IKEA have released two new products that evidence a clear commitment to sustainable commerce.

At the turn of the year IKEA asserted that consumers in the west had seen their need for homewear satiated. Steve Howard, head of sustainability for the Swedish furniture giants, stated that we had hit “peak stuff…peak home furnishings”.

The company subsequently established a research lab dedicated to producing products that would help to create a ‘circular IKEA’ – one that allowed customers to repair and recycle, rather than replace - by facilitating sustainable practices in their customers.

The first of these products is a convenient indoor hydroponics kit named Krydda, available in late May, that will allow consumers to grow vegetables in their own homes all year round. Krydda will allow for the conservation of energy and money.

The second is a bike (designed in collaboration with Swedish design company Veryday) named Sladda, which is aimed squarely at those living in metropolitan areas. The aluminum bike is low maintenance, lightweight enough to transport up and down stairs, and demonstrates IKEA’s commitment to limiting wastage by utilising a corrosion-resistant cogged drive belt, rather than a chain. IKEA believe that the drive belt will endure just over 9,000 miles worth of use.

Sladda, which will be  released in August, is available with several easy to attach accessories appropriate for city dwellers, including a rack, trailer and custom bag.

Leading fashion retailers such as Patagoniaand H&M have echoed IKEA’s sense of social responsibility.  Seoul based Hotel Cappuccino and Notting Hill’s Tiny Leaf restaurant also offer examples of sustainable commerce.