IKEA Marine Materials Innovation Program 2022

At Impact Hub, we are excited to team up once again with IKEA of Sweden, this time to find innovative ideas around marine materials for the packaging sector. After a successful Packaging Innovation Program, applications are now open to the IKEA Marine Materials Program.

IKEA has committed to becoming circular and climate positive – which means reducing more greenhouse gas emissions than the full IKEA value chain emits while growing the IKEA business. As a curious company with a constant drive to enable people to live a better everyday life within the limits of the planet, they are also invested in making packaging alternatives more sustainable and safer – for both people and our planet. Thus, IKEA is now looking for startups working specifically with marine materials that can be used in products. Marine Materials could be algae, bacteria, fungi, seagrass, or by-products from the fish industry.

How it works

On behalf of IKEA of Sweden, Impact Hub is looking for ventures/packaging entrepreneurs bringing creative solutions to one of the following areas:

Packaging materials of the future. Particularly materials that will protect IKEA products and make sure they reach customers safely? Exploring all material, including waste materials from other industries, but not compostable and biodegradable solutions.

Product packaging meeting delivery demands. Specifically new materials that enable safe transport through various channels to our customers. IKEA is curious about new innovative handling material, the function of packaging and re-use/multi-use solutions.

The selected ventures will:

• Pitch to IKEA
• Have the chance to be selected to develop a pilot with IKEA

Apply to IKEA Marine Materials Innovation Program by 18 May 2022 (Terms & Conditions).

Learn more about why IKEA is innovating in the packaging ecosystem and what they’re looking for in collaboration with ventures on IKEA Today.

Eligibility criteria and selection

Eligibility criteria and selection Participation in this program is open to all impact-driven ventures who are trying to tackle the two Ikea business challenges as described above:

• Packaging materials of the future.
• Product packaging meeting delivery demands. and who fulfill the following criteria; Should be able to fit scale and processes in IKEA
• Should be implementable at scale
• Should have thought about the supply chain aspect of circularity
• Should be accessible
• Should have a good insight into CAPEX optimization to have good low-cost optimization at scale

Should incorporate all aspects of democratic design:

• Should be more sustainable from a carbon footprint perspective
• Should be affordable at scale with the right pre-conditions for a low-cost offer to IKEA customers
• Should be implementable at scale
• Should have practical functional properties and a form that is appealing to the IKEAs packaging agenda

Should match IKEA culture and values

• Simplicity
• Daring to be different
• Cost consciousness
• Lead by example
• Renew and improve
• Give and take responsibility
• Caring for people and the planet
• Togetherness