IKEA to become ‘water positive’ by 2020

IKEA Group has revealed its new sustainability strategy which includes measures to balance its water footprint and contribute to the increased availability of clean water in the communities where it operates.


To reduce consumption of its product range, IKEA says it will offer “solutions and knowledge to stimulate customers” to save, reuse and recycle water.

Prior to the release of its new strategy, the company outlined, back in February, a water strategy for its home furnishing supply chain in a bid to reduce water use and improve wastewater quality.

By 2020, the company will also aim to produce as much renewable energy as the company consumes in its operations by investing in renewable energy sources, energy efficiency, store expansion and refurbishment, low carbon transportation and range development.

A significant focus of the strategy, called People & Planet Positive, is on consumer and staff engagement, which looks to “involve and engage through impactful, relevant and unique communication”.

IKEA says, by 2015, at least 95% of its co-workers, 95% of its suppliers and 70% of consumers will view IKEA as a “good citizen in society and a company that takes social and environmental responsibility”.

“We believe that sustainability should not be a luxury good – it should be affordable for everyone. With over 770m visitors to IKEA stores, we are excited by the opportunity to help customers fulfil their dreams at home with beautiful products that help them save money on their household bills by reducing energy and water use, as well as reducing waste.

“People & Planet Positive will also enable us to take our responsibilities in the supply chain further over the coming years by, for example, only using renewable energy to power our buildings and advocating for children’s rights,” said IKEA’s chief sustainability officer, Steve Howard.

Leigh Stringer

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