ENVIRONMENTAL. SOCIAL. GOVERNANCE.
The Australian Furniture Association (AFA) supports Members in understanding and meeting their obligations around product safety, industry standards, compliance, and regulatory requirements.
Through expert advice, industry resources, and practical programs, the AFA helps furniture businesses operate responsibly while meeting evolving legal and market expectations.
Our goal is to support Members in building trusted, compliant, and competitive businesses while strengthening the integrity and reputation of the Australian furnishing industry.
Why This Matters for Members
AFA Members gain access to guidance and support that helps them:
- Stay up to date with industry regulations and safety standards
- Reduce compliance and operational risk
- Demonstrate professional credibility and industry leadership
- Meet procurement and ESG expectations
- Strengthen customer trust and business reputation
With the right knowledge and support, AFA Members stay ahead of the competition while operating responsibly and compliantly.
ESG Criteria
Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles are becoming increasingly important across global supply chains.
Procurement bodies, investors, government agencies, and consumers are placing greater emphasis on working with organisations that demonstrate responsible environmental, social, and governance practices.
Understanding ESG helps furniture businesses remain competitive, compliant, and aligned with modern business expectations.
Environmental
Environmental criteria focus on how a company manages its environmental impact and sustainability practices.
Examples include:
- Use of renewable energy
- Responsible waste management
- Managing air and water pollution risks
- Sustainable sourcing of raw materials
- Deforestation considerations where applicable
- Environmentally responsible manufacturing practices
These initiatives help organisations reduce their environmental footprint while meeting increasing sustainability expectations.
Social
Social criteria relate to how organisations manage relationships with employees, customers, suppliers, and communities.
A major focus is ensuring a safe, supportive, and fair workplace.
Key areas include:
- Fair pay and employment conditions
- Safe and healthy working environments
- Career progression opportunities
- Training and professional development
- Flexible work arrangements, including remote work
- Employee wellbeing programs and benefits
Strong social practices help attract talent, improve retention, and strengthen organisational culture.
Governance
Governance refers to how an organisation is managed, directed, and held accountable.
Effective governance ensures transparency, ethical leadership, and responsible decision-making.
Important governance elements include:
- Leadership accountability
- Ethical business practices
- Transparent compliance and reporting
- Responsible supply chain management
- Stakeholder engagement with employees, suppliers, customers, and the community
- Effective risk management
Strong governance builds trust with regulators, partners, and customers.
Learn More
If you would like more information about AFA compliance guidance, industry standards, or ESG support, submit an enquiry below or visit our Contact Us page.
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LATEST NEWS
Furniture 360 Briefing – September 2022
Furniture 360 Project Leader, Mark Thomson, speaks with the Australian Furniture Association (AFA) head of Partnerships and Marketing Jason Ross about the Furniture 360 project. Jason Ross – Mark thank you for your time. Earlier this year you were appointed Project...
Suppliers of infant sleep products legally bound
It is important that suppliers of infant sleep products are legally bound by the Australian Consumer Law (ACL) and are fully aware of their legal obligations in terms of supplying safe products…
Wood-n’t we all like to know more?
MORE than 100 architects, engineers, and specifiers will gather in Melbourne on August 23-24 for one of Australia’s largest timber industry events and AFA Members are invited to join…
Furniture Industry urges reduction of Hazardous Chemicals
Australia’s furnishing industry leaders are being called on to fast-track efforts to ‘design-out’ hazardous chemicals found in everyday household and commercial furniture items.
Venue operators face increased litigation due to furniture related injuries.
Venue operators face increased litigation due to furniture related injuries. The AFA continues to assist a number of furniture industry businesses to manage litigious situations. The increase in insurance claims is due to the lack of understanding by venue operators...
Furnishing Industry Regulatory Committee Established
The AFA Regulatory Committee brings together like-minded member representatives, with specialist technical expertise and insights into compliance across the supply chain.
Mandatory Reporting of Unsafe Products
There is an obligation under the Australian Consumer Law for suppliers to report any death or serious injury or illness associated with their products to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission. Suppliers will not know about an incident unless they are contacted by the consumer or health clinician, information is posted on social media or becomes part of a mainstream media news story. This mode is increasingly common especially when the consumer is not feeling heard by the supplier or government agency.
Advance Notice of Impending Regulatory Changes – What you need to do now
The AFA was involved in significant research in 2021 which has resulted in the identification of a number of Chemicals used in the manufacture of products which will be phased out in the next few years.
Urban Eyesore – the Tip of the Iceberg
Bushfire and flood emergencies have highlighted the extent of Australia’s furniture waste problem – a familiar urban eyesore on pavements and nature strips and a massive public health and disposal issue for Councils. However, what we see on our streets, is only the tip of the iceberg, as far as furniture waste is concerned.
IChEMS: Australia’s new Industrial Chemicals Environmental Management Standard
The Industrial Chemicals Environmental Management Standard directs industrial chemical introduction, use and disposal.
How your business can gain more tax incentives for energy upgrades
Business Australia and the Energy Efficiency Council (EEC) are hosting a panel discussion on how smart energy can improve business productivity and cut costs. Register here
Industry Opportunity Through Stewardship System
A resilient and sustainable furniture industry, with Australia positioned as a global leader in innovation, is the aim of a three-year programme to develop a commercial furniture Product Stewardship system with minimal financial impact on the industry.
Buying furniture for a venue? Top tips to avoid the risk of litigation.
The Australasian Furnishing Association (AFA) continues to assist its Members manage litigious situations. The increase in claims is due to the lack of understanding from Buyers or Specifiers about the right, fit for purpose product and the maintenance regime required...
Scientists link low sperm count and other health concerns to chemical exposure in furniture products
Scientists have linked the fact that men in the Western world produce half as much sperm as they did 40 years ago due to exposure to toxic chemicals.
Chemicals management in the Australian furniture and furnishing industry – Final Report
Chemicals management in the Australian furniture – Chemicals of concern are a growing health and environmental issue.
Timber Due Diligence Compliance Toolkit
Timber Due Diligence Compliance Want to Book your own dedicated Timber Due Diligence Compliance Check for your Business Team? Businesses and individuals who import regulated timber products into Australia, or who process domestically grown raw logs, may face penalties...
Australian Businesses responsible for imported product safety
As a result they can be held liable for any defect or other condition that renders the product unsafe and results in injury, death or damage.Generally, all businesses that manufacture or import products will have Public & Products Liability Insurance. However, the...
Protect Your Family From Toppling Furniture – A Best Practice Guide
Children like climbing on things, especially if there is something attractive up high. Household furniture like bookshelves, wardrobes, storage and entertainment units can be attractive to climb. So too is furniture such as tallboys or home office filing cabinets, where pulled-out drawers can act as stairs for climbing.
If tipped over, the weight of the unit and its contents become a lethal force.
The latest version of the AFA’s Toppling Furniture Prevention Best Practice Guide is now available.
Furnishing Industry Timber Due Diligence Toolkit LAUNCHED
The Australasian Furnishing Association is proud to launch the Furnishing Industry Timber Due Diligence Toolkit. ‘The AFA, together with stakeholder partners and the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources, has developed the ‘AFA Timber Due Diligence System’ to...
Understanding and Exploring Chemicals Management in the Furniture and Furnishing Industry
Research shows that chemicals of concern used in manufactured furniture and furnishings can lead to environmental and health impacts and the industry was recently earmarked by government for review.