LATEST NEWS
Global Plastic Treaty Negotiations: Key Insights for the Furnishing Industry
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...
Meet Marcus: Your Partner in Operational Excellence
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...
Don’t Pay for Government Grant Information — Protect Your Business from Scams
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...
Engineered Timber Products are increasingly being specified – here’s why.
Marcus Downie, AFA Partnerships and Government Relations Engineered timber products are in the limelight and the Australian Furniture Association believe this is for good reason. Timber has a natural advantage in furniture and in buildings as carbon sequestration...
Supporting Better Choices: GECA Partners with AFA and AFISC to Elevate Sustainability in Furniture
The Australian Furniture Association (AFA) and the Australian Furniture Industry Stewardship Council (AFISC) are excited to announce a strategic partnership with GECA. As Australia’s only not-for-profit, multi-sector ecolabelling program, GECA provides independent,...
Future-Proofing Furniture Manufacturing—Why Right to Repair Legislation Matters Now
The conversation around ‘Right to Repair’ is gaining real momentum in Australia—and furniture manufacturers can no longer afford to sit it out. Treasurer Jim Chalmers’ recent National Press Club address confirmed that the federal government is preparing to expand...
Who Owns the Design? Protecting Bespoke Furniture from Client Reuse and Copying
By Mark Lazarus, Director, Lazarus Legal, Australian Furniture Association Partner Picture this: a furniture maker develops a sculptural reception desk for a commercial client. The result becomes central to the client’s space and brand. Months later, the same design...
Strengthening Sustainability in Furniture: AFA, AFISC & GECA Unite
The Australian Furniture Association (AFA) and the Australian Furnishing Industry Stewardship Council (AFISC) are proud to reaffirm their partnership with Good Environmental Choice Australia (GECA), driving forward a shared mission: to elevate environmental standards,...
AFA vs AFISC: What’s the Difference, and Why It Matters to Your Business
As the Australian furnishing industry continues to evolve, two key organisations are leading the way - each with a distinct purpose. If you’ve ever wondered whether to join the Australian Furniture Association (AFA) or the Australian Furnishing Industry Stewardship...
Driving Circularity in Australia’s Furnishing Sector: A Blueprint for Education, Research, and Industry Reform
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...