Romania: IKEA cut down forests for furniture

An environmental scandal is breaking out in Romania. Greenpeace accuses IKEA of destroying virgin forests. According to Greenpeace ecologists, furniture makers cut down ancient forests in Romania to make some models of chairs and beds.

The Greens conducted an investigation using logging tickets, satellite images and storage sites for valuable wood species. The path of the wood from the cutting sites to the shelves of the Swedish company's stores was tracked. Greenpeace employees discovered 30 types of rare wood products not only in IKEA stores located in Romania, but also in 13 other countries around the world. "IKEA should not destroy the last ancient forests of Europe for the sake of furniture," said Greenpeace expert Geshe Jurgens.

In response, the management of the Swedish company reported that illegal timber and irresponsible forestry have no place in the chain of creation of its products. IKEA will conduct its own inspection of the entire production line in Romania. In case of confirmation of the above facts, strict measures will be taken against violators in the field of ecology, up to the termination of contracts.

According to independent experts, Romania has lost half of its ancient oak forests over the past 20 years, which are protected by European laws providing for the protection of the biodiversity of old and virgin forests.