A new trade association has been established to serve the interests of companies that manufacture and sell flashlights, lanterns, headlamps and other portable lighting tools.

The Portable Lights American Trade Organization (PLATO) , as it will be known, is the first group of its kind to represent the common business interests of the portable lighting industry.

One of the primary functions of the new trade organization will be to help ensure the accurate and transparent use of industry standards, such as the recently enacted ANSI/NEMA FL‑1 standards that introduced definitions and testing methods for flashlight basic performance, as well as associated marking.

"We worked very hard to have a performance standard in the portable lighting industry. I think PLATO will provide the means to finally enforce the standard broadly and indiscriminately," according to Energizer's Peter Nario‑Redmond, who will lead the FL‑1 ANSI/NEMA Flashlight Standards Committee.

The association's charter also includes guarding against false advertising and similar unfair trade practices, providing educational forums for members, and representing the industry to stakeholder groups, including government agencies and the general public.

"PLATO's efforts to influence the evolution of the industry are designed to benefit all personal lighting companies," according to Kevin Parsons, PLATO president. "By becoming a member, companies can help move our industry forward. How exciting to be part of an organization that will help create awareness of the valuable products our member companies provide, which are relied on by public safety professionals, industrial users, sporting enthusiasts and consumers alike to perform a wide variety of tasks."

Charter members of PLATO include Energizer, Streamlight, Coleman, SureFire, ASP Dorcy, Coast, and GoLight.