Overview

Project: World's Largest Print Run with FSC Label
Duration: 2 Years
Key Results:

Massive Sustainability Gains: Reduced environmental impact and through the use of more sustainably sourced materials. responsibly managed forest
Ahead of Schedule: The original goal was for the catalogue to be 100% FSC-certified by 2016. This was achieved one year ahead of schedule.
Industry-Wide Impact: Due to the catalogue's print volume, the project has had a ripple effect, positively impacting the world's entire print industry and setting a precedent for large-scale sustainable paper and print productions.

Learn more about our process here.

Challenge

The objective was to elevate sustainability across IKEA's global paper and print supply chains by achieving FSC certification for its 217-million-copy catalogue. As a company that values sustainability, IKEA was committed to sourcing paper responsibly for their catalogue.

The mission was to elevate IKEA's sustainability ethos by achieving FSC certification for its 217-million-copy catalogue, the

world's largest print run of its kind. This called for a major shift in paper sourcing practices across IKEA's global supply chains, requiring extensive negotiations with suppliers to ensure an adequate supply of FSC-certified paper. Despite skepticism around the availability and affordability of FSC-certified paper, the goal was set high: transition to 100% FSC-certified paper within three years, a target seen by many as unattainable.

Every year, we organise a supply meeting gathering together all our paper and print suppliers. At the beginning of the project, we announced our ambition to source 100% FSC mix credit paper for the IKEA catalogues within three years.

Initially, the reaction was sceptical. IKEA’s ambition was seen as mission impossible. We were met with three main objections to this plan: "1. There was not enough FSC paper to fulfil our ambition. 2. It would be too costly. 3. It was impossible to achieve this in three years’ time."

Approach

“Mission impossible” proved realistic: Setting 100% as a goal from the get go, because with a 90% goal, many would have said: "I'm in the remaining 10%, as my context is complicated."
Collaborative workshops: Engaged in collaborative discussions with all potential paper and print suppliers to make it happen as soon as possible.

Solution

I spearheaded the development of innovative strategies to reach our ambitious goals.

Whilst procuring 100,000 tonnes of FSC paper was surprisingly easier than expected, it required a task force to comply with the FSC requirements and trademark guidelines. These approach affected positively many suppliers of the catalogue and, by extension, a significant portion of the world's industrial print, paper and pulp production sites.

Stakeholders mindset upgrade: In fact, all of the stakeholders worries turned out to be wrong. There was indeed enough FSC paper on the market, the cost hasn’t risen as expected, and we achieved our goal one year ahead of schedule.
More Sustainable Procurement: We moved from 23% FSC certified paper to 68 % in the first year, and to 100 % in the following year.
Innovative collaboration: Whilst procuring 100,000 tonnes of FSC paper was surprisingly easier than expected, it required a task force to comply with the FSC requirements and trademark guidelines.

"I commend Inter IKEA Systems for their efficiency in preparing for certification as well as in achieving actual FSC labelling of their catalogues. It’s a massive feat that has clearly required determination, good supplier communication and strong process management. This is a significant milestone on IKEA’s path towards sourcing of paper, packaging and furniture with a responsible origin." Peter Feilberg, NEPCon Executive Director

Impact

Secured FSC certification one year ahead of schedule, showcasing a strong commitment to IKEA sustainability ambition regarding responsible forest management
Demonstrated the feasibility and benefits of large-scale FSC certification for paper and print productions
Promoted responsible paper sourcing and set a new industry standard for large productions
Reduced environmental impact through the use of more sustainably sourced materials

"This project had an incredible impact on both IKEA's sustainability efforts and the industry as a whole."

Conclusion

This endeavor not only achieved a milestone in sustainable paper sourcing but also inspired a ripple effect across the print industry, elevating the discourse around sustainable practices. By successfully navigating the complexities of large-scale FSC certification and fostering a culture of collaborative problem-solving, the project demonstrated the tangible benefits of aligning business operations with environmental stewardship. This initiative stands as a testament to IKEA’s dedication to sustainability, setting a new industry standard and significantly contributing to the broader sustainability strategy of IKEA, while encouraging other industry giants to follow suit in responsible sourcing and environmental conservation.

Teams

Matthieu Leroy, Sustainability Specialist, Media Production at Inter IKEA Systems - Strategic Integrator:

Spearheaded the multi-disciplinary external and internal teams towards achieving FSC certification.
Pioneered discussions and negotiations for sustainable paper sourcing.

WWF:

Advocated for responsible paper sourcing and supported the initiative to achieve FSC certification.

Preferred by Nature (formerly NEPCON):

Audited the FSC certification process ensuring compliance with standards, labeling the 2015 IKEA catalogue as FSC certified.

Sources

IKEA Achieves FSC Certification Early