IKEA to Stop Using Plastic Packaging by 2028

Gradual Plastic Use 'Zero' Initiative for New Product Lines by 2025 and Existing Product Lines by 2028

IKEA paper packaging. [Photo by IKEA Korea]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Jong-hwa] Global home furnishing company IKEA announced that it will stop using plastic packaging materials by 2028 as part of its efforts to become a positive company for people and the planet. The new product lines will complete the transition by 2025, and existing product lines by 2028 in a phased manner.

IKEA has continuously worked to reduce plastic use by expanding the use of packaging solutions utilizing wood fibers. Currently, plastic materials account for less than 10% of the packaging materials used by IKEA, and it plans to switch all product packaging materials to recyclable or renewable materials in the future.

With the goal of reducing plastic packaging use, IKEA will continue to develop resource-circulating solutions and materials while closely collaborating with product development teams and IKEA suppliers worldwide. In particular, it is focusing on solutions using paper, which is emerging as a key material in the packaging transition process due to its ease of recycling and renewal. For some IKEA food products where plastic packaging use is unavoidable for food safety and quality control, the company plans to switch to recyclable or renewable plastic materials.

Erik Olsen, Packaging Manager of IKEA’s Product Development and Production Headquarters, said, "Stopping the use of plastic packaging and developing sustainable packaging solutions are part of IKEA’s efforts to reduce plastic pollution and create a healthy planet," adding, "We hope that IKEA’s innovative move will lead to positive changes across the industry, and we will continue meaningful efforts for resource circulation and climate change response."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.