Question from Leah
We recently visited Chicago and went to the IKEA store there. Based on what I have read about this company, the store seemed like a dream. The prices were incredibly low and they had tons of furniture amd things to choose from. This is what I read on
“IKEA : This furniture and housewares chain boasts an environmental policy that prohibits the use of PVC, formaldehyde-based glues, brominated flame retardants, and other toxins, and supports the use of environmentally friendly, sustainable and recycled materials”
When I looked at IKEA’s website several months ago, I couldn’t find this information and I am wondering if ALL their products fall under this environmental policy. For example, the sell all kinds of mattresses. How do they not use flame retardents with conventional mattresses? Any idea? We are mainly looking for bunkbeds for our children and have considered purchasing at least the frame from Ikea since their prices are so low. Thanks!
Debra’s Answer
This is a good question. I actually love IKEA for their style and low prices. You can get things like cotton curtains and real wood desk accessories very inexpensively, but as to whether or not the wood is sustainably harvested or the glue doesn’t contain formaldehyde, well, it’s not labeled to indicate that.
I’ve read IKEA’s environmental policy too, in several places, but haven’t listed them on Debra’s List because when I visited the website, I didn’t find the policy there.
Also, when visiting the store and online, I found there were many products that I felt didn’t meet this policy, and no indication of which products did.
I think they need better labeling.
You asked specifically about flame retardants. The policy doesn’t say “no flame retardants”. It says “no brominated flame retardants”. They are using flame retardants, just not brominated ones.
I just looked at one of their mattresses. Under “product description” it says:
