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, third-party certification that empowers businesses to demonstrate genuine environmental, human health, and social impact across the entire product lifecycle. This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to sustainability, responsible sourcing, and the promotion of independently certified products in the furniture industry.
Enhancing Industry Sustainability Through Collaboration
As environmental and procurement standards continue to evolve, businesses are seeking trusted certification pathways to demonstrate compliance and leadership in sustainability. The partnership between AFA, AFISC and GECA is designed to support industry stakeholders in navigating sustainable procurement expectations, avoiding greenwashing risks, and delivering real environmental outcomes across the furnishings sector.
Through this agreement, AFA and AFISC will actively work with GECA to promote best practice standards, ensuring members are equipped with the knowledge and tools needed to meet growing sustainability expectations in both residential and commercial markets.
Exclusive Benefits for GECA Licensees
GECA certified businesses will also receive benefits through AFA and AFISC, including:
✔ 10% discount on AFA/AFISC membership fees for organisations with GECA certified products.
Exclusive Certification Benefits for AFA & AFISC Members
As part of this collaboration, AFA and AFISC members will have access to discounted ecolabel certification services through GECA, including:
✔ Waived application fee for GECA certification.
✔ 10% discount on the first year’s certification fees, making sustainability certification more accessible.
✔ 5% discount on renewal fees (up to a maximum of $1000), ensuring long-term recognition and compliance.
These benefits provide members a cost-effective way to strengthen their sustainability credentials, ensuring they remain competitive and aligned with industry standards.
Driving Sustainable Change in the Furnishings Sector
The partnership will also focus on advancing accreditation and compliance advocacy, aligning industry benchmarks with federal sustainable procurement policies and international regulatory requirements. This agreement will help drive greater awareness and industry engagement in sustainability initiatives through joint marketing initiatives, knowledge-sharing, and collaborative events.
AFA, AFISC and GECA encourage members and licensees to take advantage of these opportunities, demonstrating their commitment to responsible business practices and environmental leadership.
For more information about certification benefits and how to become an AFA or AFISC Member, contact the Australian Furniture Association at membership@theafa.asn.au or the Australian Furnishing Industry Stewardship Council at care@afisc.eco.
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About the AFA
The Australian Furniture Association (AFA) is recognised as the peak industry association for the furnishing sector supply chain in Australia. Collectively, the industry employs more than 250,000 Australians directly and up to 500,000 indirectly. With an estimated value of $27.4 billion, the furnishing industry is an important contributor to the nation’s economic well-being and wealth.
Their vision is to Grow, Promote and Protect the industry. AFA Members benefit from being part of a collective and respected voice. AFA delivers quality, industry-relevant professional services to the furniture design, manufacturing, and distribution supply chain. It focuses on advanced manufacturing, standards, testing, certification, compliance, training, sustainable business development, and advocacy for stakeholders and strategic industry partners.
The AFA works closely with the Australian Government on various industry and furnishings-related projects by providing advice and conducting extensive research studies on matters that affect the sector. It is recognised as the voice of the furnishing industry by government, media, and the general public.
About AFISC
The Australian Furnishing Industry Stewardship Council (AFISC) is leading the charge in redefining Australia’s furniture and furnishing sector by driving a sustainable circular economy model that prioritises product longevity, repairability, recyclability, and the use of low-impact, innovative materials. Aligning with global sustainability goals, AFISC empowers the industry to drastically reduce its environmental footprint and become a global leader in sustainable innovation.
At the heart of AFISC’s mission are groundbreaking initiatives like the Furniture Passport Australia System (FPAS), which offers unparalleled traceability and transparency. FPAS empowers manufacturers, retailers, and consumers to make responsible, informed decisions championing sustainability.
Our work extends beyond tools and systems – AFISC collaborates with local innovators to explore cutting-edge solutions and enhance the transition to more sustainable solutions. Through alliances, research, and actionable strategies, we are building a future where the Australian furniture industry thrives as a transparent, responsible, and fully circular economy.
