At IKEA, we want to offer low prices for well-designed and functional home furnishing products of good quality, manufactured under acceptable working conditions by suppliers that care for the environment.

The role of business is changing. To provide jobs, create profits and pay taxes is no longer enough. Both our customers and co-workers expect more from us. They expect us also to take an active role in influencing social and environmental issues wherever we are present. An often asked question is � is it possible to make traditional business objectives and social and environmental responsibility work together for the benefit of all stakeholders? Or is there a conflict between the two?

We believe they can work very well together. Done in a sensible way, social and environmental work is good for business. It is good for business because our customers will feel reassured that they are doing business with a company that shares their views and values. And it is good for business because it can also support cost efficiency. Using resources and raw material efficiently, saving energy, improving working conditions at our suppliers and through that getting more motivated people, will have a positive effect on costs and therefore support our business objectives.