If I woke up as Head of Design at IKEA tomorrow, here’s exactly what I’d do to make the company more sustainable and more profitable.
IKEA has set a goal to be climate-positive by 2030.
But over 50% of its total carbon footprint still comes from materials.
That’s the lever. That’s where real change happens.
So here’s the plan. I would:
1. Redesign IKEA’s top-selling flat-pack units using Critical. Cleanstone (of course!). Cleanstone is a 100% recycled panel made from packaging, industrial or commercial plastics.
2. Launch a test collection in New Zealand or Australia to test demand before bringing it global.
3. Make panels repairable, removable, returnable. Remanufacture them with Critical. to close the loop at the end of life.
This does a few things:
It will slash the material footprint!
It will builds brand equity with a generation tired of throwaway furniture
This would position IKEA as a true leader in circular design.
And the best part?
Cleanstone is made locally.
It’s waterproof. Solid all the way through.
No coatings. No warping.
100% recyclable at end-of-life.
This is not just about integrating new materials. It’s about rethinking the business model to reflect the values of your future customers.
Because Gen Z and Millennials aren’t just buying furniture. They are aligning with companies who care about their values.
And they’re watching what you do next.
If you’re leading sustainability or product at IKEA or any brand facing this same challenge —I'd love to talk!
Follow me for more sustainable design education and visit criticaldesign.nz to see who we can help.
#lowcarbonmaterials #productdesign #circulardesign #sustainabledesign #interiordesign #greenbuilding #aotearoadesign #furnituredesign #retaildesign #materialinnovation #designforimpact #cleanstone #criticaldesign