18 Apr 2025
,New Zealand
The documentary film “The Lord of the Forests. IKEA and the devastation of nature” available on the ARTE.tv platform exposes the disturbing practices of one of the most recognizable furniture brands in the world. The Swedish IKEA, known for promoting a sustainable approach to the environment, is presented here in a different light. The documentary reveals how the company contributes to environmental destruction, despite its widely promoted eco-friendly image.
The research documented in the film shows that IKEA, as one of the world's largest consumers of wood, uses around 20 million cubic meters of the raw material every year. Although the brand claims to strive for sustainability, the documentary reveals that one tree is cut down for its production every two seconds. Countless forests around the world suffer as a result of the Swedish giant's activities.
The film presents evidence that IKEA uses illegally sourced raw materials, and that the company's activities have negative consequences for local communities, especially in countries such as Poland and Romania. Intimidation and violence against activists trying to protect nature are a sad reality in these regions. The documentary follows IKEA's activities from the felling of Polish forests to the brutal expropriations in the Romanian Carpathians, where nature conservationists are attacked, all because of activities supported by corporate interests.
It is also worth noting the company's beginnings. The history of IKEA dates back to 1943, when a young Ingvar Kamprad founded it in Smolandia, initially selling small items. However, over the years, the company has grown into a world-renowned furniture giant whose operations now have a global impact. Despite strategic marketing that portrays IKEA as an environmentally friendly company, the documentary shows that the reality of the brand's activities is very different from its image.
Directed by Marianne Kerfriden and Xavier Deleu, the film sheds new light on IKEA's operations, uncovering uncomfortable truths about the brand's activities. The film questions corporate ethics and verifies to what extent declarations about caring for the environment correspond to reality.
“The Lord of the Forests” is an important voice in the discussion on corporate responsibility and sustainable development. It shows how even the most recognizable brands can participate in unethical practices with long-term effects on ecosystems. The conclusions of the documentary make us reflect on consumer choices and the role we should play in protecting the environment.
