IKEA India’s Pursuit of Circularity

IKEA India, globally recognized for its sustainability commitment, partnered with Re Sustainability Ltd. (formerly Ramky Enviro Engineers Limited) in 2018 to implement advanced waste management and environmental solutions. Enhanced further in 2019, the collaboration aimed to integrate Circular Economy principles while ensuring strict regulatory compliance.

This partnership addressed diverse waste streams with innovative and efficient solutions. Custom segregation systems, transportation, and advanced recycling processes transformed paper, plastic, wood, fabric, and metal cans into packaging materials, moulded products, and doormats. Hazardous waste, including used oil, leftover paints, and Styrofoam, was converted into alternative fuels, while food waste was composted, and e-waste dismantled and recycled. Biohazardous waste, such as PPEs and expired food, was responsibly treated at licensed facilities. Residual inerts, accounting for less than 5% of total waste, were safely disposed at authorized landfills.

Key achievements included securing regulatory permits for IKEA stores and completing a land remediation project at IKEA’s Mumbai site, where Re Sustainability restored environmentally impacted areas to regulatory standards. This intervention showcased the ability to rejuvenate degraded land into safe, usable spaces.

By reducing landfill dependency and transforming waste into valuable resources like compost and alternative materials, the partnership underscored IKEA India’s commitment to environmental stewardship. Together, IKEA and Re Sustainability have set a benchmark for integrating operational efficiency with sustainability, demonstrating how innovation and responsibility can drive both environmental progress and business success.