Recycling wood
Wood is an important renewable material, and when we use it responsibly and efficiently it supports our efforts to minimise the impacts of climate change.
We are exploring how to create circular products so they can be reused, refurbished, remanufactured and eventually – after all other possibilities have been explored – recycled.
At the same time as we are doing our best to increase the amount of recycled wood in our products to reduce the dependency on virgin wood. By 2030, at least one third of all wood used in IKEA products will be recycled.
Increasing our use of recycled wood
We continuously challenge ourselves to develop new ways of working with wood, to make sure we use the material as mindfully and efficiently as possible. This goes for virgin wood as well as recycled. As part of our commitment to becoming a circular business, we are working hard to increase the amount of recycled wood used in IKEA products. By 2030, at least one third of all wood used in IKEA products will be recycled.
Wood that was used in furniture, buildings or pallets can, and should, be used again.
In general, throwing away the material in wood-based products when they reach the end of their current purpose is a waste of resources. By reclaiming and using more recycled wood in our products we will help reduce unnecessary wood waste, keep storing carbon in the wood material for even longer and reduce pressure on the world’s forests.
At IKEA, we’re working together with different partners to raise awareness and support the need for more development of critical infrastructure to increase wood recycling. We also support research and development projects finding new ways to work with recycled material to make sure it is used as efficiently as possible.
Can forestry and wood use help mitigate climate change?
Responsible forest management and reforesting degraded land provide some of the most impactful actions to mitigate and build forests’ resilience to climate change. To support in this, we are evaluating and developing ways to remove and store carbon within our wood supply chains. This can be achieved by applying responsible forest management, designing long-lasting wood-based products and increasing our use of recycled wood.
Protecting biodiversity
Biodiversity is vital for the health of the planet. By developing and enforcing responsible sourcing practices through the IKEA business we can help protect biodiversity. We are committed to using our size and reach to enhance biodiversity globally, going beyond our own business.