As part of an ongoing commitment to sustainability, Ingka Group, the largest IKEA retailer, is taking influential steps to support the circular economy. Through its investment arm, Ingka Investments, the group aims to invest €1 billion in companies advancing recycling infrastructure. This initiative reflects the organization’s mission to address critical environmental challenges by increasing recycling capacity and reducing waste.
The urgency of this investment is underscored by the fact that the global economy consumes 75% more natural resources annually than the planet can renew, with less than 20% of waste currently recycled. Established in 2017, Ingka’s Circular Investments portfolio has already achieved impressive results, recycling 2.7 million tonnes of materials and avoiding over 9.4 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions.
Key examples of impact include:
RetourMatras, a leader in mattress recycling, converts discarded mattresses into materials like repoliol, a sustainable alternative used in IKEA products. Their facilities recycle up to 2.5 million mattresses annually across Europe.
Morssinkhof Rymoplast, a post-consumer plastic recycler, has doubled its recycling capacity to 515,000 tonnes annually, supplying recycled materials to brands worldwide.
Next Generation Group, which develops innovative technologies for recycling plastics and treating organic waste, creates economically and ecologically efficient solutions.
Peter van der Poel, Managing Director of Ingka Investments, emphasized the group’s commitment to fostering a circular economy, calling for stronger legislation to prioritize recycling and eco-design practices.
By supporting reuse, repair, and recycling, Ingka Group demonstrates its dedication to reducing reliance on pure materials and combating climate change.
For a comprehensive overview of their commitment, read the full article here.