The Australian Furnishing Industry Stewardship Council (AFISC) has brought together a distinguished group of experts to form its inaugural Industry Advisory Group, known as AFISC Champions. This marks a major step forward in advancing transparency, safer materials, and circularity across Australia’s furnishing industry.
Guiding the Future of the Furnishing Sector
Established by the Australian Furniture Association (AFA), AFISC was born from Commonwealth-funded research into circular furniture and chemicals of concern. These studies highlighted the need for an industry-led approach to track materials, reduce environmental and health risks, and respond to growing policy and market scrutiny.
“The furnishing sector is navigating rapid shifts in policy, procurement, and expectations around materials, durability, and transparency,” said AFA Group CEO Patrizia Torelli.
“This Advisory Group brings together the people best equipped to help shape a unified, credible, and future-focused response.”
AFISC Chief Operating Officer Michelle Thomas emphasized that the Champions’ insights will ensure the council develops tools and frameworks that work for Australian businesses of all sizes, across design, supply chains, chemicals, traceability, and end-of-life solutions.
A Diverse and Experienced Group
The inaugural AFISC Champions represent the full furnishing supply chain, including manufacturers, designers, sustainability experts, certification bodies, and supply-chain leaders. Their combined expertise will help guide the sector toward safer and more circular practices.
Strategic Working Groups
Each Champion will contribute to one or more AFISC Working Groups, focused on key priorities:
- Digital Product Passport
- Chemicals of Concern
- Designing Out Waste
- Standards and Compliance
- Ethical Sourcing and Chain of Custody
- Circular Procurement and Market Activation
A Strategic Working Group, made up of group leads, will coordinate efforts to ensure AFISC remains aligned with real industry needs.
Driving Practical Change
The Advisory Group will help develop practical solutions for material traceability, verified product information, and more consistent sustainability standards for industry, government, and consumers.
AFISC will continue to engage industry, government, and research partners through working groups and sector-wide forums to progress shared priorities and prepare the furnishing industry for emerging policy and market drivers.
“Our ambition is a furnishing industry that is safer, more transparent, and genuinely circular,” said Thomas. To Learn more about AFISC contact care@afisc.eco