Published 18 January 2022 • Inter IKEA newsroom

The IKEA Sustainability Report FY21 and Climate Report is issued by Inter IKEA Group and covers the collective efforts from the contributors in the IKEA franchise system and value chain. In FY21, the total IKEA climate footprint decreased by 1.6 million tonnes of CO2 eq in absolute terms compared to baseline FY16, a reduction of 5.8%, while IKEA sales surpassed previous highs**. This is mainly due to a more energy-efficient IKEA range, more renewable energy in production, and an increased sales share of plant-based food. “With two-thirds of the time left to 2030, we are on track and have reached one-third of our emission reduction through many short- and medium-term movements. We also have plans in place to address our longer-term movements and remaining complex challenges, such as the climate footprint of the materials used in the IKEA range”, says Lena Pripp-Kovac, Chief Sustainability Officer, Inter IKEA Group. “Climate change, biodiversity loss, and increasing inequalities make us even more determined to speed up our work. And while climate action does present many great opportunities, we also need to secure a just transition with a specific focus on respecting human rights across the value chain.” Highlights from the financial year 2021 include:

• Increased use of renewable energy across the value chain – reaching 100% renewable electricity in 10 additional IKEA markets, including Russia, securing that all IKEA owned factories only consume renewable electricity globally – and accelerating the transition to renewable electricity with a new programme for 1,600 direct suppliers.
• A new forest positive agenda for 2030, with the aim to enhance biodiversity, support livelihoods and mitigate climate change. More than 99% of the wood used is now FSC certified or recycled wood.
• Increased sales share of plant-based food compared to meat-based options and the launch of SOLHETTA – our s ignificantly more energy-efficient and affordable LED bulb range.
• The launch of affordable solutions that enable people to purify the air at home (such as STARKVIND air purifier) and generate clean e nergy.
• The launch of an interactive online circular design tool based on learnings from th e assessment of 9,500 products in the IKEA range, published on IKEA.com.
• Reached 56% renewable and 17% recycled materials, in total, 73% of the material sourced for the IKEA range is renewable or recycled***.
• More circular ways to care for and pass on IKEA products, including refurbishment and buy-back activities and providing more than 18 million spare parts.
• Joining the Science-based Targets for Nature Corporate Engagement Program and preparing to map the biodiversity impact of the IKEA value chain in FY22.
• The next generation of IWAY in place, the IKEA way of responsibly procuring products, services, materials and components.
• Submitting an action pledge in support of the UN initi ative designating 2021 as the International Year for the Elimination of Child Labour.

“The IKEA vision to create a better everyday life for the many people is more relevant than ever, says Jon Abrahamsson Ring, CEO, Inter IKEA Group. “We continue the work to make our offer more sustainable and affordable. We are phasing out less sustainable products and materials and are introducing new options. One good example is replacing virgin polyester with recycled polyester, resulting in a reduced climate footprint from polyester use by 45% in FY21. Another example is the introduction of VÄRLDSKLOK, a new plant-based mince.”

The IKEA People & Planet Positive sustainability strategy outlines the ambitions and commitments, creating a common agenda towards 2030. More examples of progress against the sustainability strategy are to be found in the IKEA Sustainability Report FY21 and the first-ever IKEA Climate Report FY21. These reports show progress from across the entire IKEA value chain, including Inter IKEA Group, the 12 franchisees and the many suppliers. Each part of the IKEA business sets goals and road maps to deliver on the strategy and to allow for locally tailored and relevant activities.

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* FY21 is the period from 1 September 2020 to 31 August 2021.

** The effects of the pandemic make a comparison of the climate footprint to last year, not representative. As expected, the IKEA climate footprint increased compared to FY20 because sales recovered from the pandemic. The IKEA climate footprint in FY21 is estimated to be 26.2 million tonnes CO2 eq – a decrease of 5.8% in absolute terms compared to baseline (FY16), but an increase of 5.7% compared to the previous financial year (FY20).

The overall IKEA climate commitment is to by 2030, become climate positive by reducing more greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) than the IKEA value chain emits, while growing the IKEA business. This will be achieved without relying on carbon offsetting. The commitment includes a goal by 2030 to reduce the absolute GHG emissions from the IKEA value chain by at least 15% compared to FY16. The current reduction against this goal is at 5.8%. Accounting for the estimated growth over the same period, the goal is equivalent to cutting the average climate footprint per product by an estimated 70%. In addition, sub-goals are set for specific parts of the IKEA value chain. For more details, read the IKEA Climate Report FY21.

*** The scope of these figures has expanded and now includes packaging which makes them difficult to compare with FY20 (60% renewable, 10% recycled).