Product stewardship is an approach to environmental management in which everyone involved in creating, producing, selling, or using a product is accountable for reducing its environmental impact at all points in its life cycle, including end-of-life management.
Whoever has the greatest influence on the product’s environmental effects during its whole life cycle bears the most significant responsibility. However, everyone in the product chain of commerce has a role.
According to the Australian Furniture Association’s research, early indicators demonstrate that the furniture industry is a major contributor to landfill waste representing an alarming 7%+ of items disposed of.
The AFA works closely with other associations, including those representing the motor vehicle industry.
The AFA recently attended an insightful workshop hosted by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI-MTAA) and Deloitte.
The focus of the project is to divert end-of-life vehicles (ELVs) from landfill. An issue that will be exacerbated by the introduction of Electrical Vehicle to the market causing the retirement of vehicles with petrochemical fuel-based motors. More information can be found here.*
*Source Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI-MTAA)
How the AFA is supporting Product Stewardship initiatives:
The AFA has previously reported on its advancements with an Eco Design project.
The project will be completed mid 2023 and will establish the groundwork for the governing council of the national Furniture Industry Product Stewardship Scheme. More information can be found here.* Courtesy DCCEEW
The AFA is also working on a separate project to establish a sustainable procurement guide to empower the government buyers to make sustainable purchasing decisions. Further updates to follow.
If you would like to contribute or require further information on either project, please contact strategy@theafa.asn.au. All feedback is welcome.