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Sustainability Report IKEA Switzerland

IKEA's vision is to create a better everyday life for many people. To this end, we work every day to make IKEA better - for people, the environment and our company. To this end, IKEA Switzerland sets targets, evaluates the performance that contributes to them and reports openly and transparently on its endeavours in four key areas: Better Homes, Better Lives, Better Planet and Better Company.

“
As IKEA, we understand that our role in society goes far beyond selling furniture. We have a responsibility and an opportunity to have a positive impact on the world around us. Sustainability is not a luxury, it is a necessity and should be affordable for all. It is not only a question of corporate responsibility, but also a question of entrepreneurial vision. We firmly believe that a sustainable business model is the only way forward.
”

Janie Bisset, CEO & Chief Sustainability Officer and Franziska Barmettler, Country Sustainability Manager, IKEA Switzerland

Better Homes

IKEA is constantly looking for solutions to help customers lead a more conscious lifestyle with products for their homes. Be it through the use of reusable materials in product development, offers such as the buyback service for used furnishings and spare parts or inspiration for sustainable living at home.

In the Better Homes section, IKEA Switzerland reports on the topics of consumption and consumer behaviour as well as product and consumer safety.

What IKEA Switzerland has already achieved

  • Bought-back products: In the 23 financial year, we bought back over 19,000 products from customers through our buyback service, an increase of almost 100% in the last 2 years.
  • Free spare parts: Thanks to the spare parts that IKEA provides to customers free of charge, the life of over 14,000 PAX wardrobes has been extended in the last 2 years.
  • Sustainably produced food that enables a healthy lifestyle: Meatless alternatives are always sold more favourably at IKEA than those of animal origin. For IKEA bistros, restaurants and Swedish shops, the proportion of plant-based foods is currently 34%.

What still needs to be worked on

  • Inspiring customers to make sustainable choices: IKEA will continue to work with products to help customers make more environmentally conscious choices, specifically in the areas of energy efficiency, recycling, water conservation and food waste. By expanding services in the area of circular economy, we want to support our customers in extending the lifespan of products.
  • Strengthening the "Second Chance Market" online shop: The awareness and reach of the "Second Chance Market" online shop with used furniture and furnishings is to be further increased

Better Lives

With around 3,500 co-workers at IKEA Switzerland, the company plays an important role as a responsible employer and as a company in society. In the Better Lives chapter, IKEA Switzerland reports on the topics of working conditions for co-workers, equal treatment and training and further education for employees.

What IKEA Switzerland has already achieved

  • Parental leave:At IKEA Switzerland there was an increase in 2023, so both mothers and fathers have 6 additional weeks of parental leave above the legal minimum
  • Inclusion of refugees: IKEA Switzerland has been running the "Skills for Employment" programme since 2016. As a result, 58 people with a refugee background were employed by IKEA Switzerland in the 2023 financial year. In total, 300 refugees have already completed an integration programme at IKEA Switzerland in recent years.

What still needs to be worked on

  • Inclusion of people with disabilities:Full accessibility for co-workers with disabilities in the workplace still needs to be improved in some IKEA stores and distribution centres. We are working hard to improve this aspect in the next financial year
  • Gender balance in management: We are constantly working to maintain our goal of a 50:50 gender balance at management level. Our Executive Board and Board of Directors have a 50:50 ratio, while the other management teams currently have a gender ratio of 44:56 female to male managers.

Better Planet

IKEA has set itself the global goal of drastically reducing its greenhouse gas emissions along the value chain. In absolute terms, these are to be reduced by at least 50% by the 2030 financial year compared to the base year 2016 and by at least 90% by 2050.

In the Better Planet chapter, IKEA Switzerland reports on the topics of climate protection, its CO2 roadmap, use of resources and circular economy, as well as waste and packaging.

What IKEA Switzerland has already achieved

  • Reduction of the climate footprint: IKEA Switzerland generated 756 tonnes of CO2e in the 2023 financial year. Compared to the reference year 2016, this is a CO2e reduction of 64% (scope 1 and scope 2) - despite sales growth and the development of new locations
  • Emission-free freight forwarding deliveries on the last mile: The company currently records a share of around 47% electric parcel deliveries throughout Switzerland, with the aim of achieving 100% by the end of 2025

What still needs to be worked on

  • Zero Plastic: IKEA has committed to phasing out plastic in packaging on a global level: starting with the new range by 2025 and the current range by 2028.
  • Renewable energy: With a current share of 96% energy from renewable sources, we have almost reached our target of 100%. With the replacement of the last heating systems based on fossil fuels in the next financial year, our target will be reached.
  • Recycled waste: We are working hard to increase the current percentage of 74% recycled waste with new innovations and partnerships.

Better Company

IKEA Switzerland as a company is part of the Swiss economy. Responsible business practices and corporate governance with integrity are key to ensuring that IKEA remains a successful and purpose-driven company.

In the Better Company chapter, IKEA Switzerland reports on the topics of transparency, financial profitability, taxes and responsible procurement.

What IKEA Switzerland has already achieved

  • Since the 2023 financial year, the Ingka Group has published an annual tax report containing the tax data of the individual countries
    • Introduction of mandatory annual training on the applicable Code of Conduct for all co-workers

What still needs to be worked on

  • Recruit a resource to audit suppliers in Switzerland to monitor and ensure compliance with IWAY standards

Global sustainability report

We at IKEA also pursue a global sustainability strategy. The Inter IKEA and INGKA sustainability report contains all the information on our international activities.