The Color Rendering Index (CRI) is a quantitative measure of the ability of a light source to faithfully render the colors of various objects compared to a natural or standard light source. Color representation, as defined by the International Commission on Illumination (CIE), is the effect of a light fixture on the color appearance of objects by consciously or subconsciously comparing it to their color appearance under a reference or standard illuminator. A standard illuminator is sunlight. It is expressed as a percentage of sunlight. Not to be confused with CCT – the CRI of the light source is not (does not indicate the color of the light source) measured in Kelvin; this information is given by the color temperature (we also call it the heat of light)(CCT). In the case of LED strips (lighting), manufacturers with CRI below 80%, more than 80% and more than 90% are recognized. Below 80% should not even be commented on, because it is obviously a lower quality product. All reputable LED manufacturers produce strips (lighting fixtures) in both variants: between 80-90% and over 90%. When which tape to use is a question of the purpose of the lighting. Strips with over 90% CRI are used to illuminate jewelry stores, meat shops… In general, in places where the goods need to be displayed as faithfully as possible. Strips with 80-90% CRI are used as standard and in most situations. It should also be noted that the energy efficiency of LED lighting at 90+ CRI is less energy-efficient. That’s a trade-off that manufacturers have to make. Higher CRI, lower energy efficiency, and vice versa. ESTA offers both 80+ and 90+ CRI variants in its production. In addition to the other parameters, take a look at this information. It is available in our product descriptions.