IKEA to remove all non-rechargeable alkaline batteries from its ranges
IKEA is to remove all non-rechargeable alkaline batteries from its global home furnishing range by October 2021.
The retailer said the move forms part of its ongoing commitment to help customers to live a more sustainable life at home.
Emelie Knoester, business area manager at IKEA Range & Supply, said: “Consumers who need to frequently use batteries can benefit by replacing alkaline with rechargeable batteries. There are substantial savings to be made over time – both for the environment as well as our customers’ wallets. IKEA globally sold about 300 million alkaline batteries last year, so we see great potential to inspire our customers to adopt new behaviours and use rechargeable batteries to their full potential.”
In its 2019 financial year, IKEA sold around 300 million alkaline batteries globally. Its calculations show that if all IKEA customers switched from ALKALISK alkaline batteries to LADDA rechargeable batteries, used them for high-drain devices and charged them just 50 times, the global waste reduction would be as much as 5,000 tons annually.
Caroline Reid, sustainability development manager at IKEA Range & Supply, added: “We are on a journey to inspire and enable people to live healthier and more sustainable lives within the boundaries of the planet. By phasing out alkaline batteries and focusing on our range of rechargeable batteries, we are taking one step on that journey – offering customers an affordable and convenient solution to prolong the life of products and materials, and reduce waste.”
The commitment includes the retailer’s ALKALISK range of alkaline batteries. Currently, the lithium ion button cell battery – PLATTBOJ – will be kept in the product range due to some applications currently being sold by IKEA requiring a button cell battery to function.
