An alternative method for producing efficient white light-emitting polymer diodes based on a blend of two polymers is reported. The white light emission is composed of a broad blue emission of laddertype (polyparaphenylene) (m-LPPP) and a red-orange emission of a new polymer, poly(perylene-co-diethynylbenzene) (PPDB). The red-orange electroluminescence emission is promoted by an excitation energy and charge transfer from m-LPPP to the PPDB. A concentration of 0.05% PPDB in the polymer blend is required in order to obtain white light emission. By inserting an insulating material in the blend, so that a maximum external quantum efficiency of 1.2% is obtained. (C) 1997 American Institute of Physics.