Setting sourcing standards through IWAY
We know that everything we do comes with an impact on people, society and the environment across our value chain, and we want to be a force for good through setting clear standards on how we source materials and products. That’s why we have IWAY, the IKEA code of conduct for suppliers.
What is IWAY?
IWAY, the IKEA supplier code of conduct, is the IKEA way of procuring products, services, materials and components. It sets clear requirements, expectations and ways of working for environmental, social and working conditions, as well as animal welfare, and is mandatory for all suppliers and service providers that work with IKEA.
We first introduced IWAY in 2000. For over 25 years, we step by step built the IWAY system that we can rely on to support, challenge, and actively work together with our suppliers and service providers.
A look at IWAY requirements
IWAY is structured around 10 principles which reflect the IKEA standpoints on different environmental and social topics. Each of the 10 IWAY Principles is, in turn, supported by IWAY requirements. If you want to learn more about the IWAY requirements, please read the IWAY Standard and respective IWAY Sections.
IWAY principles are based on internationally recognised standards and principles, such as the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs), the 10 Principles of the UN Global Compact, the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the ILO Centenary Declaration for the Future of Work, among others.
At the heart of IWAY is an approach to continuously develop the framework together with suppliers. We define minimum mandatory requirements but encourage our suppliers to develop above and beyond them. For this, we have a staircase model for the IWAY requirements and expectations that promote suppliers to focus on continual improvement and development around IWAY topics.
Always improving – the IKEA way
We have been working with IWAY since 2000 and are continuously revising it to make sure that it stays relevant, reflects global changes and challenges and it contributes to our strategy.
Currently, we are working with IWAY 6, which was introduced to suppliers in September 2020. This latest version of IWAY is a total system upgrade, that introduced improved ways of working as well as new topics, such as biodiversity and conservation of natural resources, animal welfare and an increased focus on the competence development of workers.
One of the important changes in IWAY 6 is shifting the focus from only conducting audits at our suppliers to also focusing on providing more support to them to achieve the best possible results now and in the future. It’s about both ensuring compliance as well as supporting a continuous development beyond compliance.
We are taking IWAY further down the IKEA value chain, to the sub-suppliers of our direct suppliers and all the way to the source of raw materials. We are at the beginning of this journey and are working together with our suppliers, IKEA teams and other external stakeholders.
IWAY contributes to building a strong foundation for sourcing with a clear standard in the IKEA value chain. We will continue working and developing the IWAY system in a collaborative approach with our business partners.