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What will IKEA furniture be made of in 2030?
By 2030, all materials used by IKEA will be renewable or recycled. Staking its claim in this sustainable movement is KNIXHULT, a family of handcrafted bamboo lamps, out this April. Follow their inspirational journey…
Forward-looking ideas
When it comes to futuristic design, bamboo probably isn’t the first thing you think of. So how does KNIXHULT do it? Bamboo is one of the world’s fastest growing and self-regenerating raw materials. Working to close the loop on its production process, IKEA lighting team and product developer Anna Granath (left) was joined by award-winning sustainability designer Emma Olbers (below, left).
The planet’s resources are limited and we need to start using them wisely. For me, designing for circularity is about being able to look your children in the eye, knowing that you did something to ensure that there’s a world left.
We all wanted to make a product with as little carbon emissions as possible. Bamboo is actually carbon positive, absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere as it grows.
New traditional handicraft
The IKEA team travelled to Vietnam to explore the bamboo supply chain and work alongside skilled local craftspeople, a learning process for all. “By working with the raw material, allowing its natural expression to show through, we were able to utilise much more of it,” says Anna. Where previously just 18% of the bamboo was used, KNIXHULT pushes the figure to 65%.
We like that natural materials have variations, it reminds us of human beings. We all look a little different from each other, and we found that beauty in the variations in bamboo.
Take home a sustainable icon
KNIXHULT hits the shelves in three styles, including a pendant and floor lamp. But, to truly own its title of “sustainable icon”, the hard work doesn’t end there. Not only does the packaging contain zero plastic, the lamp itself won’t end up in landfill. “If you take care of KNIXHULT, it’ll last,” says Emma. “When its life cycle does come to an end, it’s easy to separate and recycle.”
We, as customers, also have to take responsibility. When you buy, look for recycled materials or a low carbon footprint. Will it age beautifully? Is it easy to repair? Can you recycle it?
We love to see our customers get creative with our products. Go for it! But please note that altering or modifying IKEA products so they can no longer be re-sold or used for their original purpose, means the IKEA commercial guarantees and your right to return the products will be lost.
The KNIXHULT family is available in-store and online from April 2019
