Subject category:
Ethics and Social Responsibility
Published by:
IBS Center for Management Research
Length: 23 pages
Data source: Published sources
Topics:
IKEA Systems BV; Environmental responsibility; The natural step; Environmental training; Eco-friendly practices; Ikea Way (iWay) standards; Supplier environmental assurance; Staircase model for forestry; Forest management; Wood procurement; High conservation value forests; Corporate social responsibility (CSR); Forest Stewardship Council; Universal Declaration of Human Rights; ISO 14000 Environmental Management Standards
Abstract
The case discusses the environmental and sustainable business practices of the Sweden-based furniture retail giant IKEA Systems BV (IKEA). It examines in detail IKEA's journey in becoming an environmentally responsible company and highlights the initiatives the company took to ensure that its operations did not have adverse effects on the environment. IKEA was primarily involved in furniture retailing; initially most of its furniture was made of wood, which required the felling of trees. To process the wood, many chemicals were used, which were harmful to the environment and to the consumers. IKEA realised that better environmental practices within the company and among its suppliers would have long-term benefits, not only economically but also in presenting a positive corporate image of it to customers. Besides which, they would help the company in playing its part in preserving the depleting natural resources. The case examines in detail IKEA's forestry practices and the IKEA Way or iWAY, which specifies the working conditions, and the labour, environment, and forestry management practices that IKEA expected its suppliers to follow. It also discusses the staircase models IKEA followed for the suppliers and with regard to forestry practices. Other environment friendly practices of IKEA discussed in the case include: (1) transportation; (2) the environmental responsibilities of the employees; (3) some of the unique eco-friendly products made by the company using recycled materials; and (4) other practices regarding conservation of energy and waste management practiced at IKEA's stores.
Teaching and learning
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Abstract
The case discusses the environmental and sustainable business practices of the Sweden-based furniture retail giant IKEA Systems BV (IKEA). It examines in detail IKEA's journey in becoming an environmentally responsible company and highlights the initiatives the company took to ensure that its operations did not have adverse effects on the environment. IKEA was primarily involved in furniture retailing; initially most of its furniture was made of wood, which required the felling of trees. To process the wood, many chemicals were used, which were harmful to the environment and to the consumers. IKEA realised that better environmental practices within the company and among its suppliers would have long-term benefits, not only economically but also in presenting a positive corporate image of it to customers. Besides which, they would help the company in playing its part in preserving the depleting natural resources. The case examines in detail IKEA's forestry practices and the IKEA Way or iWAY, which specifies the working conditions, and the labour, environment, and forestry management practices that IKEA expected its suppliers to follow. It also discusses the staircase models IKEA followed for the suppliers and with regard to forestry practices. Other environment friendly practices of IKEA discussed in the case include: (1) transportation; (2) the environmental responsibilities of the employees; (3) some of the unique eco-friendly products made by the company using recycled materials; and (4) other practices regarding conservation of energy and waste management practiced at IKEA's stores.