IKEA urges customers to use environment friendly bags

Tuesday, March 09, 2010: IKEA has been busy promoting awareness of the environment and stressing the need to sustain this behaviour. In a unique challenge, IKEA's cashiers were asked to interact with customers and sell blue environment friendly bags, instead of packing products in brown paper bags as usual. The cashiers explained to customers that the blue bags are reusable and therefore good for the environment. They can also be used for laundry, on the beach and of course for return visits to IKEA!

The amount of blue bags sold exceeded expectation. Available in two sizes, the material used is polypropylene plastic and polyester; they are easy to clean and rinse with lukewarm water and wipe dry with a clean cloth.

A 'red bag' challenge which was initiated in February in a 'Love the Planet' campaign was equally successful. Sales of the bags were outstanding in just a few days, depleting stocks. IKEA employees involved in the campaign were presented with certificates acknowledging their efforts in achieving the outstanding sales.