The war on plastic waste continues to gain significant momentum as Ikea commits to phasing out single-use plastic products from its stores by 2020. The phase-out will include plastic straws, plates, cups, freezer bags, bin bags, and plastic-coated paper plates and cups. The Swedish furniture giant had previously committed to phasing out oil-based plastic and has invested heavily in plastic recycling facilities.

Currently, the chain has 363 stores around the world and if you’ve ever stepped foot in an Ikea you’ll know these stores are enormous. The company has recently ramped up sustainability efforts by offering more retail solar panel product lines and water saving devices. It also plans to introduce additional vegetarian options into its in-store cafe menus and to have stores using only renewable sources for energy and heat within 2 years as well. To support all of these strategies, Ikea has also invested in wind farms.

“Through our size and reach we have the opportunity to inspire and enable more than 1 billion people to live better lives, within the limits of the planet”, Torbjörn Lööf, the chief executive of the retailer’s parent Inter Ikea group, said.

It’s fantastic to see another retail giant making changes and fingers crossed it means tasty vegan hot dogs in Australian stores, ASAP.

Sources: The Guardian