IKEA has become the first shipper to join the Digital Container Shipping Association's partnership programme, reported New York's Journal of Commerce. The DCSA+ initiative is designed to advance digital standards across the container shipping industry.

IKEA Supply AG, which manages the flow of products from suppliers to franchisees, said it aims to ship more sustainably and predictably by supporting the standards developed by DCSA. Global transport manager Ewelina Taylor said the move will improve transparency and ensure products are available at affordable prices.

The Swedish retailer joins Unifeeder, Europe's largest shortsea and feeder operator, along with logistics software vendors WNS and Vinturas, the Port of Valencia and Lufthansa Industry Solutions.

DCSA said adding a shipper to its ecosystem marks an important step, validating the relevance of the model and strengthening collaboration between cargo owners and carriers.

The association last month launched an identity exchange tool for logistics companies to manage compliance checks. Its carrier members include Mediterranean Shipping Co., Hapag-Lloyd, Maersk, CMA CGM, Evergreen, HMM, Yang Ming, Zim and PIL.