How the IKEA Bag is Leading Public Policy Innovation

The iconic, yet humble IKEA bag, has become the workhorse for many Canadian homes.   It is a ubiquitous sight on public transit, at hockey rinks, in laundromats, and on weekly trips to the grocery store. There isn’t really anything that an IKEA bag can’t do (in some IKEA countries they even have FRAKTA inspired clothing!) However, the IKEA bag in all it's variations isn’t an accident. There was a clear and purposeful intent to the original “big blue bag”, one that aligns with current public policy direction.

Over the last few years, a number of jurisdictions have moved toward the elimination of single-use plastics. There really isn’t a public policy debate as to why this is a good idea. Plastics are a major pollutant. In addition to ending up in landfill, discarded plastics are incredibly harmful to oceans and waterways; IKEA is a signatory to the 2018 Ocean’s Plastic Charter. Rightfully, the Canadian government under the Single-use Plastics Prohibition Regulations (SUPPR) now prohibit the manufacture, import and sale of single-use plastic checkout bags, cutlery, foodservice ware made from or containing problematic plastics, ring carriers, stir sticks, and straws.  However, banning a product doesn’t in itself make the environment automatically better. People need to change their day-to-day habits.

The idea of finding a more sustainable way to carry items didn’t escape the attention of IKEA. Almost 30 years ago, IKEA introduced the FRAKTA bag.  While IKEA was intent on moving away from single-use plastic bags, we wanted to go further. It was consciously decided that the design of our reusable bags should be intended for as many possible uses in the lives of people, not merely just getting IKEA products home. It also needed to be affordable (only $1!).  Since then the IKEA range of reusable bags has exploded, from a large FRAKTA on wheels to the cute, rainbow STORSTOMMA perfect for taking lunch to the office. 

The example of the IKEA bag illustrates that solutions that benefit society shouldn’t just be expected from government. The heavy lifting (yes pun intended) has to be carried (yes, pun intended - again) by all of us. While government may use its available instruments, such as regulation, to facilitate change, the private sector also has a leadership role. IKEA was the first major retailer in Canada to stop providing single-use plastic bags and move exclusively to offering reusable bags. In that time Canadians have shown that they want to live better, both in their homes and on a healthier planet. Making sustainable options accessible, easy, practical, affordable are the keys to helping people shift their day-to-day habits (also having fashionable options help) Public policy is just that – public; we all have a shared responsibility to offer solutions.

Timothy B. Fuchs is the Head of Public Affairs for IKEA Canada. Prior to joining IKEA Canada, he was with the Ontario Public Service for 15 years. Tim's hallmark is his humour, having been a (very amateur) stand-up comic and hosting his "Humour in the Workplace" workshops for corporate clients.  Follow Tim on Twitter or LinkedIn