Eliminating single-use plastics – and keeping plastic waste out of our oceans

Kicking it old school: strawless drinking.

In 2018, we started phasing out single-use plastic straws, plastic plates, plastic cups, freezer bags, bin bags, and plastic-coated paper plates and cups from our stores. Most of these items can easily be replaced with multiple-use products. Where there isn’t yet a suitable alternative, we will leave a gap until we find one.

“There are challenges,” explains Caroline Reid who is responsible for this initiative. “For example, we haven’t been able to replace the plastic-coated paper cups used in our restaurants and bistros. To take a step in the right direction, we’re going to start using plastic from renewable sources.” Removing single use plastics also calls for a change in consumer behaviour. “We all need to get into the habit of using multiple-use containers instead of single-use freezer bags, for example, and to drinking the old-fashioned way, without a straw,” says Caroline.

Collaboration on ocean-bound plastics

To help prevent used plastic products ending up in the oceans and waterways, IKEA of Sweden AB teamed up with the NextWave Initiative. Members of NextWave engage with leading technology and consumer-focused companies, scientists and Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to integrate ocean-bound plastic into consumer products. Joining this group gives us the opportunity to collaborate with other companies and develop a global network of ocean-bound plastic supply chains.

From rubbish to raw material

Our long-term ambition is to make ocean-bound plastic available as a raw material for use around the world. As a first step, we’re demonstrating the potential of ocean-bound plastic by developing a series of new product prototypes made out of PET bottles caught in fishing nets by Spanish fishermen.