Sustainability News for February 24th: Introduction
Sustainability and success aren’t opposites, and this week’s Sustainability News for February 24th proves it. From IKEA’s parent company cutting emissions while boosting revenue to food suppliers driving the shift to plant-based diets and British farmers embracing biodiversity mapping, real progress is happening.
These stories show that when businesses commit to action, sustainability becomes more than just a goal—it becomes a reality. Ready to explore the latest innovations shaping a greener future? Let’s get started!
IKEA’s Parent Company Slashes Emissions by 30%—While Growing Revenue
IKEA’s parent company, Ingka Group, has pulled off an impressive feat—cutting its absolute emissions by 30.1% since 2016 while increasing revenue by nearly 24%. That’s proof that reducing carbon doesn’t have to mean shrinking a business.
How did they do it? Massive investments in renewable energy (€4.2bn so far, with another €0.7bn pledged), reducing Scope 1 and 2 emissions, and making huge progress in zero-emission deliveries (now at 41.1%, with a goal of 90% by 2028). And let’s not forget waste reduction, with 77.7% of operational waste now recycled.
Beyond emissions, Ingka Group is expanding circular business models—think buyback and resale schemes and peer-to-peer furniture marketplaces. They’re also supporting social sustainability, providing training and work opportunities for refugees and donating thousands of hours to community causes.
CEO Jesper Brodin sums it up: “We prove that the business case for investing in climate action works.” The Play It Green community already knows that—now, the world’s biggest brands are catching on too.
Ahold Delhaize Backs the Plant-Based Protein Boom
Europe’s plant-based movement just got a major boost. Ahold Delhaize, one of the continent’s biggest food retailers, is aiming for a 50% plant-based protein sales ratio by 2030.
Why? Because 95% of their emissions come from their supply chain, and animal-based proteins are a huge contributor. By shifting towards plant-based products, they’re tackling carbon emissions at the source while helping customers make more sustainable food choices.
They’re doing this through better product promotion, partnerships with farmers to cut emissions from animal proteins, and loyalty programme incentives for plant-based purchases. And it’s not just about what they sell—Ahold Delhaize is also investing in customer education, helping people understand the environmental and health benefits of eating more plant-based meals.
The shift isn’t happening in isolation. Lidl GB recently set its own targets to boost plant-based food sales by 20% by 2030, and the WWF’s “Planet-Based Diets” framework is gaining traction across the industry.
The Play It Green community knows that even small dietary shifts can have a huge impact—and with major supermarkets driving the change, plant-based eating is set to go mainstream faster than ever.
Waitrose Empowers Farmers to Boost Biodiversity
British farmers are getting high-tech help to assess and improve biodiversity, thanks to a new partnership between Waitrose and Land App. More than 2,000 farmers in Waitrose’s supply chain will get free access to digital mapping tools, helping them measure dozens of sustainability metrics in real time.
Why does this matter? Because nature-friendly farming is key to ensuring food security while tackling climate change. Armed with this new data, farmers can pinpoint areas for improvement, connect with experts from the Wildlife Trusts and the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group, and make meaningful environmental changes.
Waitrose will monitor year-on-year progress, making sure that sustainability isn’t just a buzzword but an ongoing commitment.
James Bailey, Waitrose’s executive director, put it best: “British farmers are the backbone of our food system, and this partnership is about supporting them to secure a sustainable future for their farms.”
With extreme weather, flooding, falling farm profits, and post-Brexit challenges piling up, this kind of practical support is more crucial than ever. The Play It Green community stands with farmers making these essential changes, ensuring that sustainability works for both the land and the people who care for it.
Sustainability News for February 24th: Wrap-Up
This week’s Sustainability News for February 24th is a reminder that progress is possible when businesses commit to real action. IKEA’s parent company is proving that climate action and profit can go hand in hand, Ahold Delhaize is making plant-based food a mainstream option, and Waitrose is empowering farmers with the tools they need to support biodiversity.
Our community is all about taking real steps toward a greener future—and stories like these show that small actions can lead to big results. Let’s keep the momentum going.
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