By Patrizia Torelli, CEO, Australian Furniture Association
Presented at the Monash Business School Bologna Workshop on Circular Economy & Sustainability ~ 20 June 2025
Australia is on the cusp of a circular revolution—an economic, environmental, and educational transformation led by industry, research institutions, and policymakers. At the heart of this shift is the furnishing sector, a $27.4 billion industry employing over 250,000 Australians. The Australian Furniture Association (AFA), through its sustainability partnership with the Australian Furnishing Industry Stewardship Council (AFISC)—is advancing national and global efforts to embed circular economy principles into product design, supply chains, procurement, and education.
Why Furniture Matters to Education
From universities to schools, educational institutions are major procurers of furniture and fit-outs. But fast furniture—mass-produced, short-lived, and often toxic—poses risks to both people and the planet. Over 95% of commercial furniture waste in Australia ends up in landfill annually, contributing to significant environmental degradation. With increasing expectations for transparency and sustainability, the education sector has a unique opportunity—and responsibility—to lead by example.
AFA’s stewardship initiatives directly support this goal by helping institutions procure safe, durable, and low-impact furniture that aligns with sustainability targets and curriculum themes.
Policy as a Catalyst: Environmentally Sustainable Procurement (ESP)
A landmark development in Australia’s circular economy journey is the introduction of the Environmentally Sustainable Procurement (ESP) Policy. Effective from July 2025 for the furnishing sector, the ESP mandates that all government furniture procurement—across departments, agencies, and educational institutions—must meet strict environmental criteria. This includes:
· Use of responsibly sourced, recyclable and low-toxicity materials
· Demonstrated durability and repairability
· Third-party verified sustainability certifications
· Participation in product stewardship programs
This policy elevates procurement standards across the education sector and requires a fundamental shift in how schools, TAFEs, and universities select and source furnishings.
Education, Industry and Innovation: The Furniture Passport Australia System (FPAS)
Developed by AFA and supported by AFISC, the Furniture Passport Australia System (FPAS) is a groundbreaking digital platform that enables full lifecycle traceability of furniture products—from raw material sourcing and manufacturing origins to certification data, carbon metrics, and repair guidance.
For educators and institutions, FPAS presents:
- Curriculum Integration: A live example of applied sustainability and supply chain innovation in Australia
- Procurement Transparency: Assurance that institutional purchases meet mandated environmental standards
- Research Collaboration: Opportunities to engage in circularity data modelling, material science, and digital twin innovation
FPAS is being designed to integrate with procurement, building, and asset management systems used by educational institutions, creating a new standard for circularity and accountability.
Research and Teaching Collaboration Opportunities
The furnishing sector presents a living laboratory for sustainability education, offering real-world data and case studies to support:
- Circular product design and lifecycle analysis
- Carbon accounting in composite manufacturing
- Digital traceability and AI integration
- Materials testing and verification in global supply chains
AFA and AFISC are actively seeking education and research partners to co-develop strategies that align academic programs with industry transformation. Together, we can create work-integrated learning opportunities, industry placements, and applied research projects that contribute to measurable climate and economic outcomes.
Practical Support for Institutions
AFA provides hands-on support to help educational institutions meet ESP requirements and transition to circular procurement practices. Services include:
- Risk assessments and procurement readiness audits
- Certification and materials guidance for tenders
- Staff training on circular procurement and sustainable purchasing
- Access to industry networks, funding support, and compliance expertise
Through these resources, schools and universities can demonstrate leadership in sustainability while reducing long-term costs and environmental impact.
A National Opportunity—With Global Relevance
Australia currently achieves a circularity rate of just 4.6%, below the global average. But the opportunity for improvement is significant. Transitioning to a circular economy could yield:
- $26 billion in additional GDP
- A 14% reduction in carbon emissions
- Recovery of 26 million tonnes of waste annually
The furnishing sector—through coordinated industry, policy, and education reform—has the potential to lead this transformation. The AFA is creating the tools and platforms needed to drive that change at scale, both nationally and through international collaboration.
A Call to Educators, Researchers, and Procurement Leaders
To embed circularity across Australia’s furnishing and education sectors, we must:
1. Act Now – Incorporate circular economy thinking into purchasing, teaching, and research strategies
2. Collaborate – Partner across sectors to align procurement with curriculum and compliance needs
3. Innovate – Use digital tools like FPAS to close the loop on waste, carbon, and resource recovery
The future of education is circular. Let’s build classrooms, labs, libraries, and campuses that reflect the values we teach.
For collaboration or further information: Patrizia Torelli – CEO, Australian Furniture Association
🌐 www.theafa.asn.au | www.afisc.com.au