Black Friday and Cyber Monday Don’t Align with Circular Economy Goals of Australia’s Furniture Industry.
As Black Friday and Cyber Monday (BFCM) approach, our inboxes fill with sales promotions and retailers across Australia prepare for one of the year’s busiest shopping events.
While these large-scale sales can boost short-term profits, they also present significant challenges for organisations like the Australian Furniture Association (AFA) and the Australian Furnishing Industry Stewardship Council (AFISC), both of which are focused on building quality local manufacturing capacity over imported ‘fast furniture’, sustainable practices, and advancing the circular economy across the furniture sector. Sustainability-focused Australian organisations are increasingly concerned about the environmental toll of ‘fast furniture’. AFA CEO, Ms. Patrizia Torelli, notes that this trend resembles ‘fast fashion’, where low-cost, quickly discarded items contribute to growing landfills. This cycle of short-lived consumption undermines Australia’s strides in circular economy practices, where durable, traceable products are valued over disposable, mass-produced alternatives. AFISC’s upcoming digital product passport aims to counteract this by promoting ethically produced furniture that supports local jobs and sustainable growth.
For AFA Member organisations committed to responsible production and sustainable supply chains, BFCM events risk undermining these goals. Here’s why AFA and AFISC believe that BFCM does not align with the mission to transform Australia’s furniture industry into one that prioritises environmental responsibility, transparency, and long-term sustainability.
1. Overconsumption and Disposable Purchases
BFCM’s appeal lies in its deals, designed to drive quick sales and impulse purchases of often unsafe, non-complaint junk. But for consumers, this can mean acquiring items they do not need or that often won’t last, particularly when quality is sacrificed for price. In the furniture industry, such a ‘fast furniture’ approach leads to higher waste and a disposable mentality, clashing with AFISC’s and AFA’s efforts to build a circular economy where furniture is designed to last and easily repaired or recycled by Australian manufacturers and suppliers.
The AFA and AFISC is working to deliver solutions, such as the digital product passport to enable transparency, offering consumers insight into a product’s entire life cycle. BFCM, however, undercuts these efforts by promoting rapid purchasing without considering long-term value and environmental impact.
2. The Environmental Toll of BFCM
The BFCM sales rush brings with it a significant environmental toll, particularly in categories like furniture that rely on substantial materials and resources. A surge in demand means increased shipping, packaging, and production, all of which drive up emissions and resource consumption. This ‘buy and dispose’ mentality does not align with the sustainable practices AFISC and AFA promote, or the practices of Australian manufacturers and suppliers, where products are valued for durability, responsibly sourced materials, and minimal waste.
‘Fast Furniture’ platforms, offering heavily discounted products, often sacrifice longevity and environmental responsibility. Items shipped from distant locations increase emissions, while low-cost priorities raise concerns about production practices, social impact, durability, and disposal. Although initial savings may be tempting, these products can lead to higher environmental and financial costs over time. Not to mention the potential health risks associated with some chemicals, such as PFAS, found in imported products.
As an example, CHOICE recently found that all 15 coin and button battery-operated products tested from Temu failed at least one requirement of Australia’s button battery regulations. Although Temu has since removed the items, CHOICE is urging them to sign the Product Safety Pledge to enhance consumer protection. Stronger safety commitments from all marketplaces are essential to prevent these risks from reaching consumers.
3. Unsustainable Competition for Ethical Producers
For AFA Member companies that adhere to high sustainability standards, the deep discounts and volume demands of BFCM create an unsustainable competitive landscape. Ethical producers, who invest in quality materials and responsible production practices, can struggle to match the low prices of mass-produced imported goods. This price-driven focus risks putting local, sustainable brands at a disadvantage, creating an uneven playing field and potentially eroding the value of responsible production.
Through AFA, the Australian furniture industry supports ethical AFA Member producers who prioritise sustainability. BFCM, with its intense focus on price, risks displacing these producers by pushing unsustainable, low-cost options to the forefront.
4. Erosion of Consumer Trust and Awareness
Platforms offering rock-bottom prices on imported goods may not disclose the full details of a product’s quality or origin, leaving consumers unaware of the potential trade-offs in durability or environmental impact. For AFISC and AFA, whose focus is on consumer education and empowering informed choices, this erodes the trust that sustainable brands work hard to build. There is also the added ‘rip off’ risk that bona fide producers face on a daily basis, when their quality products are copied and sold off as replicas.
AFISC’s digital product passport initiative will address this by providing clear, accessible information on each product’s materials, sourcing, and lifecycle, helping consumers distinguish between quality, traceable items and disposable purchases.
5. Undermining Consumer Education Efforts
One of AFISC’s primary goals is to raise awareness around the importance of sustainability, transparency, and traceability in purchasing decisions. However, BFCM’s emphasis on speed and discount-driven buying diminishes these educational efforts, encouraging a ‘buy now, think later’ mentality. This short-term approach stands in direct contrast to the value of thoughtful, responsible consumption and leaves consumers with products that may not meet their expectations for quality or longevity.
Instead of rushing to secure discounts, we encourage Australians to focus on the true value of their purchases. Every item has an environmental cost, and AFISC and AFA believe in empowering consumers to make decisions that reflect a commitment to quality and sustainability over quick wins.
Supporting a Responsible Furniture Industry Beyond Black Friday and Cyber Monday
BFCM may be popular, but it doesn’t have to define our purchasing choices. AFISC and AFA encourage Australians to consider alternatives that support a circular economy, choosing items that are safe, durable, responsibly sourced, and designed with transparency in mind. By opting for quality over quick bargains, we can actively contribute to a sustainable, responsible furniture industry and help drive long-term positive change. And even save money in the long-term.
This BFCM season, make purchases that align with your values and look beyond short-lived deals. After all, a sustainable choice is one that supports your future – not just the moment.
For further information and guidance on removing PFAS from your products, or to learn more about the Digital Product Passport System, please contact the AFA at hq@afisc.com.au
Want to find accredited AFA Members? Visit theafa.asn.au or contact the Australian Furniture Association at care@theafa.asn.au