Furniture industry drives sustainability goals

The Australian Furniture Association (AFA) and Global GreenTag International have entered a partnership to increase sustainability benchmarks of furnishing manufacturing practices, product design and output.

This follows AFA research which has identified furniture and furnishings as being in the top ten high risk waste and sustainability categories.

The AFA delivers industry relevant, professional services to the furnishings and design supply chain, while Global GreenTag International assesses, verifies, and certifies sustainable product claims and attributes across the environment, human health, ethical labour supply and circular economy.

Plans include the development of focused, educational opportunities for the sector to drive up sustainability levels and the design and implementation of joint campaigns to build greater awareness of exemplar furnishing manufacturing practices and products.

The CEO of AFA Patrizia Torelli said: “The AFA’s Partnership with Global GreenTag International signals the ongoing work of Australian furniture industry leaders and the desire to be responsible corporate citizens in the quest for a greater circular economy and sustainability practices.

“We’re determined to work with the best in the business and look to our internationally recognised bona-fide partners to ensure that the Australian furniture and furnishing industry is a standout in a global marketplace.

“You can rest assured that AFA and Global GreenTag verified products meet community expectations.”

Further details of the partnership will be announced this week in Melbourne at AFA’s Grow. Promote. Protect. Forum 2024.

The CEO, Technical Director and Cofounder of Global GreenTag International David Baggs said: “The AFA is one of the most inspiring, industry support bodies in Australia and Global GreenTag is excited to implement a blueprint for action that we have jointly planned that brings our individual specialisations and shared goals together.

“We aim to build greater accountability amongst furniture manufacturers and assist them to understand and implement certification pathways that help to produce more responsible products that also meet standards set for building and interiors rating tools, which focus on sustainability in Australia and globally.”

Picture: AFA