“We want to inspire change and enable the many to make more sustainable choices every day.”

IKEA UK has announced its support for Veganuary 2021- the month-long pledge to go vegan.

The furniture giant joins a slew of other businesses that have backed the campaign this year including Nestlé, Bloomberg, M&S, Quorn, Tesco, and leading accountancy firms PwC and EY.

According to the company, Veganuary gives us an opportunity to reflect on our diet, the food we consume, and the impact it has on our health and the wider planet.

As part of IKEA’s sustainability commitments in connection with the upcoming UN Food Systems Summit 2021, the company has pledged to make 50% of its restaurant meals and 80 % of its packaged food offerings plant-based by 2025.

‘Sustainable choices’

“Sustainability is integral to everything we do at IKEA,” Ellie Pniok, Commercial Food Leader for IKEA UK & Ireland, said.

“From evolving our food offering and reducing our impact on the planet, to innovating the materials we use in our products and providing easy and affordable ways to reduce waste.

“We want to inspire change and enable the many to make more sustainable choices every day.”

Pniok highlighted that Veganuary is a “wonderful opportunity” for the company to further its sustainability goals and help its shoppers make meat-free switches without missing out on wholesome and comforting food.

Vegan IKEA

Last year, IKEA introduced a meaty vegan version of its famous meatballs made from yellow pea protein, oats, potatoes, onion, and apple.

“Our sustainable plant-based alternative to our iconic meatball, the HUVUDROLL plant ball, has the same delicious taste, texture, and quality with just 4% of the climate footprint,” Pnoik explained.

She added: “Its sibling, the HUVUDROLL vegetable ball, is also scrumptious, with both being great to have in wraps, salads or with roasted vegetables.”

IKEA advocating plant-based foods and Veganuary is timely as 15% more Brits are eating meat-free foods over the last two years and 11% more meat eaters reducing or limiting the meat in their diets.”

Kinder choices

Pniok said: “Plant-based foods need less resources, less water and less land to feed just as many.

“By cutting out meat and dairy products from your diet, you could reduce the carbon footprint from your food by up to 73%.

“Changing eating habits can be daunting, so taking a gradual approach by committing to one vegan day a week can make this change much easier, being kinder to both yourself and the planet.”

• Read: Veganuary on course for biggest year as COVID fuels vegan surge

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