New IKEA Collection: What's Interesting About It

A new limited edition IKEA HANTVERK collection has appeared in stores, which translates from Swedish as 'craftsmanship'. All items in the collection are handmade by craftsmen from social enterprises in Thailand, India, Jordan, and Romania.

IKEA began cooperating with craftsmen and small farmers as early as 2013 so they could earn a stable income, pay taxes, and support their families. Just imagine: now more than 5,000 people are involved in production, and 85% of them are women (who, compared to men, find it much harder to get jobs).

What's interesting about the new collection?

All items are made from natural and eco-friendly materials – banana fiber, paper of non-industrial production, and cotton.

The design was developed by IKEA designer Iina Vurivirta. As she says, there were no surprises. For example, here's what happened during the design of throws and towels:

"I sent sketch designs to a women's craft enterprise in India, where the artisans accidentally applied two patterns instead of one on the fabric. The appearance of the products only improved as a result!"

Instead of regular plastic storage items, IKEA offers lightweight baskets made from banana fiber – perfect for storing ornaments and small items.

Pillow covers are made at the Rangsutra enterprise in India. The prints on the covers are hand-stitched. By purchasing items from this collection, you help artisans and their families achieve a better future.