Wood is an essential part of the IKEA identity. We invest in forestland because we believe we can play an important role in supplying wood from more sustainable sources for our everyday lives. Responsible wood sourcing is crucial for a healthier planet, a more sustainable future and more balanced ecosystems for generations to come.
“We take pride in our responsible forest management and strive to lead by example, recognizing our ability and responsibility to further improve.”
As at July 2024
320,000+ hectares of forests in seven countries (the Baltic states, Romania, United States, Aotearoa New Zealand and Finland)
13.9 million seedlings planted (financial year 2024 level)
Almost 10,000 hectares of afforestation and regeneration (financial year 2024)
21% of forest area included in conservation area network (including HCV)
About 5% of our harvested wood goes back into IKEA products through the open market
“Our forests are mankind’s greatest assets”, Ingvar Kamprad, 1996
Through our everyday work we want to show that responsible forest management is good from both a commercial and environmental perspective. We manage our forest portfolio with a focus on three pillars – wood as a vital resource, engagement with communities and partners and long-term mindset.
FSC certified operations: As a Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified company, we prioritize responsible forest management to help supply sustainably harvested wood.
Environmental protections: We dedicate 20% of our forestland to environmental objectives, with half of that area exempt from any harvesting and specifically earmarked to protect rare, threatened, or endangered habitats and to foster biodiversity.
Digital efficiency and optimisation: To enhance our operations, we utilize digital tools like drones, satellite imagery, and mobile apps, ensuring efficiency and optimization. Our commitment to sustainability and innovation helps us protect the environment while providing high-quality wood products for our customers.
Ongoing community involvement: We’re actively and regularly connect with local communities and partners for input into our publicly available forest management plans. By making forests accessible for leisure activities and other community programs, we foster a deeper connection between people and nature.
Working together for conservation: Our collaboration with local conservation organizations strengthens our efforts to protect and preserve natural habitats through biodiversity studies, mapping and monitoring programs.
Providing local jobs: Our commitment to people extends to our belief in providing decent and meaningful work for those who depend on forests. We provide local jobs with safe working conditions, and work to improve forestry practices by closely monitoring rules and standards around corruption, safety, and workers’ rights. We hold all our forestry partners accountable to our own strict standards as well as the most credible, global third-party certification systems.
Working to end deforestation: We ensure that wherever wood is harvested, the areas are replanted with seedlings or through natural regeneration. Our portfolio has a net growth estimate of 0.5 million cubic metres per year.
Investing in afforestation: We plant trees to create new forests on land that did not previously have forests on it, such as land that is less suitable for highly productive crop farming. We’ve already invested €100m and planted seedlings to grow these new forests in the Baltics, the US and Aotearoa New Zealand as a long-term investment.
Renewable and recycled materials: We believe we need to focus more on renewable virgin materials and also shift to recycled materials, wherever possible. By investing in forests, we are not only creating more carbon storage, but also helping to create a bigger market for more sustainable wood materials.
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