Metal - strong, stylish and recyclable

Metal is second only to wood in the amount we use across our range - and for good reason. It is durable and affordable. Below, we set out the specific metals we use, their properties, and the sourcing requirements we apply.

A close-up image of crumpled metallic sheets.

Top three in our metal charts

We use three main types of metal: Aluminium, Stainless Steel and Carbon Steel. Each of these metals has unique properties and will affect a product’s performance, durability and looks.

A FOTO pendant lamp hanging in a room with blue walls and a white wooden mantlepiece, upon which are branches in a vase.

Aluminium

Aluminium is known for its lightweight and durability. Aluminium can also be recycled repeatedly while retaining its fundamental properties. At IKEA, we use recycled aluminium in selected products. For example, the PAX sliding door frame, PAX mirror door frame and the base material of the TAGGHAJ frying pan are made of a minimum 70% recycled aluminium.

Some of the ways carbon steel makes life at home better

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A white ULLKAKTUS cushion in the living room

A dark grey KLÄMTARE box with lid, in/outdoor outside

A MINNEN white extendable bed frame that has butterfly patterned bed linen on it, placed on a striped rug with soft toy pigs.

A black ENRUM lantern for tealight, in/outdoor outside

An IKEA 365+ pot with lid standing on a HEAT pot stand on a grey kitchen bench next to a dark blue glazed bowl.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel has many great properties. It is corrosion-resistant; it resists rust, tarnishing, and staining. It is a strong metal that can withstand both very high and very low temperatures, making it ideal for cooking and eating products. It can be recycled repeatedly while retaining its essential properties.

A black FJÄLLBO shelving unit against a grey wall. On the shelves are two boxes, some books and a collection of ornaments.

Carbon Steel

Carbon steel is known for its high strength and durability. It can be recycled repeatedly and is very versatile. Its versatility allows us to select different types of steel to optimise product design for different uses.