A small but important change is happening inside IKEA's famous flatpacks. Starting in 2025, the company will begin replacing its plastic fitting bags – the ones that hold screws, bolts, and Allen keys – with a new paper-based version. This move is expected to reduce plastic usage by 1,400 tons per year.
This update is part of IKEA's long-term goal to eliminate plastic in consumer packaging by 2028. Switching to paper-based bags may seem like a minor adjustment, but with the enormous number of flatpacks sold worldwide, the total impact becomes significant.
The new bags are made from paper that includes wood waste from production. They are being produced internally at IKEA factories in Slovakia and China.
To ensure strength and durability, the new bags still have a thin plastic coating. However, they are fully recyclable. IKEA is currently testing alternatives to replace that coating with renewable materials in the future.
Real-life photo of a VITVAL bunk bed kit – plastic wrapping is still commonly used in fittings and packaging. IKEA is now shifting toward paper-based alternatives.
In 2025, IKEA will start using the paper-based bags in stages. They will appear in:
New collections like STOCKHOLM 2025
Selected parts of the ongoing PAX and KALLAX product ranges
The rollout will take time. Customers may still receive plastic bags in their flatpacks during this transition, but more and more products will come with the new version by 2028.
This packaging shift is led by IKEA Components, the company responsible for sourcing and packing IKEA's fittings and hardware. According to IKEA, the decision comes after several years of testing different materials. The chosen paper bags are produced using leftover wood material and are designed for in-house manufacturing.
The change reflects IKEA's wider Plastics Out Agenda, an initiative aimed at replacing virgin plastic with renewable or recycled materials across all packaging. IKEA believes that even small improvements – like a new fitting bag – are crucial steps toward a more sustainable future.
If you want to transform your home with a striking wall feature, the Gela Angel wall decoration by KARE Design is a masterpiece that immediately captures attention. This sculptural piece combines the beauty of golden angel wings with a classical bust silhouette, making it both modern and timeless.
The IKEA RISATORP basket was created with a simple yet thoughtful idea in mind – to store fruits and vegetables in a way that keeps them fresh and easy to see. The design is inspired by classic bicycle baskets, with airy metal mesh that allows air to circulate, reducing the risk of forgotten produce at the bottom of a closed...
Dividing a room doesn't always require walls or expensive built-ins. With a little creativity, IKEA's IVAR shelving system can do the job just as well – and look great while doing it. This timeless pine series is one of IKEA's most versatile, and when used in wider formats, it becomes a stylish and functional room divider for open spaces, bedrooms,...
Choosing the right wall color can completely transform the look and feel of your kitchen. In IKEA showrooms, wall colors are carefully selected to highlight the cabinet fronts, countertops, and overall design. Below, we showcase six real IKEA kitchen setups, complete with NCS color codes and styling tips to inspire your own project.
This cozy yet modern IKEA showroom combines natural textures, industrial-style FJÄLLBO storage, and elegant STOCKHOLM tables. Captured by Mauritz during a real IKEA visit, the space blends rustic charm with contemporary smartness – a perfect source of inspiration for compact apartments or stylish open-plan living.
When planning an IKEA kitchen, the choice between gray and white cabinets can shape the entire look of your home. IKEA's range includes both classic white fronts and stylish gray tones – from the elegant BODBYN off-white to the modern VOXTORP dark gray or AXSTAD dark gray.