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IKEA’s October Drop Gives a Second Life to Ocean Plastic

ikea-october

IKEA has today revealed its October drop, which in addition to a range of pieces designed to easily update your home for the warmer months, includes a handful of items made from recycled ocean plastic.

Moving away from simple basics, the October collection is textural, traditional and decorative, and is inspired by Dutch master painters. Earthy colours make up most of the luxurious pieces, in a warm palette of rust and neutrals, with compliments of dark green. Tulips are a recurring motif in soft textiles, while woven elements bring an earthiness to the drop.

In October, IKEA has ensured a big emphasis on handmade products. The move is in line with the brand’s mission to achieve a circular economy by 2030. “We are launching a cushion cover handmade by skilled female artisans as part of the Jordan River Foundation.

“We’re also launching a range of baskets in natural fibres and handmade by skilled artisans in collaboration with our IKEA designers, frying pans made of carbon steel and a mug made of surplus glass.”

Below, we take a closer look at some of the highlight pieces in IKEA’s October collection.

Kristinelund mirror, $49

The oval-shaped mirror features a decorative trim of woven natural fibre rattan. The borders are handmade by skilled artisans, which ensures no two mirrors are alike.

mirror
IKEA

Ålandsrot cushion, $24.99

Drawing inspiration from tulips, the lovely Ålandsrot cushion takes its traditional design from a textile at the Musée de l’Impression sur Étoffes in France. The pattern is originally from 1889, though the cushion’s materials are far from old-school. The textiles are 40% sustainable cotton and 60% recycled polyester.

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IKEA

Tillltalande cushion cover, $29.99

These character-filled cushion covers are hand-embroidered in collaboration with the Jordan River Foundation. IKEA’s partnership with the foundation provides long-term livelihood for female artisans, both Jordanians as well as Syrian refugees. Buying this cushion cover means supporting women in their efforts to earn a sustainable income and develop their skills.

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IKEA

Backig mug, $2.99

The glossy black mug is made using surplus glass, which not only helps to reduce production waste, but also ensures the mug is resistant to chipping and shiny beyond belief.

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IKEA

Lustigkurre baskets, $19 – $49

The natural fibre series of baskets are handy for storing soft furnishings or laundry, but they’re more than just practical. The baskets are handmade by skilled artisans which benefits the communities in which they’re made and sourced, but they’re also made from sustainable materials like nipa palm, jute, seagrass, bamboo and water hyacinth.

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IKEA

Musselblomma range

And now for something extra special. IKEA this October is bringing the limited edition Musselblomma collection, made from ocean plastic pollution including PET plastic waste caught in the nets in the Mediterranean Sea and collected by Spanish fishermen.

The Musselblomma collection consists of a tote bag, cushion covers and a tablecloth and is now available at IKEA Australia.

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IKEA

Shop IKEA’s new October collection at IKEA Australia stores now.

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