A few years ago, IKEA adopted a code of conduct, which contains all essential components to IKEA's overall mission. This code is called The IKEA Way on Purchasing Home Furnishing Products (IWAY), and includes what IKEA expects from its suppliers and viceversa. The expectations comprise legal requirements, external environment and forestry management, working conditions, active prevention of child labor etc. The company strives to implement high standards related to people and the environment, products and materials, social initiatives, social changes, partnerships and their continuous improvements in their variety of furniture and appliances.
1.5 Background of IKEA.
IKEA is the world's leading flat-pack retailer, specializing in furniture and home decoration. IKEA is the world's largest furniture retailer which designs and sells ready-to assemble furniture like beds, appliances and home accessories. .
The company was founded in 1943 by 17-year-old Ingvar Kamprad in Sweden, the company is named as an acronym comprising the initials of the founder's name (Ingvar Kamprad), the farm where he grew up (Elmtaryd), and his home parish. IKEA started from producing local furniture by local producers and obtained positive attention from customers. After some years, IKEA's stores were opened in other countries such as Norway, Denmark and Germany. Ikea's focus has been to offer inspiring home furnishing ideas to consumers while maintaining their prices affordable. IKEA is considered one of the major retail that is present in 36 countries around the world with 279 IKEA stores within those countries. In the midst of the 1960s IKEA was in the process of opening new stores and in the designing phases of its most pioneering and recognized products of today, such as the POÄNG chair and BILLY bookcase (IKEA 2012). In the 80's IKEA was commencing to branch out into new worldwide markets that included the United States, Italy, France and United Kingdom.
