Innovation of the Week is a subscriber-only series highlighting retail initiatives that have caught the eye of our team. Every week, we will bring you new ideas and case studies that link to the trends in our Retail Horizon 2024 reports – across consumer, technology, sustainability, and economy, policy and industry.
What is it?
Ikea has taken circularity to the next level by recycling worker uniforms to create a collection of decorative and functional home furnishing items.
The Växelbruk collection comprises throws, cushion covers, curtains and bags made using 300 tonnes of recycled staff uniforms collected in European markets from 2020 to 2022.
Fibres from the uniforms were shredded and colours adjusted without dying to ensure minimum environmental impact.
Why does it matter?
Ikea is rapidly becoming a sustainability trailblazer within retail. This creative project demonstrates the opportunities available to retailers with an ESG mindset.
Strategic implications
Circularity and new ways of thinking will drive success for retailers as they apply creativity to become more sustainable.
Winning strategies
- Sustainability and circularity initiatives
- Focus on innovation
Retail Horizon 2024 is Retail Week’s exclusive strategic toolkit for subscribers.
Across four in-depth reports, Retail Week research director Lisa Byfield-Green and our team of analysts explore the most significant trends that will shape the sector in the year ahead across consumer, technology, sustainability, and industry, economy and policy.
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