The main theme of IKEA 2021 catalogue is providing budget-friendly ideas to live more sustainably.
In fact, IKEA has a very ambitious sustainability goal: becoming a fully circular business by 2030. (opened in a new window/tab)
Transitioning to a circular model requires action on several aspects, from a more mindful use (and reuse) of materials to the creation of repairing and reselling options for used products.
IKEA is working on all sides. For example, it is phasing out all single-use plastic and is committed to using only renewable and recycled materials by 2030.
The new catalogue shows some interesting progress on the material side, with several items made using recycled materials instead of virgin ones and further exploration of alternative natural materials.
So let’s take a look at IKEA’s latest sustainable news from the recently released 2021 catalogue plus some off-catalogue anticipations!
Sustainable bedroom solutions
Sleep has been the central theme of IKEA 2020 catalogue and it’s being further analysed in this year’s issue.
From pillows to bed frames, many new bedroom products use recycled and natural materials.
Meanwhile, IKEA is also working on more sustainable operations.
For instance, the process for making lyocell is moving towards a closed loop, with “most of the added substances being recycled or reused”. (opened in a new window/tab)
Cotton is either recycled or grown using less water, fertilisers and pesticides, while ensuring that farmers get increasing profit margins from their crops.
For what concerns wood, IKEA has announced that – by the end of 2020 – all wood will be either FSC-certified or recycled. Which is a huge result given IKEA’s volumes!
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Pillow – RUMSMALVA (opened in a new window/tab)
Cover: 65% recycled polyester + 35% cotton
Lining: polyester wadding, 100% polypropylene
Filling: leftovers of polyurethane foam (better known as memory foam) coming from the production of mattresses and pillows
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Pillow – VILDKORN (opened in a new window/tab)
Cover: 65% recycled polyester + 35% cotton
Filling: 100% recycled polyester
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Duvet - STJÄRNBRÄCKA (opened in a new window/tab)
Cover: 55% lyocell + 45% cotton
Filling: 50% recycled polyester (hollow fibre) + 50% lyocell
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Duvet – FJÄLLARNIKA (opened in a new window/tab)
Cover: 100% cotton
Filling: 90% duck feathers + 10% duck down
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Duvet – SMÅSPORRE (opened in a new window/tab)
Fabric: 35% cotton + 65% recycled polyester
Filling: 100% recycled polyester (hollow fibre)
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Bedspread – KÖLAX (opened in a new window/tab)
100 % recycled polyester
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Bed frame – NEIDEN (opened in a new window/tab)
Untreated solid pine wood
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Mattress – VATNESTRÖM (opened in a new window/tab)
Side cover: 53% linen + 47% viscose/rayon
Bottom cover: 100% cotton
Filling: polylactide (PLA) fibre wadding
Filling material: latex foam
Inner side filling: wool wadding
Sheet: 100% cotton
Handles: 53% linen + 47% viscose/rayon, 100% cotton
Pocket spring unit: steel
Protection pad: coir and natural latex
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Bed frame – TARVA (opened in a new window/tab)
Frame: untreated solid pine wood
Mid-beam: galvanized steel
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Children’s blanket – RÖRANDE (opened in a new window/tab)
100% cotton
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Children’s clothes hanger – VÄNSKAPLIG (opened in a new window/tab)
100% recycled cardboard, paper
Sustainable accessories & textiles
From decorative cushions to rugs, recycled and natural materials are becoming more common throughout IKEA products, proving that sustainable interiors can be just as beautiful!
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Cushion cover – HEDDAMARIA (opened in a new window/tab)
80% cotton + 20% hemp – undyed and unbleached
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Cushion – SKÄRVFRÖ
Cover: 100% cotton
Filling: 100% recycled polyester (hollow fibre)
Update: unfortunately this item is no longer available
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Rug – MELHOLT (opened in a new window/tab)
Weft: 97% jute + 3% wool
Warp: 100% jute
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Rug – TIPHEDE (opened in a new window/tab)
100% recycled cotton
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Rug – LOHALS (opened in a new window/tab)
100% jute
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Curtains – GUNRID (opened in a new window/tab)
100% recycled polyester.
This curtains promise to clean indoor air. Their fabric is treated with a mineral-based coating that – reacting to sunlight – is able to break down harmful VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) such as acetaldehyde.
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Knob VINNÄSET (opened in a new window/tab)
Solid beech wood
More sustainable anticipations
Looking beyond the new catalogue, IKEA is working on many more sustainable initiatives. Let’s discover a few of them!
Making palm waste useful
With LUSTIGKURRE (opened in a new window/tab), IKEA wants to make use of palm harvesting leftovers.
Nipa palm is traditionally used as roofing material in Vietnam. But only the leaves get used, leaving the stems as waste. Which – in circular design terms – is a huge opportunity!
Indeed, IKEA has experimented with nipa palm stems finding a way to use them. The thick stems are sliced and left to dry for a few days. The result is a fibre that's ready for both hand and machine weaving.
Turns out that removing the stem is beneficial for the plant as well, helping it to grow back faster!
To start with, LUSTIGKURRE will include baskets and small storage solutions. But the plan is using this fibre for rugs and laminated surfaces as well in the future!
Planned release date: October 2020
An alternative to oil-based textiles
Still in its early stage, TreeToTextile (opened in a new window/tab) is a very promising project that will make textiles out of wood cellulose.
Creating an alternative, TreeToTextile will allow for substituting – or at least complementing – oil-based textiles (like nylon or polyester) with a far more sustainable option.
Planned release date: 2021-2022
We all know how giant of a company IKEA is, and this carries both opportunities and responsibilities.
Big changes don’t happen overnight, but I do think it’s promising to have a company like IKEA working on a circular business model.
The impact of this transition would be immense, both for the environment and in pushing the whole industry in a more sustainable direction!
For more sustainable interior design inspiration, you’re welcome to take a look at SforSustainable (opened in a new window/tab), the platform where I curate a selection of sustainable interior design products, from furniture to textiles and accessories!
Cover image: IKEA (via Instagram) (opened in a new window/tab)
