It’s nearly impossible to find a non-toxic Christmas tree that isn’t doused in toxic flame retardants and made from PVC. I nearly lost hope in finding a non-toxic tree until I checked out Ikea’s line of Christmas trees.
Non-Toxic Christmas Tree
Ikea has 3 different size options of Christmas trees, 70.75″, 59″ and 55″. We bought the tallest one, which still is a little shorter than I’d like, but I’ll take that over flame retardants filling up my home. Ikea’s trees are made from PET plastic, instead of toxic PVC. I also called Ikea to verify that none of their Christmas trees contain flame retardants.
Ikea’s trees are unlit, so you’ll have to add your own Christmas lights.
I have chemical sensitivities, so anytime we put up our old tree, my health suffered, so it’s crucial for me to have a non-toxic tree. If you are looking for a more natural option or have chemical sensitivities, Ikea Christmas trees are a great non-toxic alternative.
Update: This year, 2020, Ikea is offering a taller Christmas tree, 82.75″. You can also get an 80.75″, 67″ or 59″.
Natural trees are also an alternative, but be careful as most contain toxic pesticides. Find an organic tree but be sure to treat it naturally for bugs, so you don’t end up bringing a bunch of beetles, mites and spiders which are commonly found on spruce, pine and fir trees.
Thank you for your post. I notice that the tree descriptions do not mention flame retardant free. How where you able to find this information?
I called Ikea directly and they confirmed that their Christmas trees do not have flame retardants. Hope that helps!
Great! Thank you again!!
You’re welcome!
Where are you finding pvc and lead free lights?
Ikea has some string lights https://www.ikea.com/us/en/search/products/?q=string%20lights
Are these trees still lead free, PVC free and flame retardant free as of 2019. Is the new taller tree the 86.5 inch tree also free of lead, PVC and flame retardant?
Yes, according to their website, the materials are the same as originally posted. I actually just bought the taller tree to replace the smaller one I have.
If you’re able to confirm this information with IKEA (that the 2019 Vinterfest tree is still free of lead, PVC, and flame retardant) I’d be SO appreciative! I’ve called, emailed and contacted IKEA via Facebook and haven’t gotten any information other than what is listed online. I’d love to know if it carries a Prop 65 warning, too.
This is very helpful, explaining that they have no lead and no PVC in their products. They also address flame retardants. https://www.ikea.com/ms/en_KR/pdf/chemicals_and_Substances_en.pdf
Thank you so much for your prompt answer to my question! I wish IKEA had directed me to this document…it’s great information!
You’re welcome!
Hello,
Great article! I am curious too about these trees as the ingredients for the foot of the tree are different in some IKEA xmas trees over others. For instance, the 69″ tree shows the foot of the tree as containing “Polyester powder coating”, as does the 82″ tree, but the other sizes only contain “polypropylene”. So does this mean that the 82″ and 69″ trees are more toxic? Also the 82″ and 69″ trees also contain “PET Plastic”, while the ingredients of all other trees do not contain PET plastic. Does this mean these ones are more toxic or simply a different type of plastic added that is totally safe?
P.S. Thanks again for writing this article. I also have chemical sensitivities and am eager to find the ‘perfect’ Christmas tree! 🙂
This year there are two different styles of trees, even though they are all called “Vinter 2020”. One has a plastic stand and one has a metal stand. The branches are also made of different materials. The more expensive trees have thicker branches that look like Polyethylene. The cheaper version has branches that look more like traditional PVC trees. I contacted IKEA to ask a few questions about the newer version of the tree, but I have not yet received a response. I’ll post here if I receive any helpful information.
Thanks for the update. I checked the materials and care section and both Christmas trees are still PVC-free.
taken off the IKEA site
Plant:
Polyethylene, Steel, Polypropylene, Paint
Foot:
Polypropylene
Right, so it’s PVC free.
Thank you SO much for writing this article!! I wanted to get a mini artificial tree for my daughter’s room because I know it would bring her a lot of joy to decorate it for Christmas, but I was having serious misgivings about introducing harmful chemicals into her bedroom where I always try so hard to purchase the most non-toxic options we can afford. This was a lifesaver. I appreciate that you contacted IKEA to confirm about the flame retardants as well. I did try to click on that document you linked in regard to flame retardants, as I was curious to read it. However, it looks like it’s no longer at that address. Do you happen to know how to find it? Thanks again for saving me hours of time trying to research this!!
Hi Suzanne, I’m so glad this was helpful for you. I understand, I try to be so careful with what goes in my children’s bedrooms. The Ikea Christmas trees are a great option for a small bedroom tree. Here is the update link on Ikea’s flame retardant policy. https://www.ikea.com/ms/en_US/pdf/reports-downloads/product_safety/IKEA_FAQ_flame_retardants.pdf
I would love to know if anyone has purchased this tree in California and if the box has a Prop 65 warning. IKEA would not respond to my question about this.
Good question. I am curious about this too.
I can’t get ahold of one!!! Can anyone help or make a recommendation?? I would gladly pay for shipping but they are out of stock in the warehouse and the locations they are available at store level is a few CA locations, Atlanta and Brooklyn! I’m in Indiana! They won’t ship from the store location across states ….so you have to go to the store in person and then take to have it shipped yourself. I don’t have anyone who can do this for me and I fear my children are going to be so sad without a tree:(. Ideas??
Keep checking, Ikea’s stock goes in and out, so they may replenish it near you.