Environmental organizations argue that IKEA’s suppliers benefit from Romania’s corrupt environment, leading to alarming deforestation in the country. Recent investigations spotlight the furniture giant’s detrimental effects on Romania’s Carpathian Mountains, a region rich in biodiversity and home to some of Europe’s last primary and old-growth forests. Over half of Romania’s ancient forests have vanished over the past two decades due to corruption and inadequate law enforcement, with implicated activities happening even in protected areas.
Romania’s Forests Under Siege
Romania’s timber industry, worth billions, is at the core of this crisis. Despite European laws protecting around 3,000 square kilometres of forests as Natura 2000 sites, systemic corruption and poor law enforcement hinder their practical preservation. Nearly 40 million cubic meters of wood are cut each year, with half of it harvested illegally. In response, the European Commission initiated proceedings against Romania in 2020 for failing to address illegal logging in protected areas, but no decisive actions have been taken.
Alarming Findings on IKEA’s Forest Management Practices
Environmental organizations Agent Green and the Bruno Manser Fonds examined nine forest areas, seven owned by Ingka Group and two linked to IKEA’s supply chain. Their report uncovered 50 suspected violations of EU and Romanian laws, including:
- Clear-cutting biodiverse woodlands
- Exceeding permitted extraction volumes
- Neglecting to preserve biodiversity-rich trees like old oak and beech
Intensive commercial logging caused significant soil and ecosystem degradation despite being in protected areas. Only about one per cent of Ingka Investment properties in Romania were strictly protected, with over 90 per cent managed for industrial wood production.
Greenpeace’s Investigation of IKEA’s Supply Chains
Greenpeace Central and Eastern Europe conducted a separate investigation, revealing that suppliers for IKEA’s leading wood products contribute to destroying old-growth forests, including two Natura 2000 sites. At least 30 products from these suppliers were traced to IKEA stores in multiple countries, showcasing a clear link between IKEA’s supply chain and forest degradation.
The Role of Certifications and Legal Loopholes
Critics argue that IKEA relies on certification schemes like the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), which they claim are inadequate. These certifications allegedly fail to guarantee environmentally friendly practices due to conflicts of interest and insufficient enforcement. Although the FSC insists on high standards and independent audits, its effectiveness remains questioned, especially regarding preserving old-growth forests.
Definitions and Legal Frameworks
The Romanian definition of old-growth forests is stricter than that proposed by the European Commission, creating legal ambiguities exploited for logging. The EU’s Biodiversity and Forest Strategy for 2030 lacks legally binding measures, allowing Europe’s richest ecosystems to deteriorate despite existing guidelines.
The Influence of IKEA’s Business Model
IKEA’s burgeoning ‘fast furniture’ model continues to expand, with nearly 500 stores worldwide and significant forest holdings. As Romania’s largest private landowner, IKEA’s consumption patterns have raised concerns. However, there is still hope for saving Romania’s disappearing forests, provided IKEA acknowledges the impact and collaborates on sustainable solutions.
A Call to Action
For Romania’s biodiversity hotspots to survive, influential players like IKEA and Ingka must engage in transparent, responsible practices. By admitting past wrongdoings, they can lead the industry towards more sustainable forest management and conservation efforts.