The Swedish furniture chain Ikea has responded to Greenpeace’s research on the company sourcing wood from European primeval forests in Romania. Ikea denies the claims made by Greenpeace and insists that they do not accept wood from protected primary forests for their products. They maintain that their purchasing methods follow local and EU regulations and are certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), which promotes responsible forest management worldwide.
Ikea emphasizes the need for robust protection of biodiverse forests to prevent damage to their natural complexity. They invite transparent dialogue on the topic but disagree with the Greenpeace report, citing different interpretations of terms like “ancient forests” and “primary forests.” Ikea clarifies that they do not accept wood from pristine forest landscapes or areas designated as forests of high conservation value unless certified by the FSC.
The company explains that their wood is FSC certified, ensuring annual checks on supply chains and forests, as well as annual audits of the supply chain. Ikea asserts that criteria beyond tree age, such as stand size, species composition, dead wood amount, and disturbance level, must be considered when defining primary forests. They stand by their commitment to sustainable sourcing practices and responsible forest management.
