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19 May 2020 Climate action: IKEA signs “Uniting business and governments to recover better”

In light of COVID-19, IKEA joins forces with 155 businesses by signing the UN-backed statement* “Uniting business and governments to recover better”. In the climate advocacy effort, businesses urge governments for a net-zero recovery from COVID-19 and ambitious climate actions. The letter puts focus on the close connection between the transition to a resilient, zero carbon economy and a positive recovery.The statement is part of the Science Based Targets initiative and its Business Ambition for 1.5°C campaign.”Even if the pandemic calls for urgent measures it is more important than ever to not lose sight of long-term commitments”, says Torbjörn Lööf, CEO of Inter IKEA Group. “Now is also the time to lay the groundwork for a positive recovery which is good for people, society and the planet. A more modern, inclusive and circular economy built on renewable energy is the way forward and collaboration is more important than ever.”The letter states, “we must move beyond business-as-usual and work together in solidarity to deliver the greatest impact for people, prosperity and the planet”. Key points include the need to base work on the best available climate science, push for investments which support the transformation to a green and socially inclusive economy and the scaling up this movement to reach critical mass.IKEA remains committed to becoming climate positive and circular by 2030, reducing more greenhouse gas emissions than the total IKEA value chain emits, while growing the IKEA business. To reach the climate goals the IKEA business will:Strive for 100% renewable energy in all IKEA operations and enabling our suppliers and customers to do the sameInnovate and use more sustainable materials and food ingredients, e.g. plant-based food, 100% recycled or renewable materials, and moreTransform into a circular business by developing circular products and services and promote longer and more efficient product and material useStore carbon in land, plants & products by investing and improving management practices and responsible sourcing standards for forestry and agricultureIKEA will continue to support initiatives which demonstrates leadership and pushes for bold action. The long-term economic recovery packages will set the strategic direction of the global economy for years to come. IKEA urges policymakers to specifically consider some areas, including:Higher ambition for 2030 reduction target, all countries need to step up their efforts to limit global temperature increase to 1.5°C, making it easy for companies to make their contribution.Supporting poor and vulnerable communities who are the hardest hit by climate change, with a focus on climate adaptation and resilience to alleviate poverty and ensure food securityThe importance of electrification and sustainable biofuels, with focus on electrifying current use of fuels and using scarce biofuels only where needed *The ‘Recover Better’ statement has been convened by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and its Business Ambition for 1.5°C campaign partners, the UN Global Compact and the We Mean Business coalition. The SBTi, which is a collaboration between CDP, the UN Global Compact, World Resources Institute and WWF, independently assesses and validates corporate climate targets against the latest climate science.

14 Apr 2020 IKEA Signs Call to Action on European Green Recovery

Inter IKEA Group joined an alliance of over 180 political decision-makers, business leaders, trade unions, NGOs and think tanks in calling for a renewed commitment by all stakeholders on long-term climate change initiatives while at the same time addressing the urgent COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented challenges to people and business around the globe. IKEA is striving to make fast and safe decisions to mitigate the impact on the business and the people depending on it. At the same time, IKEA remains absolutely committed to becoming climate positive and circular by 2030, reducing more greenhouse gas emissions than the total IKEA value chain emits while growing the IKEA business.“Even if the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus calls for urgent measures to mitigate the effects on people and business, we will not lose sight of our long-term goals. We will continue to be long-term in everything we do and remain committed to our ambitious sustainability goals for 2030. This is not an “either/or” situation, the challenging situation today makes us even more determined to accelerate our efforts to tackle climate change,” says Torbjörn Lööf, CEO of Inter IKEA Group.By signing this declaration, IKEA has demonstrated the commitment to continue to share knowledge and experience to help accelerate the transition toward a green economy in the wake of the coronavirus crisis. IKEA also aims to be a progressive industry leader in partnership with the EU throughout the Green Deal process.IKEA see the Green Deal as an opportunity for enabling action to help IKEA meet its own ambitious goals. While facing the impact of the coronavirus head-on, IKEA will continue to share knowledge, examples and experience with lawmakers and participate actively in the Green Deal discussion for new policy and regulatory initiatives.More information on the Launch of the European alliance for a Green Recovery

19 Mar 2020 IKEA to launch new AR capabilities for IKEA Place on new iPad Pro

Today IKEA announces Studio Mode – a new upcoming feature for IKEA Place that will harness the capabilities of Apple’s new iPad Pro to create a more personalised and realistic home furnishing experience. IKEA Place is already one of the most popular AR apps available today. Studio Mode takes it to the next level by interpreting users’ existing homes to render home furnishing solutions that complement their space and style. Studio Mode also uses detailed 3D depth information to digitally furnish walls, ceilings, seats, table tops and other previously hard-to-reach places for AR applications. The quality and fidelity of the 3D models are more realistic than before. Even dynamic lighting fixtures can be turned on or off to light up the virtual scene. “AR experiences thus far have been limited by they can understand and react to the environment within which they’re taking place. Studio Mode with the new iPad Pro presents powerful proof of the potential AR and AI have to deliver more meaningful, personal, and playful experiences at home with IKEA,” says Kaave Pour, Director at SPACE10, IKEA’s research and design lab. The ultimate goal is to inspire people by combining technology with knowledge of life at home. “We’re using inspiring new technology like ARKit to make IKEA home furnishing knowledge accessible for everyone,” says Gerry Rogers, Digital Transformation Leader at Inter IKEA Group. “To do so, we are looking into the newest technologies, not for the sake of technology, but to create a better everyday life for the many people.” The updated IKEA Place app featuring Studio Mode will be available later this year.

18 Mar 2020 Aline Santos joins Inter IKEA Holding B.V. Supervisory Board

Aline Santos, Executive Vice President Global Marketing and Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer at Unilever, will become a member of the Inter IKEA Group Holding B.V. Supervisory board from 1 June 2020. Aline has a great passion and experience for brand-building with purpose at the heart. She is globally responsible for marketing and brand communication, and she leads strategy and initiatives to drive gender balance and inclusion. With more than 30 years’ experience, Aline has built many well-known brands within the Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) segment. Having started as a marketing trainee, she has run Unilever global businesses since 2005. Unilever products are currently sold in 190 countries. Aline is Brazilian, and she brings valuable experience from Latin America, where she worked in the early years of her career. “I am happy Aline is joining the Inter IKEA Group Holding BV Supervisory Board,” says Chairman Anders Dahlvig. “With her professional experience, passion, strong leadership and authentic, warm and engaging style, I am confident Aline will greatly contribute to IKEA’s continued journey to create a better everyday life for the many people.” For more information contact: Media.Franchisor@Inter-IKEA.com +31-62-124-0618Read more about Inter IKEA Group on Inter.IKEA.com.