Currently, it is estimated that the overwhelming majority of commercial furniture and fit-outs is disposed of in landfill.

Between 1 July 2017 and 30 June 2022, the Australian Government spent over $355 million on commercial furniture. The majority of the furniture procured by the government is imported (leading to imported waste containing hazardous chemicals and non-compliant with standards or regulations). Imported furniture is difficult to regulate, and verify the source and materials contained within and therefore presents a higher risk to sustainability, circularity and waste to landfill management.

Fast and Furious Furniture Leads to Imported Hazardous Waste – What now?

Sound sustainable public procurement focuses on cost as the base metric but should assess purchasing decisions that consider:

The complete product lifecycle – including reuse, repurpose, repair and end of life, and the broader impact on society – including community health, waste management, and environmental impacts, must include sustainable outcomes – including industry capabilities, advanced manufacturing, and innovation, together with long term economic benefits and factors – such as Local Jobs First, social policies, job creation, and the costs and benefits valued at their market or economic value based on reasonable and verifiable assumptions.

Right now

No efficient, reliable, and comprehensive resources currently exist to support procurers and buyers in making informed decisions based on the positive, sustainable, circular outcomes. This leads to fast furniture procurement. Procurers and buyers need efficient, reliable, and comprehensive resources to make informed decision.

The furniture industry is buckling under the weight of complex and cluttered compliance requirements and requires efficient, reliable, and comprehensive guidance on how to meet sustainability obligations.

Learn how the Furniture industry plans to future-proof a solution.

www.theafa.asn.au

Contact the host of The Future of Sustainable Furniture and Fit Out Procurement