IKEA Korea launches Korea's first ‘Circular Hub’ at IKEA Goyang

Corporate NewsRetailMarch 15, 2021Last edited: August 26, 2021

Enabling more sustainable choices as IKEA transforms into a circular business

[Seoul – March 15] Home furnishing retailer IKEA Korea unveiled Korea's first ‘Circular Hub’ at IKEA Goyang. As part of a global project introduced by the Ingka Group, Circular Hub is expected to be expanded to all IKEA stores in Korea by the end of 2021 following the initial pilot at Goyang.

The 'Circular Hub’ will completely transform the existing As-is area, which previously sold recovered and repackaged products that would otherwise go to waste, as well as second-hand furniture from in-store displays. This new space will serve as a place where customers can experience IKEA’s circular operations, enabling them to make more sustainable choices in their everyday lives by rethinking how we live within the limits of the planet. With ambitions to become a circular and climate positive business by 2030, Ingka Group aims to roll out Circular Hub at all 378 IKEA stores operating in 30 countries around the world, continuously exploring innovative ways to prolong the life of its products and contribute to circularity.

Circular Hub will open up the layout of the working area for IKEA co-workers, so that visitors can see and become inspired by the circular process taking place such as repacking, assembly, and sorting waste for recycling. In addition, the new ‘Learn & Share’ area will be a place for customers and the local community to interact with IKEA and learn about sustainability and circularity through workshops and peer-to-peer activities.

“With the launch of ‘Circular Hub’, we are excited to support the many people with new, more inspiring ways to easily take part in circular and climate positive practices in their everyday lives,” aid Fredrik Johansson, Country Retail Manager and Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) at IKEA Korea. "We at IKEA are more committed than ever before to become a people and planet positive business, maximising the value of our products and resources to the fullest."

To celebrate the launch of the Circular Hub, IKEA Goyang is holding an online quiz and hashtag events on social media until April 12. IKEA Goyang’s Circular Hub will also feature an exclusive display of one-of-a-kind refurbished IKEA products created by IKEA Korea co-workers. More information about the Circular Hub can be found at the Circular Hub page on the IKEA Korea official online store.