Zero-Emission IKEA Deliveries: Inside Ingka Group’s Strategy

The past decade has witnessed a dramatic shift in consumer behaviour, with a significant rise in online shopping and home deliveries. 

Recognising the need for a sustainable approach allows for companies to meet this growing demand.

Ingka Group, the largest IKEA retailer in 31 countries, is investing heavily in zero-emission vehicle transformation.

The importance of sustainable mobility

The transition to sustainable, affordable and safe mobility is critical for fostering better communities. 

The transport sector is an essential component of any thriving city or town, particularly as urbanisation increases. 

More than half of the world's population currently resides in urban areas, and this figure is projected to reach 70% by 2050. 

This surge in urban living has resulted in a corresponding rise in passenger and freight transport, contributing to GHG emissions, air and noise pollution as well as traffic congestion.

As a global business, Ingka Group acknowledges its responsibility to drive change within its own operations while also advocating for broader transformation in the transport sector. 

Setting bold and ambitious climate targets is key to this effort, as it creates momentum and demonstrates leadership towards achieving a net zero society. 

Aligned with the commitments of the Paris Agreement, Ingka Group aims to halve its emissions by 2030 and achieve net zero status by 2050. 

This includes significant reductions in carbon emissions across all stages of its value chain, including customer home deliveries.

Progress and challenges in zero-emission deliveries

In 2018, Ingka Group set a global target for all home deliveries to be made by zero-emission vehicles by 2025 despite not having all the necessary solutions in place across its 31 markets at the time.

Since then, the company remains transparent about the challenges faced and has adjusted its targets accordingly. 

The updated goal now aims for more than 90% of home deliveries to be made using zero-emission vehicles by 2028, alongside a similar target for company-owned and leased vehicles.

Karen Pflug, Chief Sustainability Officer of Ingka Group states: “We still believe that zero-emission deliveries are the future of retail. 

“As we look ahead and work with our new targets, through continued investment, innovation and collaboration, we remain strongly committed to our customers that their home deliveries will be made by zero-emission vehicles.”

A rise in online shopping has led to an increase in home deliveries, impacting emissions. Nevertheless, the company has made significant strides in its sustainability commitments.

 In the financial year 2024, 41.1% of retail home deliveries—equating to more than 6.3 million deliveries—were completed using zero-emission vehicles, up from 24.6% the previous year. 

Home deliveries currently account for 14.2% of Ingka Group’s mobility emissions, reinforcing the need for continued investment in sustainable solutions.

Today, IKEA products are delivered with 100% emission-free vehicles in 20 cities, across more than 300 locations, using a fleet of over 2,500 electric vehicles (EVs).

Ingka’s commitment to change

Ingka Group remains steadfast in its belief that zero-emission deliveries represent the future of retail. 

The Ingka Group has demonstrated consistent progress in reducing emissions, having decreased its climate footprint by 30.1% compared to the FY16 baseline. 

As the company works towards its updated targets, it continues investing, innovating and collaborating to ensure customers receive their products sustainably.

Simon Henzell-Thomas, Climate & Nature Manager, Ingka Group explains: “Climate change is highly complex, and we don’t pretend to have all the answers, but as a multinational business we have a responsibility to be part of driving the transition to net zero in society. 

“2025 is a critical milestone for governments to deliver their own ambitious national climate plans ahead of COP30, so we invite policymakers, industry peers, and customers to collaborate in accelerating the transition to a sustainable future. 

“We can only get there by working together.”

To accelerate industry-wide progress, Ingka Group has outlined key policy recommendations, including:

• Setting ambitious targets for zero-emission vehicles and phasing out internal combustion engine cars and vans by 2035, ensuring that zero-emission transport is accessible, convenient, and affordable.
• Encouraging zero-emission urban mobility through sustainable mobility policies and alternative fuels such as green hydrogen and sustainable biofuels for long-haul transport.
• Expanding the availability of reliable and renewable-powered charging infrastructure for both urban and long-haul transport.
• Supporting research and development of sustainable biofuels and other zero-emission technologies.

By championing these policy measures and continuing its investments in sustainable mobility, Ingka Group is not only transforming its own operations but also influencing broader industry change. 

Through collaboration and advocacy, the company is paving the way for a future in which zero-emission deliveries become the standard, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability and the global transition to a net zero society.

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