IKEA Steps Forward In Putting Sustainability At The Core Of Its Business
Ingka Group and IKEA India are taking the next step in transforming the business by integrating sustainability in the core of the IKEA retail business. As a part of that, the country Retail Managers will be overall accountable for implementing the IKEA sustainability strategy for people and the planet, in their respective countries.
Home solar has been offered in seven countries and will be offered in all by 2025, furniture leasing will be tested during the coming year. IKEA Retail China already offers zero-emissions home delivery in Shanghai with all countries working to achieve this by 2025.
IKEA will also be transforming into a circular business as it is moving towards recycled and renewable materials, designing all products from the very beginning to be repurposed, repaired, reused, resold and recycled, and providing the circular services supporting these flows. It also strives towards 100 per cent renewable energy throughout the entire IKEA value chain.
Through the integrated role, country Retail Managers will take greater leadership in moving towards the IKEA ambition to inspire and enable one billion people to live a better life within the limits of the planet by 2030. They will be using 100 per cent electric vehicles for delivery services by 2025 in India. Last year, the Better Air Project was initiated with the goal of converting rice husks that causes major pollution in Northern India into IKEA products.
“We want to grow the IKEA business in a sustainable way. We know that our future success lies in our ability to make a positive impact on people and the planet. By taking this step to integrate sustainability into every aspect of our retail operations, we can accelerate the transformation of the business to become even more affordable, convenient and sustainable for our customers”, says TolgaÖncü, Retail Operations Manager, IKEA Group.
“I am excited and inspired by formally taking on the role of Chief Sustainability Officer. I have a greater responsibility to ensure that sustainability is integrated into everything we do as a business. It’s especially relevant for India and we have many ambitious plans. We have always had an inspiring vision and values, and now we are moving further and faster in demonstrating the connection between business success, long-term growth and our commitment to people and planet. This gives me and all our co-workers great energy to create the new IKEA together”, says Peter Betzel, CEO, IKEA India.
