As 2025 comes to a close, the Australian Furniture Association (AFA) celebrates a year of progress, innovation, and collaboration across the furniture industry. From sustainability milestones to safety initiatives and member support, it’s been a year of tangible...
We’re pleased to congratulate our valued partner, Simplex Waste Solutions, which recently ranked #41 at the 2025 Smart50 Awards — a celebration of the fastest‑growing businesses in Australia. Why Simplex stands out Founded in 2021 by Lauren Abbott and Shelley Barbuto,...
The Australian Furniture Association (AFA) and the Australian Furnishing Industry Stewardship Council (AFISC) strongly support the aims of the Fair Gas Prices campaign, which calls for affordable and transparent gas pricing to protect Australian manufacturing as...
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,...
Australia’s defence sector is undergoing significant transformation, creating new opportunities for innovative and capable manufacturers. Recent industry discussions have highlighted what primes, investors and large-scale customers look for when partnering with small...
By Marcus Downie, Australian Furniture Association Furniture supply chains are complex beasts. If you are a local manufacturer, you might source your timber through a wholesaler or distributor. But where does that timber originate? How confident are you that it...
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...
