.
• Aesthetic expectations and comfort are met.
• The sense of safety increases.

Experience life with all its colors through high color rendering values in lighting.