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We're working to use only recycled or renewable based plastic in IKEA products

We have phased out all single-use plastic from the home furnishing range and are gradually eliminating plastic from our product packaging. Our goal is to only use plastic from renewable or recycled sources, which reduces waste and gives the product several lives through use and reuse. We know that plastic materials pollute ecosystems if not disposed of responsibly. At the same time, we aim to reduce plastic waste and pollution and drive the industry to develop production solutions focused on renewable and recycled materials. That’s why we continuously invest in initiatives to reduce single-use plastics, minimize plastic in our packaging, and incorporate recycled plastic into our products.

A green tile wall with three green KNOPARE hooks resembling a toy boat, one of which is holding a white macrame bag.

Recycled so you can recycle

We’ve started a journey to not only produce plastic products from industrial waste but also from household waste. The first of these products is HÅLLBAR waste bin which is used to separate waste and take care of recycling in people’s homes.

An open kitchen drawer revealing a light grey HÅLLBAR waste sorting solution with four bins, PET bottles and organic waste.
A wooden kitchen worktop, a towel, stainless steel drawer fronts and a person scraping organic waste into a HÅLLBAR bin.

Reuse our ISTAD resealable bags

ISTAD, our reusable, all-purpose resealable bag is now based on renewable materials from the sugar cane industry. Being durable and resealable, ISTAD can be used over and over again, making it really simple to reduce plastic bag waste.

A white kitchen worktop, three ISTAD resealable bags and a person wearing a denim shirt putting rusks into one of the bags.
“We are curious and committed to exploring, innovating and developing together with all our partners across whole value chain and with you as customers.”
Minh NguyenMaterial and Innovation Manager
Organised makeup products in a smoked GODMORGON mini chest with 2 drawers next to a flower vase on a dressing table.

Technology that reduces costs and improves sustainability

New co-injection technology allows us to use two different materials in the same product. This means each one can be chosen for the job it has to do. Just like in NYPON plant pot, which consists of a less expensive structural core and a better looking and feeling outer layer or “skin”.

A grey NYPON plant pot with an asparagus fern plant standing on a turqoise side table in front of a turqoise curtain.

More products created with recycled plastic

Our journey to only using plastic based on renewable or recycled materials is well underway. A lot of our big plastic product families are already made using a high share of recycled plastic.

A GODMORGON box with compartments storing a gold lame purse, some scissors and a selection of make-up and grooming items.
Three green, wall-mounted KNOPARE hooks two of which are holding bags while the third is holding a jacket.
A lush, green indoor plant that was just planted in a grey NYPON plant pot, surrounded by soil and several terracotta pots.
A bathroom with white and black floor tiles and a white VESKEN shelf unit with body puffs and towels in pastel colours.
A modern hallway with light walls, dark floors and two sets of TRONES shoe cabinets mounted between a mirror and a shoe rack.
“We need to rethink the way we design, produce and how we can reuse plastic material for products in IKEA.”
Erik LjungbladPlastic Category Manager
A ready assembled, bright yellow JANINGE chair standing on a light wooden floor in front of a white wall.

Back in black

Twenty-five discarded, recycled PET-bottles are used to create the matte black surfaces on each KUNGSBACKA front. This material was invented together with a supplier.

Learn more about our suppliers
A modern kitchen with black KUNGSBACKA fronts and utensils on one side of the sink and a large plant on the other.
Learn more about our suppliers

How we are gradually phasing out plastic from consumer packaging

Our SMÅSPORRE range of quilts/duvets and pillows is just one example where we have implemented a paper-based solution. Traditionally packaged in plastic, it now comes in paper wrapping after extensive testing. The new solution reduces our reliance on plastic and uses paper from a Scandinavian mill powered by renewable energy. We also introduced paper-based bags for furniture fittings during 2023, cutting our plastic consumption by an estimated 1,400 tonnes per year. ​

A SMÅSPORRE duvet, warm

Phasing out single-use plastic

Single-use plastic items pollute ecosystems if not disposed of responsibly. As part of our commitment to people and the planet, we phased out all single-use plastic products from the global home furnishing range in January 2020. This includes items such as plates, cups and plastic straws. Single-use plastic articles offered in our restaurants, bistros, and cafes will be replaced by more sustainable disposables. Plastic items pollute ecosystems if not disposed of responsibly. By disposing properly of plastic material you will contribute to prevent pollution of nature such as soils, beaches and oceans, as well as reduce negative impact in sewage systems.

Plastic
A white KUGGIS box containing a selection of coloured pens, some pink tape and several balls of brightly coloured yarn.

PET is the most recycled plastic and can be used for many different purposes.

Together, we can do more

Our journey towards only using recycled or renewable based plastic will take some time and require new ways of doing things, but we are determined to take responsibility and find new solutions. We want to give our customers the possibility to choose products made from more sustainable materials that can be recycled again one day. Together, we can make a big difference!