Ikea to pilot online buyback service for secondhand furniture

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Published: 2026-10-06T23:19:31.584Z • Permanent link

Ikea's decision to pilot an online buyback service for secondhand furniture marks a significant shift in the company's approach to sustainability and customer engagement. The Swedish retailer, known for its affordable and stylish furniture, has been at the forefront of promoting sustainable consumption practices. In 2020, Ikea launched its "People & Planet Positive" strategy, aiming to reduce its environmental impact by 2030. The online buyback service is part of this strategy, designed to encourage customers to return used furniture and receive vouchers in exchange.

According to Ikea's press release, the service will be tested in Spain and Portugal this year, with a potential rollout in the UK if successful. The company has partnered with the Spanish furniture marketplace, Decathlon, to develop the online platform. Decathlon's expertise in e-commerce and data analysis will be crucial in creating an efficient and user-friendly buyback system. Ikea's Chief Sustainability Officer, Eva Sundhed, has stated that the online buyback service is an essential step towards reducing waste and promoting a more circular economy.

Ikea's move is also seen as a response to the growing demand for pre-loved furniture. According to a report by the Global Resale Market Report, the global pre-loved furniture market is expected to reach $143 billion by 2025, with the UK and US markets leading the way. Ikea's online buyback service is poised to capitalize on this trend, offering customers a convenient and rewarding way to recycle their used furniture.

Ikea's online buyback service has significant implications for the pre-loved furniture market and the wider sustainability landscape. The service is expected to generate substantial revenue for Ikea, with estimates suggesting that the company could collect over 100,000 tons of used furniture in the first year alone. This will not only reduce waste but also provide a valuable source of data for Ikea's sustainability efforts.

The impact of Ikea's online buyback service extends beyond the company itself, however. The service is likely to influence the broader pre-loved furniture market, with other retailers and manufacturers taking note of Ikea's innovative approach. Research communities and policymakers will also be watching the service closely, as it has the potential to shape the development of circular economy strategies in the furniture industry.

Ikea's online buyback service is part of a larger trend towards sustainability in the furniture industry. Other companies, such as Patagonia and Reformation, have launched similar initiatives, with a focus on reducing waste and promoting sustainable consumption practices. However, Ikea's service is notable for its scale and ambition, with the company aiming to collect and recycle over 1 million tons of used furniture by 2030.