Embrace Sustainability with IKEA Singapore and Carousell’s First Ever Secondhand Showroom and Rewards Programme

Earlier in April, IKEA Singapore announced a new partnership with leading classifieds marketplace Carousell, to deliver a first-of-its-kind Secondhand Showroom and an incentivised programme rewarding customers for buying and selling secondhand IKEA products on the platform. The partnership is aimed at making a sustainable and zero-waste lifestyle more accessible to the many people and is one of the many initiatives supporting IKEA’s commitments to being circular and climate positive by 2030.

“We are always exploring new ways to make circularity convenient and accessible to the many people. By using durable, quality materials and giving products a longer life through reusing, recycling and reselling, IKEA is focusing on the elimination of waste and encouraging the continual use of resources.” Shared Tariq Oumarkatar, Country Sales Manager, IKEA Singapore.

Committed to its mission of making secondhand the first choice, Carousell was created to address the problem of overconsumption and this year celebrates a decade of sustainability as the leading classifieds group in Greater Southeast Asia.

“We are so excited to partner with IKEA to launch initiatives that work towards our shared vision of encouraging circularity. We hope that the partnership, along with the passionate voices in the community who are part of our secondhand showroom, inspire more to take small steps to consume sustainably,” said Marcus Tan, Co-founder, Carousell Singapore.

Start Small, Start Here: An incentivised rewards programme for secondhand transactions

From 21 April to 30 June, IKEA and Carousell will reward customers that take steps towards extending the shelf life of IKEA products through secondhand transactions or by engaging in free-cycling.

For up to three successful transactions of secondhand IKEA items on the Carousell platform per month, the buyer will receive a Carousell Protection voucher worth $5 and the seller can get 500 IKEA Family (terms and conditions apply) points (worth S$5) that can be redeemed instantly for in-store purchases at IKEA Tampines, IKEA Alexandra, or IKEA Jurong.

The programme rewards both buyers and sellers for participating in the circular economy, on top of the existing rewards of buying secondhand for less and selling to make more, and aims to further break barriers in the process of opting for secondhand and consuming sustainably.

Secondhand Showroom: Win an IKEA product from your favourite influencer

The IKEA Singapore and Carousell partnership will also be supported by local influencers, Tiong Jia En, Mathilda Huang, Munah Bagharib, singer-songwriter Nathan Hartono, and Carousell Co-founder, Marcus Tan. Each influencer will share a personal IKEA item to be featured as part of the Secondhand Showroom at IKEA Tampines Level 2 entrance from 21
April to 30 June 2022.

The showroom will display these items and their stories, to showcase how secondhand items can be desirable, inspiring and aspirational.

Making more sustainable choices inspiring and affordable

From encouraging zero-waste of products and materials through the AS-IS section in IKEA stores, offering LADDA rechargeable batteries, to energy efficient SOLHETTA LED bulbs that last up to 20 years, IKEA is promoting more sustainable consumption habits and transforming into a circular business.

By 2030, IKEA has committed to using only renewable or recycled materials, making it easier for customers to find affordable, sustainable, and high-quality home furnishings. Currently, 100% of all cotton used in IKEA products – from cushion covers, bedding, towels, and decorative throws – is either recycled or grown with less water and pesticides, while
increasing profits for local cotton farmers.

Last year, 73% of all material sourced for IKEA’s range was renewable or recycled – from the ODGER Chair created from a mix of renewable wood and recycled plastic, to the RÅGRUND bathroom series made from sustainable, fast-growing and hard-wearing bamboo.

As part of IKEA’s vision to becoming more sustainable every day, IKEA has broadened its offerings with more products made of waste materials, natural fibres like bamboo and wood, and textile responsibly produced in a sustainable industrial environment.

In 2012, IKEA began partnering with social businesses – companies committed to creating jobs and bringing empowerment to people who need it most. The upcoming VÅRDANDE collection takes this initiative global for the first time, in partnership with five suppliers from across Asia. This collection is not only made in Asia – it’s inspired by Asian traditions as well. It’s made for the daily self-care rituals in your life – for all those seeking mindfulness, meditation or just a moment to pause.

The VÅRDANDE storage basket and plant pots are made of jute, a natural, sustainable and locally sourced material used by social business partner, Classical Handmade Products in Bangladesh, who are committed to creating jobs for women in nearby villages, with childcare provided next to where they work.

IKEA Singapore restaurants to go 50% plant-based by 2025

IKEA is taking the next step towards making healthy and sustainable food more affordable and desirable to Singaporeans. By 2025, 50% of main meals offered in the IKEA Restaurants at IKEA Tampines, IKEA Alexandra and IKEA Jurong will be plant-based, significantly increasing the range of affordable, nutritious, and delicious food choices available to customers. This move aims to make healthier and more sustainable living part of everyday life.

Eating a plant-based diet is one of the most significant actions an individual can take to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Plant-based foods need less resources, less water, and less land to feed just as many.

For more information on IKEA’s sustainability initiatives with Carousell, visit IKEA.sg/secondchances.