Eco-friendly idea: the IKEA way

IKEA, a furniture company has inspired the industry through its sustainable practices in production. Through their sustainable strategy, they have provided directions for sustainable living by 2030.

In their ever-changing production methods, IKEA plans to be on top of the sustainable businesses. Along with changing marketing methods to selling only LED lights, they have invested 1.7 billion euros in renewable energy. This staggering amount has been used to install around 750,000 solar panels on IKEA buildings. To benefit communities, they have committed to setting up 416 wind turbines.

Furthermore, as the Swedish-based company is the largest user of wood in the retail sector, their goal is to use this wisely and import only from sustainable sources such as recycled wood and FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) plantations. To develop their sustainable practices, they have partnered with the WWF and environmental-conscious suppliers to grow Acacia ethically in Vietnam. Now, 99.5% of the wood used is FSC qualified.

As cotton plays a major role in production of furniture, IKEA has set up the Better Cotton Initiative with the WWF, where cotton is grown in a healthy environment and better for the people who produce it. The two businesses have trained farmers in agricultural countries including Pakistan and India to change farming methods to cultivate them in an environmentally-benefitting way. As a result of these ethical practices, farmers have been able to afford better quality life with more profits and an improvement in their working conditions.

In conclusion IKEA has been able to make kitchen fronts using recycled materials and water-efficient taps. Following the quote from the founder “Mo method is more effective than a good example” their effective utilisation of renewable energy and re-usable plastics (over 90% by 2020), IKEA has encourage many businesses in the industry to significantly change their production. This shows that it is never too late to make an impact.

Article Written by Abhiram Samrajyam

Article Published by Sathvika Icharapu