Ikea is saving the planet, one piece of furniture at a time. Ikea has pledged to use sustainable materials in the creation of its products, use renewable energy in its production sites, and reduce its climate footprint by the year 2030. The furniture retail giant has a long way to go, but it can’t be denied that its contributions will create a positive impact on the climate shortly.
Ikea started its sustainable strategy since 2016, but it already made significant progress to save the planet. In 2018, Ikea revealed that 70% of the materials it used for its products were sustainable. The number is significant and shows that creating only sustainable products is possible. The retail giant is targeted to have 100% of all its products will be made of recyclable materials by 2030.
The Future of Sustainable Products
One of the significant problems consumer face today, which creates a negative impact on the climate, is the production of single-use plastic. Many products today are made from single-use plastic which is hazardous to the environment. These plastics end up in landfills or pollute the ocean.
Retailers should have the same goals as Ikea, to become “climate-positive.” While other retailers started with their climate-positive strategies, Ikea remains to be the best example of having a sustainable plan. Ikea has taken the initiative for many retail giants, and its sustainable strategy is just beginning. Considering how there are various projections on where the Earth’s climate will be in the future, retail giants should consider promoting a sustainable lifestyle and production.
Ikea started their strategy by utilizing recyclable materials in the creation of its products. Their plan aims to eliminate single-use plastic, which is one of the most significant contributors to negatively affecting the environment. In 2018, Ikea reports that 60% of the raw materials it used came from renewable sources like cotton and bamboo. 2018 is just the beginning for Ikea, and by 2030 Ikea envisions to be 100% sustainable.
The journey towards a “climate-positive” environment is just starting, and to fully achieve this goal, Ikea encourages other retailers to follow its steps. It is also vital for Ikea to generate a need to create a large supply chain of recycled materials like fabrics, plastics, and woods.
Renewable Energy in Daily Productions
One of the simplest and easiest ways to shift into a “climate-positive” environment, is by utilizing solar energy in stores and factories. Since the 2000s, solar power has slowly made its way to people’s homes and offices, and it’s a great source to cut down on energy costs. This is most especially true for consumers who have high energy consumption. Using solar energy eliminates or reduces the need to use diesel or coal in powering most plants, creating a significant impact on our climate.
Today, Ikea is also using renewable energy across its manufacturing sights. Not only does it trim their energy expenses but contributes to the creation of a positive impact on the planet. They’ve started installing solar panels and solutions in their production’s units, significantly reducing their energy consumption.
Lena Pripp-Kovac, Head of the Inter Ikea Sustainability says, “We always think long term, innovating to ensure that our actions to meet people’s needs today do not compromise the ability of future generations to meet their needs.” She further adds “This requires us to rethink and inspire changes in lifestyles and consumption and to transform our way of working – from linear to circular, from consuming to regenerating resources.”
Ikea’s shift towards renewable energy is a pledge of their dedication and contribution in saving the planet.
Conquering Climate Challenges
The fight towards a “climate-positive” environment just began, and Ikea has a long way to go. Its challenges are just about to start, and they must get everyone on board. One of the most significant problems faced today is caused by climate footprint, which Ikea is addressing. By 2030, the retail giant aims to reduce its climate footprint by 80%, coming from its store operations across the world.
Ikea’s sustainable report provides “Decoupling our growth from greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions will take time, and we expect our emissions to increase for a few years before decreasing… Becoming climate positive will be a huge challenge for Ikea. We will only achieve it by joining together with others and listening to feedback from our stakeholders on how to improve.” The journey to reducing carbon footprint requires the help of other industries, and this is one of the challenges Ikea faces.
Ikea’s “Live Lagom” campaign is an excellent example of creating a lifestyle without wasting any resources or energy. The campaign is set to be a great benchmark of what other industries should do, and how it can impact the world. The campaign includes and encourages the use of innovative products to help create a sustainable home and environment.
By 2030, Ikea is set to be a giant on sustainable products and “climate-positive” retailer. This is what corporations should strive to be in the coming years. If only corporations would come together towards a “climate-positive” action, our climate could significantly improve.