IKEA is a corporate sustainability leader
IKEA takes significant measures towards sustainability

IKEA MEATBALLS GO VEGETARIAN? It’s all part of IKEA’s People and Planet Positive Strategy

Last updated: April 8th, 2019

For international retail giant IKEA, the smallest details matter. IKEA is one of those iconic names known around the globe. With almost a cult-like following, the telltale blue and yellow stores call out to shoppers who, tiny Allen wrench in hand, are in search of the perfect furniture piece or accessory for their home, all at an affordable price. But IKEA is striving to not just be a leader in quirky-named home goods, but a global leader in sustainability and corporate responsibility.

IKEA is in the midst of their People and Planet Positive strategy initiative, and it’s touching every aspect of their business, from distribution and energy use to their supply chain to the food they serve in their restaurants. This comprehensive initiative, while not named so, began nearly 20 years ago as an effort to reduce or avoid their amount of waste. Shortly after, they incorporated those ideals into the fabric of their business. By today, sustainability is one of the four cornerstones of their overall business strategy, and it serves as a catalyst to drive innovation, drive corporate investments, identify new business opportunities, and strengthen their overall competitiveness, as seen in different facets of the business:

  • Improved access to sustainably and responsible raw materials
  • Securing a strong supplier base
  • Increased productivity at every point of the supply chain
  • Stronger relationships with co-workers and customers

Together these plans will play a significant role in the impact IKEA has on the future.

We hear a lot from different companies saying they’re taking steps to be more environmentally responsible and eco-conscious, but often that means small steps—often the easier steps like changing to more efficient lighting, recycling, reducing printing. That’s not to say those things are not important—they are. Every little bit is important and will make a difference. But IKEA is really stepping up their game and raising the stakes when it comes to starting an initiative.

So just what is IKEA doing? Here’s just a small list of what’s covered by their People and Planet Positive strategy:

  • Decreasing their overall energy footprint by investing in and focusing on efficiency and renewable energy. This includes using energy efficient lighting in all their stores, investing in 550,000 solar panels and eight wind farms around the globe.
  • Taking the lead in responsibility in their supply chain with supply chain auditors who make sure suppliers meet their stringent social and environmental requirements. Providing a code of conduct for all suppliers.
  • Help to reduce energy and water use in higher impact suppliers.
  • Responsibly source raw materials, including wood (through the Forest Stewardship Council) and cotton (Better Cotton Initiative) while promoting responsible forestry and materials sourcing.
  • Engage and educate the IKEA team of employees and customers to encourage living a more responsible, sustainable, healthier life.
  • Examining the products they sell to see what needs to be taken out, reduced or changed. For example, they have banned PVC from their products, eliminated lead in mirrors, reduced the amount of formaldehyde in the lacquers and glue they use, not include any optical brighteners in their textiles, selling energy efficient taps, dishwashers, faucets.
  • Converting waste to resources.
  • Training employees to drive innovation and change by setting a solid example.
  • Helping to “create a more sustainable life at home: for customers and employees.
  • Rethinking their food offerings by focusing on offering a more balanced, nutritious diet. That’s where the vegetarian meatballs come in, to encourage the viewpoint of meat as a “treat” to a diet rich in vegetables and seafood.
  • Committing to have all packaging and home furnishing materials be made from renewable or recyclable material. Reducing packaging waste that goes to the customer.
  • Reduce waste in store operations by 10 percent by 2020.
  • Strive for zero landfill waste.
  • Making a commitment to their employees to provide a diverse, inclusive workplace, making it a better place to work for everyone.

IKEA is redefining the future home by leading by example, “We are a values-driven business with a culture based on strong values; togetherness and enthusiasm; desire for renewal; cost-consciousness; accepting responsibility; humbleness and willpower; simplicity; leadership by example; daring to be different and striving to meet reality. Our culture and values shape the way we do business and create a powerful desire to do the right thing. We always do our best to maintain the highest ethical standards and to be a good partner in society.”

The above is just the tip of the iceberg that is IKEA’s People and Planet Positive sustainability strategy. They are committed to being leaders, setting examples, and helping every level of their business—from manufacturers to suppliers to distributors to employees to customers—to live a more responsible life. They are truly leading by example, which really just makes you want to grab your big yellow shopping tote, paper measuring tape and little pencil and bring home a new something or another that you can put together with your little Allen wrench and dozens of bolts and screws and brackets.

What are your thoughts on IKEA’s sustainability efforts? Share your comments!


Image: Human Hands Plating Perfect Tree via Shutterstock

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