IKEA is one of the largest consumers of wood – about 1% of total consumption of wood in the world is used for IKEA products. More than two thirds of all IKEA goods are made of wood based materials.
One of three production plants of the company in Russia is located in Tikhvinsky district of Leningrad region. Potential investments of the company in IKEA Industry Tikhvin and provision sufficient volume of wood for production were discussed during a working meeting in IKEA headquarter in Älmhult (Sweden) which was organized by the Trade Representation of the Russian Federation in Sweden.
Anton Finogenov, the First Deputy Chairman of the Committee for Economic Development and Investment Activity of Leningrad Region, said that the company plans to conclude an agreement on investment project support with Economic Development Agency of Leningrad Region. IKEA is going to increase the volume of investments in reconstruction of IKEA Industry Tikhvin. This production plant is unique – it is a part of a complete value chain from managing the forest lease up to a final product delivered to customers through IKEA retail. 85% of the produced goods are exported.
Besides, the representatives of the company will join work of the Council of Timber Industry of Leningrad Region. The aim of the Council is to develop timber industry in joint dialogue between business and executive authorities.
IKEA follows the principles of responsible forest use. 98% of wood for IKEA goods produced in Russia has FSC certificates. IKEA sets a goal to use only FSC certified wood or recycled wood by 2020.
During the meeting Andrey Pivinsky, Director of Industry Development Centre of Leningrad Region, presented regional companies interested in cooperation with IKEA.
