IKEA launches sustainable, everyday products dozen

For the many climate-conscious people who think twice about what they are buying and who desire to reduce their footprint on earth, popular Swedish retailer IKEA, which is reputed for its creative designs, is introducing a dozen products in Hong Kong.
IKEA, which says it is increasingly sourcing renewable and recycled materials for furniture, is enticing its customers to live sustainably with planet-friendly everyday items, such as corn starch products, plastic free items, and re-usable bags.

IKEA has selected 12 products that will tempt Hong Kong customers do their bit for the climate and promote circular economy.

A sustainable lifestyle doesn’t just contribute to positive environmental and social impact, but it is also
beneficial to ourselves and our families.

Simple yet important changes such as replacing disposable products with reusable ones, adopting energy- and resource-fficient products, and using natural toxin-free furniture items help reduce environmental degradation and conserve resources.

Below are IKEA's 12 planet-friendly everyday products:
1. Air purifying curtain: the GUNRID, available in light pink, gray and yellow (HK$249.90 per pair) promises to purify the air without consuming energy. Its mineral-based, photo-catalyst coating enables the curtain to break down common indoor air pollutants into carbon dioxide and water molecule when activated by sunlight or indoor light.

2. Made with sustainable cotton: the DVALA bed linen series is made with a new dyeing technique that uses pigment colors and saves on chemicals, energy and water, conserves up to 200 million liters of water every year, IKEA says.
IKEA is currently the only retailer that sells products made with 100 percent sustainably sourced cotton. Flat sheet (HK$79.9-HK$159.9), fitted sheet (HK$79.9-HK$159.9), pillowcase (HK$49.9/2), quilt cover and pillowcases (HK$139.9-HK$349), bolster case (HK$49.9)
3. Durable and safe PLA plastic products: HEROISK and TALRIKA series. Made from cornstarch instead of fossil fuels, PLA is a plastic substitute that consumes fewer natural resources. This BPA-free product series, rigorously tested for child safety, is durable and safe, with a grip-friendly design to enable children to learn to eat on their own.
HEROISK: Plate with three compartments (HK$49.9/2 pieces), mug (HK$39.9/ two pieces), bowl (HK$39.9/ two pieces), and side plate HK($39.9/ two pieces)
TALRIKA: Mug (HK$79.9/4 pieces), deep plate (HK$99.9/4), bowl (HK$79.9/4), and side plate
(HK$79.9/4pieces)
4. Re-usable bags: ISTAD resealable bags are sustainably made by repurposing a waste material from the sugar cane industry into a renewable material. The reusable, durable bags with double zips can withstand temperatures up to 50 degrees Celsius. Resealable bag, pattern/ pink (HK$9.9/25 pieces); green (HK$12.9/25 pieces)

5. Say “No” to plastic straw: UPPSLUKAD four-color stainless steel straws with cleaning brush join the straw-less movement. With one single item, at a small cost, and you can do your bit for the environment and sustainable development. UPPSLUKAD drinking straws/ cleaning brush (HK$49.9)

6. Go plastic-free: UPPLADDA infusion bottle with straw is reusabe. The 700ml bottle (HK$49.90) comes with a straw and a filter for cold-brew tea, fruit-infused tea, or nutritional drinks.

7. Saving energy with smart products: TRÅDFRI series of lighting products enable you to create a smart home effortlessly. Simply connect the control outlet with the IKEA Home smart app on your smartphone, and you can control the wireless lighting products and small appliances from a distance.
LED bulb (HK$99.9-$199.9), remote control (HK$159.9), dimmer kit (HK$69.9), gateway (HK$299), wireless control outlet (HK$119.9-HK$179.9), and driver for wireless control (HK$169.9)

8. Value for money: LADDA rechargeable battery is superior to other similar products in the amount of electricity it discharges and electricity storage, IKEA says. The lifespan of each rechargeable battery is five years, which can replace 500 non-rechargeable batteries, saving costs as well as environmentally polluting electronic waste. Once fully charged, the TJUGO battery charger will switch off to prevent overheating. LADDA rechargeable battery HK($59.9/4 pieces, HK$79.9/4 pieces); TJUGO battery charger (HK$199.9)

9. Practical, safe and energy-efficient: TILLREDA portable induction cooktop (HK$349) offers less pollutant emission and lower peripheral temperature, IKEA says. Compared to cooking with gas, induction cooking can save up to 70 percent energy cost.

10. Saves energy while cooking: STABIL stainless steel steamer insert (HK$65-HK$99.9). Cooking with steam can not only retain the natural flavors and nutrients of the food ingredients, its lower consumption of oil also makes a healthier diet, and it helps save on energy use compared to braising or frying. The steamer insert could help conserve energy by cooking multiple dishes at the same time.

11. Multi-functional food container: IKEA 365+ series comes in different shapes and colors, and matching silicone, plastic or bamboo lids. From food storage and leftover at home to the packed lunch you take to work, the IKEA 365+ cookware series can help you save the need of single-use plastic or Styrofoam containers. The leak-proof rubber band can be removed and cleaned, its new replacement available for purchase on its own.

12. Bag for hipsters: KUNGSFORS lightweight net bags (HK$49.90/two pieces) are made with sustainably sourced cotton, and are sturdy and breathable, perfect for keeping fruits and vegetables fresh. These bags can be hung up with the produce inside to save space in the kitchen. The dye-free cotton used to make the bags effectively minimises chemical pollution in the ocean.

IKEA continues to offer diverse, affordable, uniquely designed, and functional planet-friendly products and says its ambition is to make its products entirely with renewable or recycled materials by 2030. The first step towards that goal is to replace the single-use drinking straws, tableware and utensils at its restaurants, cafes and bistros with products made with renewable materials within this year.

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