IKEA U.S. has announced a strategic partnership with Vanguard Renewables to launch a nationwide food waste-to-energy program aimed at reducing landfill impact and advancing its sustainability goals. The initiative will convert unsold and inedible food from IKEA stores and restaurants into renewable energy through anaerobic digestion, a process that captures methane from organic waste to generate electricity and heat.
The program will be rolled out across multiple IKEA locations in the United States, with Vanguard Renewables managing the collection and processing of food waste at its network of farm-based and industrial digesters. The resulting biogas will be used to power local grids or converted into renewable natural gas (RNG), contributing to IKEA’s broader commitment to climate neutrality.
IKEA stated that the initiative aligns with its goal to become a circular and climate-positive business by 2030. By diverting food waste from landfills, the company aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support regenerative energy systems.
The partnership reflects a growing trend among major retailers to integrate waste reduction with clean energy innovation, reinforcing the role of corporate sustainability in addressing climate change.
