IKEA takes action after discovering misconduct at supplier

Following the discovery of misconduct at a supplier of wood furniture during a routine audit, the IKEA supply organisation took swift action and has terminated the business relationship with the supplier. 

“Taking responsibility for people and planet is in our values. While we are disappointed to have discovered a serious misconduct at a supplier, our audit system has proven to be robust enough to have found it,” says Ingka Group Sustainability Manager Pia Heidenmark Cook. 

“We are very sorry that this has happened, and will continue to prove through our actions that customers should be able to trust that our wood is responsibly sourced.” 

Under no circumstances does IKEA accept wood that does not meet our strict requirements and sustainability standards. The unverifiable wood used by the supplier equates to 0.28% of our total wood consumption and even though this is very rare and was for a limited period of time, it is unacceptable for us at IKEA and we take it extremely seriously.  
 
If we discover non-compliances we take immediate action. Using certified wood from a verified supply chain is a key part of our People and Planet Positive agenda. 

The audit discovered falsified documents related to the origin of the wood at a supplier in China. Besides being unethical, the misconduct by the supplier constitutes a clear violation of our requirements and goes against the foundation of our business model and values.  

Inter IKEA, the owner of the IKEA Concept and worldwide IKEA franchisor, who also assigns different IKEA companies to develop the product range, supply products and deliver communication solutions, explains the actions taken.  
 
As a strategic partner in the IKEA franchise system, Ingka Group operates business under the IKEA vision – to create a better everyday life for the many people.