Case Study

District Australia

District’s mission is to help others create beautiful worlds. Every product they source has a story worth telling. District and its designers from Australia, New Zealand, and Europe offer iconic products for contemporary homes and workplaces. A GECA ecolabel licensee since 2016, District have an impressive 96 products certified under our Furniture & Fittings standard!

We asked Vanessa Masson, District’s Sustainability Lead, about their industry’s sustainability challenges and opportunities and the role of GECA certification.

What are some of your organisation’s key sustainability priorities? 

As a small, family-run business with big ambitions, we’re focused on minimising our environmental impact through local manufacturing, strengthening circular economy capabilities, and fostering long-term partnerships that reflect our values. While we’re not perfect, we are committed to embedding sustainable practices across all aspects of our operations, from product design to manufacturing and beyond.

Photo: GECA certified Habitat at 550 Collins by Studio 103_Jack Lovell

Why did you choose GECA certification? 

We selected GECA because of its strong reputation as an Australian-based certification program, recognised for its rigorous environmental and social compliance standards. The inclusion of modern slavery assessments and on-site audit requirements aligns with our commitment to ethical practices and transparency. GECA’s rigorous standards help us ensure that our products meet the highest environmental and social benchmarks. 

How important is independent certification to you and your clients? 

Independent certification is crucial in a complex and dynamic landscape where understanding sustainability claims can be challenging. Third-party certification, like GECA, provides our clients with the confidence that our products have undergone thorough checks and meet stringent sustainability criteria. It simplifies the decision-making process for our customers, allowing them to choose products with assurance.

What’s changed for you due to going through the GECA certification process? 

The GECA certification process has significantly enhanced our visibility and understanding of our manufacturing processes, product finishes, and ingredients. This deeper insight allows us to continuously improve our practices and offer more sustainable products to our customers. We also value the shared insights we gain from connecting with like-minded organisations, such as GECA.

Photo: GECA certified Branca Chair

What are the biggest sustainability challenges and opportunities within your industry right now? 

The biggest challenge facing our industry is waste! Transitioning to a circular economy, though complex, offers a tremendous opportunity to reduce waste and use fewer raw materials. The linear economy has dominated for too long, and it is time to embrace a more sustainable model that minimises environmental impact and maximises resource efficiency.