IKEA’s parent company, INGKA Group, has made significant changes to its climate goals by delaying its target for 100% emission-free home deliveries from 2025 to 2028. The new objective aims for over 90% of home deliveries to utilize zero-emissions vehicles, highlighting the need to adapt to the rapidly increasing online order demand and the current limitations of electric vehicle availability and charging infrastructure.
Home deliveries represent around 14% of INGKA’s total mobility emissions. The revised goals are part of a broader commitment to decrease overall mobility emissions by 40% and halve greenhouse gas emissions across its value chain by 2030, ultimately striving for a net zero target by 2050. Despite achieving over 41% of retail home deliveries through zero-emissions vehicles in 2024—up from less than 25% in 2023—and reaching 100% emission-free deliveries in 20 cities, the company faces global challenges that necessitate the adjustment of its targets.
Karen Pflug, Chief Sustainability Officer at INGKA Group, noted that these challenges, including a lack of charging infrastructure and varying local policies, informed the decision to adjust the goal from 100% to 90%. Pflug expressed confidence that many markets would surpass the new target, although she acknowledged that some countries may still encounter hurdles.
The new targets are part of the recently published Net Zero Transition Plan, which outlines detailed strategies for decarbonizing the company’s value chain. Strategies include collaboration with truck manufacturers on developing new electric vehicle ranges, supporting third-party delivery partners in transitioning to electric and alternative fuel vehicles, optimizing delivery routes, and investing in the use of the company’s own zero-emission delivery vehicles.
Furthermore, INGKA is proactively addressing local challenges by appointing dedicated project managers in each retail country to focus on zero-emission home delivery initiatives. The company is also advocating for policy reforms, such as setting 2035 deadlines for phasing out internal combustion engine vehicles, promoting alternative fuels like green hydrogen and sustainable biofuels for long-haul transport, enhancing charging infrastructure, and financing research and development of new sustainable technologies.
Pflug concluded with a strong assertion of INGKA’s commitment, stating, “We still believe that zero emission deliveries are the future of retail. Through continued investment, innovation, and collaboration, we remain strongly committed to ensuring that our customers’ home deliveries will be made by zero emission vehicles.”
Source: https://www.esgtoday.com/ikea-pushes-back-zero-emissions-delivery-target/