The furniture, fittings and equipment (FF&E) industry has always cared about good design, comfort and safety. But in the last few years, the list of expectations has exploded. Manufacturers are now being asked to prove that their products are safe, responsibly...
The Australian furniture and built environment industries are invited to participate in two complimentary back-to-back workshops hosted by Global GreenTag International on Monday, 17 November, at Novotel Melbourne on Collins. These sessions provide a unique...
Source AFA legal partner Archer Thompson Lawyers Employment law is a critical area for furniture industry businesses. In particular, the issue of unfair dismissal can carry serious risks for both employers and employees. Our partner, Archer Thompson Lawyers, recently...
A nationwide ACCC review of more than 3,000 products from 160 businesses has found that a staggering 90% of suppliers had at least one non-compliant product, and more than half were non-compliant across all items assessed. Since 2000, 28 Australians—including 17...
As Australia steps toward a circular future, the risks posed by non-compliant imported furniture threaten to undermine progress. In a global first, urban trees have been certified under the PEFC “Trees Outside Forests” standard, highlighting the untapped potential of...
The Australian Furniture Association (AFA) and the Australian Furnishing Industry Stewardship Council (AFISC) are urging both online and ‘bricks and mortar’ retailers to take note of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s (ACCC) latest warning ahead of...
Jardan, a proudly family-owned Australian company, and Australian Furniture Association member, is setting a new standard in sustainable furniture manufacturing. With a commitment to creating responsible furniture and lighting that deeply connects to the Australian...
On September 29, 2025, the U.S. government announced significant tariffs on imports of timber, lumber, and derivative wood products, citing national security concerns. These measures, effective October 14, 2025, aim to bolster domestic production and reduce reliance...
In partnership with BizCover – exclusive benefits for AFA members Running a small business often means your income depends entirely on your ability to work. But what happens if you’re injured or fall ill and can’t earn an income? For many small business owners, that...
Cyber threats are evolving rapidly — and for Australian businesses, including those in the furnishing and manufacturing sectors, staying ahead has never been more challenging. To help leaders navigate this landscape, the Australian Furniture Association (AFA) is...
The furniture industry thrives on innovation. New designs push the boundaries of ergonomics, materials, and form. But in the marketplace, a chair remains a chair, and a table remains a table. This elemental truth presents a significant branding challenge: how to forge...
The Australian Furniture Association (AFA), in collaboration with the Australian Furnishing Industry Stewardship Council (AFISC) and Rebuilt, has launched a groundbreaking partnership to bring Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment (FF&E) into the centre of carbon...
Plastic pollution is now recognised as a critical global challenge, with significant implications for the furniture industry, supply chains, and sustainability efforts. For the Australian Furniture Association (AFA) and the Australian Furnishing Industry Stewardship...
Marcus Downie joined the Australian Furniture Association 12 months ago and thrives on helping AFA Members achieve real improvements in operational excellence. While his 30 years in bus manufacturing might sound worlds away from furniture making, Marcus knows that...
When searching for government grants to support your business, it’s important to be cautious — especially online. The Australian Furniture Association (AFA) advises that the Australian government never charges for grant information. If you come across services or...
Marcus Downie, AFA Partnerships and Government Relations Engineered timber products are in the limelight and the Australian Furniture Association believe this is for good reason. Timber has a natural advantage in furniture and in buildings as carbon sequestration...
The Australian Furniture Association (AFA) is delighted to welcome the following new members to the growing community of furnishing industry leaders, innovators, and advocates: CEMAC Technologies – Specialists in workplace solutions and technology integration, helping...
The Australian Furniture Association (AFA) and the Australian Furniture Industry Stewardship Council (AFISC) are excited to announce a strategic partnership with GECA. As Australia’s only not-for-profit, multi-sector ecolabelling program, GECA provides independent,...
The conversation around ‘Right to Repair’ is gaining real momentum in Australia—and furniture manufacturers can no longer afford to sit it out. Treasurer Jim Chalmers’ recent National Press Club address confirmed that the federal government is preparing to expand...
By Mark Lazarus, Director, Lazarus Legal, Australian Furniture Association Partner Picture this: a furniture maker develops a sculptural reception desk for a commercial client. The result becomes central to the client’s space and brand. Months later, the same design...
The Australian Furniture Association (AFA) and the Australian Furnishing Industry Stewardship Council (AFISC) are proud to reaffirm their partnership with Good Environmental Choice Australia (GECA), driving forward a shared mission: to elevate environmental standards,...