IKEA Canada has announced a three-year, $300,000 investment in Furniture Bank, a social company located in Toronto that works to combat furniture poverty across the country. This financing begins a nationwide expansion to reduce furniture poverty and advance a circular economy, building on a successful cooperation in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).
Extending a Tested Model for Environmental and Social Impact
In the GTA, the IKEA-Furniture Bank relationship has already had a big impact. By working together, over 11,680 people and families have benefited from the repurposing of 10,000 more home necessities and over 25,000 returned mattresses that would otherwise end up in landfills. With an estimated $4 million in in-kind value, this reuse project avoids 1,734 metric tons of CO2 emissions, which is the same as more than 7 million kilometers driven in a typical gasoline-powered vehicle.
IKEA Canada CEO and Chief Sustainability Officer Selwyn Crittendon stated, “Our Life at Home Report shows that many Canadians struggle with quality sleep, which directly affects health and well-being.” “Donated mattresses create the groundwork for a brighter future in addition to offering comfort. This collaboration demonstrates our capacity to advance social impact while broadening our national sustainability objectives.
A Way Forward for National Growth
Furniture Bank’s cutting-edge startup incubator gives NGOs the resources and instruction they need to successfully duplicate its business model. This covers having access to call centers, logistics systems, and digital marketing platforms. Through its investment, IKEA will be able to onboard charitable organizations in Ottawa, Montreal, Halifax, and Winnipeg. In later stages, it aims to expand to more areas that are home to IKEA stores.
Dan Kershaw, Executive Director of Furniture Bank, emphasized the significance of the partnership: “IKEA Canada genuinely fulfills its commitments, in contrast to other retailers who prioritize destruction or circumvent social good through liquidators.” We can build on our successful approach and build a more sustainable future thanks to this funding.
Utilizing the Sleep Well Initiative to Address Furniture Poverty
IKEA Canada pledged an extra $120,000 to the Furniture Bank’s Sleep Well campaign earlier this year. This initiative guarantees that families have access to full bed kits and other furniture, with a focus on providing children with vital sleep products. The program promotes better physical and mental growth while providing instant comfort.
Comprehensive Sustainability Strategy
Through a strategy that is in line with the global IKEA People & Planet Positive 2030 framework, IKEA Canada has integrated sustainability into its core business activities. The strategy, which emphasizes social equality, circularity, and sustainable living, demonstrates IKEA Canada’s dedication to making long-lasting improvements for both people and the environment.
Sustainable + Healthy Living
IKEA Canada aims to inspire over a billion people worldwide to live better while adhering to the ecological boundaries of the earth by empowering individuals to adopt sustainable habits at home. Important initiatives include of:
- Product Longevity: promoting recycling, resale, and repair to prolong the life of goods.
- Sustainable Food Choices: encouraging plant-based and ethically sourced menu items at retail establishments.
- Energy Efficiency: supplying homes with energy-saving goods and solutions.
- Waste Reduction: promoting recycling and reuse as ways to reduce waste.
- Water Conservation: supplying resources and advice to cut down on water use.
Circular + Climate Positive
IKEA Canada has started a number of ground-breaking initiatives in an effort to become circular and climate-positive:
- Circular Business Practices: The goal of programs like furniture buy-back programs and the As-Is online marketplace is to keep goods out of landfills and in use.
- Renewable Energy Production: IKEA Canada currently produces three times as much renewable energy as it consumes thanks to the installation of solar panels on more than half of its stores and the operation of two wind farms in Alberta.
- Sustainable Materials: All of IKEA Canada’s product lines and packaging will be made entirely of recycled or renewable resources by 2030.
Fair + Equal
IKEA Canada’s sustainability plan also promotes community empowerment and social equity:
- Community Initiatives: tackling sustainability issues by working with stakeholders through initiatives like “One Home, One Planet Canada.”
- Employee Engagement: educating its employees about social responsibility and the environment.
As a result of these initiatives, IKEA Canada has been recognized as one of Canada’s Greenest Employers for 16 years running, demonstrating its steadfast commitment to corporate responsibility and sustainability.
