Ikea Introduces New Biodegradable Mushroom Packaging | Valdamark Direct

Ikea introduces its new mushroom packaging to provide a biodegradable alternative to their polystyrene packaging.

We know Sweden has a reputation for innovative thinking. Their new biodegradable mushroom packaging is set to be a sustainable replacement for their polystyrene packaging products.

This new type of packaging can decompose in the garden in just a few weeks. IKEA is looking to reduce its environmental impact whilst at the same time promoting recycling.

Mushroom Packaging, or Fungi Packaging as its known has been developed by Ecovative Design. Mushroom cells or Mycelium are allowed to grow around non toxic environmental waste like corn stalks and husks. A few days later the fungi fibers attach to the waste to form a solid shape upon drying.

In comparison Polystyrene and aluminium foil packaging can take several thousands of years to decompose. The mycelium can grow and form in just a week or two!

I do not think this is just another packaging gimmick. Its actually got big potential, mainly due to the fact that you can grow it and mould it to any size you require. Of course expertise ifs required here but not so much that it would prevent widespread adoption across many product lines in FMCG markets.

It is essentially bespoke sustainable packaging and as you would expect it is not the first IKEA have come up with!

They have already developed a vegetarian version of their famous in store meal of meatballs and sauce in response to customer concerns regarding the impact of rearing animals and livestock for beef and pork. As we know when Animals commoditised in this way to feed our food addiction, it leads to excess greenhouse gases.

It is clear that IKEA wants to have a positive impact on the planet and the people that live on it, but we are seeing this play time and time again. Customers with their concerns and increasing awareness drive the changes they want to see.

Its is good to see IKEA taking the lead on this though. Waste products should be turned into resources and not just dumped!

Lets hope these reverse material flows with their recycling initiatives will be standard for large retailers in the near future.

Team up with Impact Hub

Impact Hub and IKEA of Sweden understand the importance of protecting the planet and preserving its resources, which is why they are excited to team up once again with their IKEA Marine Materials Program. The ambitious initiative aims to uncover innovative new ideas for the packaging sector that are sustainable and safe for both people and the environment.

The initiative stems from their commitment to becoming circular and climate positive, which seeks to reduce greenhouse gases while growing their business. Startups from around the world have the opportunity to apply and receive mentorship from industry leaders as well as financial support from the company if their idea or project is chosen.

This program will enable creative minds to explore marine materials in ways that could revolutionise sustainable packaging solutions at an unprecedented scale. With this program, Impact Hub and IKEA hope to inspire brave ambition for a more sustainable future through ground-breaking innovation. To participate, startups must submit their applications before May 2021. Ultimately, Impact Hub and IKEA are determined to maximise their impact by building a powerful network dedicated to making a sustainable difference in our global community.

Phase Out Plastic Packaging by 2028

With its commitment to making a positive impact on both people and the planet, IKEA has set out an ambitious goal - phasing out all plastic from consumer packaging solutions by 2028. This phase-out is part of IKEA’s broader effort to reduce plastic and plastic waste while driving the industry agenda toward renewable and recycled materials.

Though packaging is a key part of their business model, the company has already made substantial progress in reducing the total amount of plastic used annually by them. At present, less than 10% of the material is composed of plastic. Moving forward, IKEA plans to focus not only on creating sustainable packaging solutions for their customers but also moving away from single-use plastics such as bags, straws, and cutlery.

With this move, IKEA seeks others within their sector to follow suit in developing effective systems that reduce and prevent environmental pollution caused by disposable plastics. As IKEA moves towards an evergreen circular economy that supports sustainable living for future generations, truly conscious consumers must do their part in reducing their own environmental footprint wherever possible. By working with stakeholders across the value chain and concentrating resources primarily on renewable materials, we can help build a society where sustainability is no longer something extra - it instead becomes our way of life.

Accordingly, IKEA is engaging with suppliers and customers around the world to focus on the ongoing development of materials from renewable and recycled sources with minimal environmental impact. By working together to phase out plastic in consumer packaging, companies like IKEA hope to create a greener future for everyone.

Each year, the world-renowned furniture brand spent more than one billion Euros on over 920 000 tonnes of packaging for their products. In order to meet their goal of phasing out single-use plastics from their ecosystem by the year 2028, they must work together with product development teams and suppliers across the world.

Though a difficult challenge, this can be accomplished through engineering new solutions that might see plastic remaining in some parts of their food range while being renewable or recycled sources in other areas.