IKEA on CSR and sustainability

Sustainability is not a matter of words - but on the action

Recently released Forbrugerombudsmand Henrik Øe a guide for businesses on the use of environmental and ethical claims in marketing. The guide contained a recommendation for companies not to use the term 'sustainable' or 'sustainability' in marketing, as there are no definitions or methods to measure sustainability.

IKEA, CSR and sustainability

DCO is based on the interests of consumers, as indeed are exposed to an abundance of hot air and big words about corporate boundless goodness. As a representative of consumers, Henrik Øe out on an important errand - to reduce confusion and ensure fair competition for the benefit of consumers.

At IKEA, we believe that the use of our shared planet must be done in such a way that future generations can enjoy the earth's resources. Fairly so ran also the first definition of sustainability that Gro Harlem Grundt Country formulated in 1987. It is a very broad and vague definition of sustainability, but at IKEA, we believe that we should not let the good initiatives have a question about definitions and word, but a question of action and good examples.

Therefore, I will briefly tell you about two good examples of how IKEA works with accountability:

First Better Cotton initative

Cotton is one of IKEA's most important raw materials. Therefore, we want the cotton we use, must be prepared with respect for people and environment. Most cotton farms use large quantities of water, fertilizers and pesticides. IKEA therefore working actively to increase the availability of more sustainable cotton production and reduce the need for cotton as raw material. Since 2005, IKEA and WWF driven Farmer Field Schools in Pakistan and India. Here you will learn cotton farmers to use water and chemicals more efficiently, so it's safer for both humans and the environment. The results are very positive. In Pakistan, the average pesticide use dropped by 48%, use of fertilizer by 32% and water consumption has fallen by 40%. Meanwhile, farmers' earnings increased by 87%. These results are now used as an inspiration for thousands of other cotton farmers in the region, and this has led to the establishment of the organization Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) that produce globally accepted criteria for "Better Cotton".

Second IKEA Social Initiative

IKEA Social Initiative works closely with UNICEF and Save the Children on projects designed to give children a better start in life. IKEA Social Initiative was established in 2005 to manage IKEA's investment in social programs at the global level. In 2000, IKEA and UNICEF joined forces in a comprehensive program to prevent and eliminate child labor in the "carpet belt" in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh by tackling its root causes. Over a period of seven years were 80,500 children enrolled in schools, and more than 22,000 women were economically and socially self through the creation of 1,740 self-help groups in 500 villages.

These are just two examples of projects where IKEA is trying to make a difference. We can call the initiatives sustainable or socially responsible. It is not essential. What is important is that the projects contribute to making a difference for people and environment, and supports the IKEA vision of creating a better everyday life for many people.

Jonas Engberg, Social & Environmental Coordinator, IKEA Denmark

Speech is a guest post from IKEA Denmark. Would you like to write a post about your company's CSR policy? Or contribute a CSR-related posts? You are very welcome. All you have to do is to contact Jeppe on jso@socialansvarlighed.dk

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