Cyclone Debbie’s Destructive Design

With the aftermath of Cyclone Debbie, our first thoughts are…how can we help? In the furniture industry, we could easily donate furniture from our fabulous Members and networks. However, after further investigation, we have discovered that sadly this is not...

E-commerce: Challenges and Opportunities for Exporters

As a well-established hub for finance and trade, Hong Kong is home to many traders who have a wealth of experience in conducting import and export business. Thanks to efficient management, the bilingual environment and an internationally-recognised legal regime, it...

Training Providers Forum 2017

The WA Forum is getting a makeover, becoming a one day conference for the first time. A busy and vibrant one day program will both engage and challenge delegates. In 2017 the Forum themes will focus on: the student experience; employer perspectives; and assessment....

A Handy Reference Guide to the 20 Greenest Materials

Have you ever wondered what the greenest materials are…we found this handy go-to list of the friendliest materials that have our planet covered. http://ecosalon.com/a-handy-reference-guide-to-the-20-greenest-materials/

Pantones colour of the year – Greenery!

In keeping with a green theme have you incorporated Pantones colour of the year into any of your designs? If so we would love to see them…in the interim here are some thought starters from our friends at dezeen...

Green Interior Awards Open for submissions

Thank you to the green Interior Awards for their contribution to todays enewlsetter. The AFA is proud to be associated with the Green Interior Awards, which are now open http://us11.campaign-archive1.com/?u=bd04e0d033c6be47b454e3519&id=4109cb82f0

CEO News November 2017

I am excited to lead a delegation of Industry Leaders, Designers, Educators and Buyers to Malaysia for the EFE and MIFF 2017 events. Whilst my role will be to present on the importance of complying with Australian standards, testing, certification and legislation, the...

AFA CEO to Chair Government Appointed Industry Reference Committee

  Patrizia Torelli, CEO of the Australian Furniture Association, has recently been appointed as Chair of the Furnishing Industry Reference Committee. The new model, for developing and maintaining training packages, places industry at the centre of the process....

HOW DOES A GENIUS BILLIONAIRE ENTREPRENEUR HANDLE PRICING STRATEGY?

  …and what you can do to improve your pricing strategy     This week we received a great thought provoking piece from Ron Wood, Founder and Managing Director of Pricing Insight. He highlighted the email shared with the world for a very specific and clever...

Choosing safe baby furniture

Here at the AFA we are very concerned about the safety of furniture, especially with the toppling furniture incidents that have been reported lately. Safe baby furniture and baby equipment will help to protect your child. You’ll still have to watch your child and...

Have you heard of Greenfly?

It is a revolutionary new online tool that helps you design environmentally improved products. It is a user-friendly design support tool focused on real-world design projects. Greenfly incorporates life-cycle modelling and EcoDesign strategies with easy to use,...

What is Eco Design?

Here is a  quick guide to Product and Industrial Eco-Design that you may like to take into account when you are designing or manufacturing products. http://www.datta.vic.edu.au/sites/default/files/prodindustr_ecodesign_quickguide.ashx.pdf

Let’s Talk About Shelving … In the Living Room

Houzz recently posted this great article on shelving. Please be aware when you are constructing shelving to ensure it is secure and won’t tip over. Please read the ACCC’s tipping standards legislation before installing shelving –  click here There is...

Late Payments are crippling Industry

An inquiry investigating payment times and practices in Australia is in full swing with preliminary findings confirming that big businesses and some governments are taking longer than ever to pay small businesses. So far 60 percent of small businesses are reporting an...

The Lady of the House’

Understanding the purchasing decision process of your customers is imperative in today’s competitive market. Customer profiling has been used in the fashion industry for over 3 decades and has been a driving tool in establishing market share. Knowing and determining...

Advantages of buying Plastic furniture

Plastic furniture is usually associated with brightly colored kiddie chairs or extra tables that are brought in for a church event. People don’t normally think of plastic when they’re furnishing their homes, but this mindset is starting to change. Many new...

Advantages of buying “Upcycled” furniture

Have you noticed a rise in people being interested in upcycling? Have you heard the word more often than usual? It’s a thing! So what is all the fuss about upcycling? And what is it all about? Upcycle Magazine says “Upcycling is taking an item that is no longer needed...