Home furnishings retailer IKEA recently confirmed a new commitment to eliminate plastic from consumer packaging solutions, starting with all new products by 2025, and expanding to the existing product range by 2028.
With the phase-out, IKEA aims to reduce plastic waste and pollution and drive the industry agenda to develop packaging solutions centred around renewable and recycled materials. To combat plastic waste and pollution, the company stated that it has already decreased the amount of plastic used in its packaging solutions, with less than 10% of the total volume of packaging materials used annually consisting of plastics.
Erik Olsen, Packaging & Identification Manager, IKEA of Sweden, said, “Phasing out plastic in consumer packaging is the next big step on our journey to make packaging solutions more sustainable and support the overall commitment to reduce plastic pollution and develop packaging from renewable and recycled materials. The shift will happen progressively over the coming years, and mainly be focusing on paper as it is both recyclable, renewable, and widely recycled across the world.”
IKEA stated that the company spends over €1bn on approximately 920,000 tonnes of packaging material annually. Its new commitment will require new solutions and collaborations with product development teams and suppliers. Plastic packaging might remain in parts of the company’s food range where it is needed to secure quality and food safety standards beyond 2028, in which case it will come from renewable or recycled sources.
