When did the commitment start and what did the company do?
IKEA Perth introduced a “No Plastic Bag” policy in January 2004, removing lightweight plastic shopping bags from the store and offering for purchase 2 types of large, reusable bags instead.

 
Why? 
Locally and globally IKEA has a very strong commitment to being socially and environmentally responsible, and this initiative is just one small step in the company’s journey to pursue more sustainable practices.

What has been the outcome?
Since the introduction of the no plastic bag policy, the customer comments and feedback have shown strong support for this initiative with more then 80% of customers who commented, agreeing with the initiative.Most importantly, 84 % of all customers chose not to use any IKEA bags at all when shopping there. Instead they are bringing existing bags to the store or deciding to use a trolley instead of a carrier bag to take goods to their car. Approximately 250,000 bags were given to our customers last year (January 2003 - December 2003). It is reasonable to estimate that in the first six months period (February 2004 – July 2004) without plastic bags in-store, we have prevented a minimum of 125,000 plastic bags being distributed and possibly ending up in landfill or the litter stream. (The actual figure would probably be higher given the visitor increase the store has experienced this year.) 

Key Milestones  

• “Give it up for the Environment” no plastic bag policy launched January 2004.
• After a very successful implementation the no plastic bag policy results were launched by the Hon Judy Edwards on 4/6/04 at IKEA’s Osborne Park store.
• Announced a schools' competition with a $5,000 first prize for the school that shows how it is “Giving it up for the Environment”. Over 100 schools responded to this competition with some wonderfully creative ideas and examples of environmental projects they have undertaken or are currently undertaking within their school and wider communities 4/6/04.
• Over 7,500 used plastic bags collected by IKEA through the schools competition and sent for recycling to SITA Environmental Solutions. 7/8/04.

How does this link with the company’s strategies
IKEA Perth has had in place for some time an environmental vision. That being “To strive to minimise any possible damaging effects to the environment which may result as a consequence as a result of our activities”. It is this vision that drove the company to take a stand to substantially reduce the volume of plastic bags in circulation.

Where can people get more information?
Visiting the Ikea website (for more of the global initiatives) or by contacting the Marketing Manager:

Beni Hansen
Marketing Manager
(08) 9242 6464