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Our journey around recycled polyester

You have probably come across recycled polyester a few times before as polyester is the most commonly used synthetic fibre in the world. But what is it? How is it produced? Here you will learn more about recycled polyester and what we are doing.

A child is standing at home squeezing tightly a yellow BLÅVINGAD octopus soft toy.

Meet recycled polyester

Just like virgin polyester, recycled polyester is a strong, flexible and durable material made from synthetic fibres. Since polyester doesn’t absorb moisture, naturally resists stains and is a great insulator, polyester is very popular within clothing, home furnishings, soft toys, industrial fabrics and more.

 

BLÅVINGAD soft toys: blue whale, octopus, turtle and penguin with fabric in 100% polyester and filling in 100% polyester – hollow fibre (100% recycled).

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On a cabinet are ocean-inspired BLÅVINGAD soft toys that are made from a mix of recycled PET and ocean-bound plastic.
A child hugs BLÅHAJ soft toy sharks and BLÅVINGAD soft toy turtles with 100% polyester filling hollow fibre (100% recycled).

Recycled polyester is a step forward, but it’s not taking us all the way

The recycled polyester used in IKEA products comes from recyclers who comply with the Global Recycled Standard (GRS), which sets requirements for recycled material traceability, as well as social and environmental practices related to processing and chemical use.

 

Compared with virgin polyester, using recycled polyester makes use of what already exists, but there are still challenges requiring commitment, innovation and working together in the industry. For example, washing polyester releases microplastics (or microfibres). This is an important industry challenge and at IKEA, we are working closely with our suppliers to minimise the impact of microplastics in the production.

 

TOFTLUND rug with user surface in 100% polyester (minimum 80% recycled) and backing in 100% polyester (100% recycled).

 

BACKMÅRA bath mat with pile in 100% polyester (minimum 90% recycled) and backing in 50% natural/50% synthetic latex.

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A white TOFTLUND rug lies on the floor underneath two open drawers of a HEMNES day-bed with 3 drawers/2 mattresses.
A close up of the faux sheepskin texture of a white TOFTLUND rug that is made from recycled polyester.
A close-up of a person seated on the edge of a bed. They are wearing grey socks and their feet are on a white TOFTLUND rug.
A white ENHET/TVÄLLEN wash-stand with drawers is on a subway-tiled wall in a traditional-styled half bath under a staircase.
A close-up of a woven, piped edge corner of a beige BACKMÅRA bath mat with thick pile made of 100% polyester (90% recycled).

Exploring new raw material opportunities

Besides alternative raw materials such as corn, sugar canes and woody biomass to make polyester from, another opportunity sits with recycling existing textiles into new textiles and fibres. As an example, we have started to use pre-consumer polyester fabric waste for the HOLMVI throw as well as other products in markets where this is allowed in parallel with exploring the opportunities for making use of post-consumer polyester fabrics.

 

HOLMVI throw in 100% polyester (minimum 90% recycled). 

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In an outdoor café setting, a HOLMVI throw in beige-yellow is draped over the back of a chair. Coffee cups are on the table.
A close-up of a HOLMVI throw in beige-yellow draped over a white bedspread on a bed in a bright room.

Exploring different opportunities to make use of waste materials

Over the years, IKEA has also explored different opportunities for making use of post-consumer waste. In 2021, we had a pilot with the FORTSKRIDA collection in Italy with cushion covers, curtains and tablecloths made from plastic bottles and jeans.

 

In 2024, we had a pilot collection VÄXELBRUK for selected European markets with bags, throws, cushion covers and curtains partially made from recycled IKEA co-worker uniforms collected from IKEA stores and distribution centres across Europe.

 

Besides delivering affordable products, a key purpose for these and future pilots is to learn more about how to navigate a complex and changing landscape in different markets. From how to move the recyclable materials and working with the right carriers with special licenses, to what is needed to develop and produce products delivering to IKEA requirements and Democratic Design dimensions as well as local legislation.