IKEA Batteries | Who Makes Them?

It is understandable to be curious about where and who manufactures things like batteries. This helps you decide which type is more reliable and which you should purchase going forward.

If you have been impressed by the rechargeable batteries from IKEA, you might be interested in knowing who makes them since IKEA outsources manufacturing. While IKEA does not state who makes their rechargeable batteries, we can figure it out through a few key deductions.

Rechargeable IKEA batteries are labeled as being made in Japan. Since these batteries are also listed as Ni-MH batteries, it is easy to deduce who manufactures them and where. Only one company and one factory make Ni-MH batteries: FDK Co in their Takasaki Plant.

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IKEA Rechargeable Battery Type

IKEA rechargeable batteries are known to be Low Self-Discharge Nickel-metal Hydride (Ni-MH) batteries, as stated on the batteries (3D image view).

A rechargeable battery differs in design, as they are created with materials that can undergo the chemical changes associated with absorbing a positive charge and then return to the original chemical profile when the electricity is discharged.

Illustration of IKEA Rechargeable Batteries

Single-use batteries are destroyed as they lose their charge.

The composition of Nickel-metal Hydride batteries makes them more reliable in holding a charge and in the number of times you can recharge the battery.

These batteries are far more efficient than disposable batteries for running devices that require more energy (like cameras) and are better for the environment.

Self-discharge refers to how Ni-MH batteries lose charge daily when used in a device with low energy consumption. IKEA’s batteries are low self-discharge, meaning they lose less charge in standby than high self-discharge batteries.

Thus, IKEA batteries will last longer than some other Ni-MH batteries if you are not actively consuming the charge (like when you have your flashlight on).

Where The Batteries Are Made

Once again, the battery itself holds the answer, saying they are “Made in Japan”.

Aside from the manufacturing location, the IKEA rechargeable batteries do not indicate where they were made specifically. However, we have a distinct advantage in being given Japan as the country of origin.

Only One Factory in Japan Makes Ni-MH Batteries

Only one manufacturer in Japan makes Ni-MH batteries, FDK Corporation (which is majority owned by Japanese company Fujitsu), as seen in the statements from this Fujitsu battery pamphlet and this Australian seller’s website.

FDK Co has several production plants that manufacture batteries in Japan. However, we can further specify where the batteries are made. According to FDK, there is also only one factory or production plant that makes these Ni-MH batteries in Japan: the Takasaki Plant in Gunma.

IKEA is an international brand, and the company tends to use the same manufacturers for all their stores across the globe. Meaning the same batteries are likely to be found in British, Canadian, American, and European stores.

However, if you are concerned that it differs, you can look for the “Made in Japan” on the batteries on your regional website or in your local store.

Illustration of an IKEA Battery, check where IKEA battery was made

IKEA Rechargeable Battery Manufacturer

IKEA USA is notorious for not listing the manufacturers of their products like their fridges and hobs, and this is no different for their rechargeable batteries. However, we have the advantage of being told where the batteries are made.

IKEA’s batteries are clearly labeled as being made in Japan. If they are made in Japan, then there is only one company and one factory within the country responsible for the batteries that IKEA sells: FDK Co.

In this case, IKEA doesn’t need to openly state which manufacturer supplies the product as there is a single option.

Price of IKEA compared to Other Brands

If you do a little digging into the “Made in” labels and listed (or unlisted) manufacturers of a couple of rechargeable Ni-MH batteries, you start to see a pattern. So, I took a look at several rechargeable Ni-MH batteries from the FDK manufacturer to see what the price differences are.

True to form, IKEA boasts the lowest prices for their 4-pack LADDA batteries. Sure, there are a few other options out there, but their price is one of the cheapest available. The competitors I looked at are Fujitsu, Panasonic, Amazon Basics, Energizer, and Brightown.

Brightown _{^{(amazon link)}} was the only one that matched up with IKEA, but the smallest pack I found was an 8-pack. As far as I can tell, you can only order them online.

If you are just looking for the standard 4-pack without the delivery fee, it’s worth a trip to IKEA. Or simply add the batteries to your next order.

Amazon Basics 4-Pack AA Rechargeable Batteries, Recharge up to 400x, High-Capacity 2400 mAh, Pre-Charged

RELIABLE PERFORMANCE: 4-pack of pre-charged AA rechargeable NiMH batteries (2,400 mAh) for professional or everyday use
RECHARGEABLE: Can be recharged up to 400 times with minimal power loss; provides consistent discharge performance (requires separate battery charger)
HIGH CAPACITY COMPATIBILITY: Works with any device that uses AA batteries, but best for high power or continuous drain items like game controllers and wireless devices
LOW SELF DISCHARGE: Maintains 50% capacity for 1 year; ideal to power household appliances or to use while traveling

Last update on 2023-03-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Non-Rechargeable Batteries

You may be wondering why I have made no mention of the non-rechargeable, single-use batteries. This is because, as of October 2021, IKEA removed these batteries from their ranges.

This decision was published on IKEA’s website newsroom, with IKEA stating that this is part of their sustainability goals. Since rechargeable batteries can be reused many times, they have a lower environmental impact compared to the alkaline batteries you throw away after one use.

IKEA also stated that this decision was seen as a way to help customers reduce their waste production and save money.

If you are still curious about the alkaline batteries from when IKEA was using them, I’m afraid to say that I’ve not found much information. I found an image of an ALKALISK battery (IKEA’s alkaline range) that shows they were made in China, but I haven’t managed to narrow down the manufacturer.

I haven’t found any reliable source for getting these batteries either now that IKEA is no longer stocking the item for other sellers to access, so you will have to settle for a different brand of battery.