“The climate footprint of plant-based food is often lower compared to animal-based options,” IKEA stated.

IKEA has announced plans to eliminate dairy products from its cafe menus by 2030 as part of its climate goals.

The Swedish giant furniture recently published its new sustainability report which outlines a number of initiatives to target carbon emissions and resource reductions across IKEA’s operations, including a focus on more plant-based food options in its restaurants

It comes after IKEA earned the Global Climate Action Award from the United Nations for its leadership in sustainability in 2021.

Ikea’s plant-based trajectory

The brand serves over 650 million customers each year in its restaurants, cafes, and bistros.

The dairy-free commitments build on IKEA’s sustainable food catalogue, which currently includes plant-based versions of its Swedish meatballs, plant balls, hot dogs, and other cafe staples, including ice cream.

In 2015, after it launched its first iteration of a plant-based Swedish meatball, the company laid out plans to make all its main meals in its restaurants 50% plant-based by 2025.

It also intends to make 80% of its packaged meals plant-based by that time.

“The climate footprint of plant-based food is often lower compared to animal-based options,” IKEA stated.

“A plant-based diet with high nutritional value can also be a healthier choice.”

IKEA’s decision to introduce more plant-based options has worked well for the company and its consumers in the past.

With a growing demand for plant-based options, the retailer’s veggie balls and plant balls now constitute 17% of frozen meatball sales, compared to 14% in 2021. Furthermore, sales of meatballs increased from 24% to 26% in Swedish Food Markets.

Sustainable food halls

In addition to increasing plant-based offerings, IKEA’s parent company, Ingka Group, has announced plans to open Saluhall (food halls) in Changsha, China; Gurugram, India; and San Francisco, CA. These dining spaces will feature 80% plant-based menus, with the goal of transitioning to 100% plant-based in the future.

“Our food offering has long been a key element of our meeting places, and with Saluhall we will go beyond dining to inspire the many people with more sustainable food choices, like plant-based dishes,” Jens Nielsen, Ingka Centres’ Commercial and Digital Director, said in a statement.

Other sustainability measures

Apart from the food category, IKEA has also focused on other key areas including energy efficiency, waste reduction, and sustainable sourcing to slash its carbon output.

The company has invested heavily in renewable energy, such as wind and solar power, and has installed over 1.5 million solar panels on its buildings around the world. It has also improved repair and refurbishment services, along with the use of recycled materials to cut down on waste.

According to the company, it has achieved a 20% relative reduction in climate footprint per produced volume since 2016.

“We will promote healthier, more sustainable behaviours, such as preventing and reducing food-related waste, eating more plant-based and nutritious food, and acquiring, caring for, and passing on products in circular ways,” the report noted.

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