Ikea, the world's biggest furniture retailer, is preparing to serve lettuce grown in hi-tech containers outside its stores as part of efforts to improve its environmental profile.
Ikea, which demonstrated one of the LED-powered containers at an event at a store in Kaarst, Germany, expects to start serving home-grown salad to customers at its restaurants from pilot projects at two stores in Sweden next month.
"The conditions are perfect for maximum taste and growth, and you also have the sustainability advantage because you don't have the transport," said Catarina Englund, innovation manager for the Ingka Group, which owns most Ikea stores.
The containers, managed by circular farming firm Bonbio, have four shelves, carrying up to 3,600 plants, fed by nutrients extracted from organic waste, including leftovers from Ikea's restaurants. Circular farming involves waste food being turned into nutrients used to grow new crops.
The system means the plants need no soil or pesticides, and use 90% less water and less than half of the area of conventional farming, with the lights to be powered by renewable energy, Ikea said.
One of the world's biggest sellers of LED lights, Ikea also sells home hydroponic kits for hobby indoor gardeners.
Englund said about 15kg-20kg of salad can be harvested a day from each container, and growing the lettuce on site means production can be tailored to the demand of a store, reducing waste.
Reuters..