Karen Pflug on IKEA and Why a Sustainable Brand is Good for Business

Karen shares her journey in sustainability, the challenges faced in transitioning to a more sustainable model, and offers advice for future leaders in the field. Karen and Harald also talked about initiatives such as "Assembling Our Future", presented at COP26 in Glasgow, the "Assembly Guide for a Better Future", and the "Young Leaders Playbook". The conversation highlights the significance of collaboration, innovation, and the need for businesses to take responsibility for their environmental impact.

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Takeaways

• Sustainability is a core value at IKEA, ingrained in its culture.
• The role of a CSO is evolving towards being a chief changemaker.
• IKEA aims to make sustainable choices affordable for everyone.
• Collaboration and communication are key to driving sustainability.
• The transition to a circular economy is a significant challenge for retailers.
• Investing in renewable energy is a priority for IKEA.
• Educating customers on sustainable choices is essential.
• Long-term thinking is crucial for sustainability initiatives.
• Every part of the business can contribute to sustainability efforts.
• Resilience and optimism are important traits for sustainability leaders.