IWAY: A PLEDGE. A PROMISE. NO TWO WAYS ABOUT IT
There are things that can’t be compromised. Safety, respect for people of all ages, and the environment.
We call it IWAY - A code of conduct detailing the minimum requirements we expect from our suppliers as well as what they can expect from us in return. That includes: zero tolerance for child or forced labour; safe, healthy working conditions; compliance with all local laws; care with chemicals – and more. It’s a two-way street, and so IKEA coworkers are often on-site to support suppliers, motivate them to take increased responsibility, and to make sure our requirements are met.
The work is ongoing, but since IWAY began in the year 2000, we’ve seen continuous positive progress – already over 100,000 improvements at various suppliers worldwide.
Low price. But not at any price. As we see it, there’s no other way.
Making the grade as an IKEA supplier
To start a business relationship with IKEA, suppliers must fulfill some basic stringent requirements that include:
- No forced or bonded labour
- No child labour
- No solid wood, veneer, plywood, or layer-glued wood from intact natural forests, or from forests designated as having high conservation values
IKEA suppliers must also develop an action plan that includes a timeline for meeting other IWAY requirements.
Tracking compliance
We have internal and third-party auditors whose job is to ensure our suppliers comply with IWAY. They review the practices of our suppliers in Europe, Asia and the Americas to see how they perform on a number of measures relating to such matters as emissions, child labour, workers' health and safety, and forestry management.
© Inter IKEA Systems B.V. 1999 - 2010