Wittenborg Students Explore Sustainability in Action During IKEA Amersfoort Visit

Students Dive into the Operational Heart of IKEA Amersfoort

Students from Wittenborg recently visited IKEA Amersfoort to see how sustainability, ethics and circular economy ideas are applied in everyday operations inside a global organisation.  

The visit focused on IKEA’s Quality and Recovery department, where returned, damaged and unsold products are checked, repaired and redirected for reuse whenever possible.  

The visit was led by Dadi Chen, Deputy Head of Business, who highlighted the importance of students seeing how sustainability works in practice rather than remaining an abstract idea.  

He pointed to IKEA as an example of how company values are translated into simple, structured processes that guide real decisions inside the store environment.  

At IKEA, returned products are not automatically discarded. Each item is inspected and assessed based on its condition. Some are sent back to suppliers, some are repaired, and others are resold if they meet safety standards.  

The aim is to extend the life of products while maintaining consistent safety and quality standards across stores.

Inside the Quality and Recovery process  

For Somayyeh Nowroozi, Product Quality and Recovery Manager at IKEA Amersfoort and Wittenborg alumna, the work is focused on making fast, practical decisions that affect both safety and sustainability.  

“If there is an issue, it does not stay in one place. Other stores check their stock and we act on it together,” she said.  

Her role involves managing how products move through the system once an issue is identified, from store checks to supplier communication and final decisions on what happens to each item.  

“My job is to make sure each product goes to the right place,” she said. “The goal is always to reduce waste while keeping customers safe.”  

She explained how the work is not just handling goods that are sent back.

“It is not only about returns. It is also about how products are displayed and making sure nothing creates risk for customers.”

The Second Chance Corner  

One of the most visible parts of IKEA’s approach is the Second Chance Corner.  

This is a dedicated space in-store and online where returned, slightly damaged or discontinued products are sold again at lower prices instead of being thrown away.  

Customers can find furniture and home items that are still fully usable but may have small imperfections or be outside the current range.  

The system is supported by services such as spare parts ordering and van rentals, making it easier for customers to repair or transport items rather than replace them.  

Together, these services support IKEA’s wider approach of keeping products in use for as long as possible.

A student view from inside IKEA  

During the visit, Somayeh Rahmani, Quality, Recovery and Sustainability Intern at IKEA Amersfoort and current Wittenborg MBA student, shared her experience working in the department.  

She works with daily operations and data analysis to support improvements in efficiency and sustainability.  

“I support work that improves efficiency, product recovery and sustainability,” she said. “It shows me how circular economy ideas work in real life.”  

For her, one of the most interesting parts of the role is seeing how data can directly improve decision making in daily operations.  

“It is good to see how data can help make better decisions while still supporting sustainability goals.”  

She also explained how her studies support her work.  

“My MBA helps me connect what I learn in class with what I do at work every day.”  

Over the years, several Wittenborg students have completed internships at IKEA, with some continuing into longer term roles within the organisation.  

The visit received positive responses from students.

One student described the visit as “such a wonderful experience”. Another student, Olubukola Ruth, reflected on the experience as an important insight into business ethics and sustainability in the Netherlands.  

“It was an awesome experience I will never forget. It gave us an insight into business ethics in the Netherlands and also sustainability. I am glad I was there." 

WUP 06/07/2026 
by Erene Roux 
©WUAS Press