Koskela’s GECA certified PBS Coffee Table

Australia’s furniture industry is entering a defining moment. As expectations around sustainability, transparency, and responsible sourcing continue to rise—driven by regulatory changes, procurement policy shifts, and growing customer scrutiny—businesses are seeking credible ways to demonstrate they’re doing the right thing. And increasingly, they’re being held accountable for the claims they make.

Across the sector, one theme is consistently emerging: trust must be earned and independently verified.

This is where the new partnership between the Australian Furniture Association (AFA), the Australian Furniture Industry Stewardship Council (AFISC), and GECA will play a vital role in supporting businesses of all sizes to respond confidently, consistently and credibly to these demands.

A Partnership Built for a More Sustainable, Transparent Future

The AFA and AFISC are collaborating with GECA to enhance sustainability outcomes across the Australian furniture and furnishings supply chain.

As Australia’s only not-for-profit, multi-sector ecolabelling program, GECA provides third-party certification grounded in science, transparency and independence. Our standards extend beyond environmental impacts to encompass human health, social responsibility, legal compliance, material testing, and product performance.

This makes the partnership a natural alignment:

AFA brings deep industry knowledge, advocacy strength and national representation.
AFISC delivers leadership in circularity, repairability, traceability, and stewardship through initiatives like the Furniture Passport Australia System (FPAS).
GECA contributes rigorous, independently verified certification that demonstrates real and measurable sustainability outcomes.

Together, our organisations are helping the sector meet evolving expectations—from government procurement through to end consumers—while avoiding the growing risks of greenwashing.

Zenith Interiors’ GECA certified Media Conect Wall Range

Support for Businesses Navigating Complex Sustainability Expectations

The partnership aims to provide furniture manufacturers, designers, retailers, and suppliers with the tools, guidance, and verification pathways they need to lead with confidence.

This includes:

Insights into procurement trends and compliance requirements
Support to meet increasing due diligence expectations
Clarity on avoiding misleading environmental claims
Pathways to deliver verifiable, measurable sustainability outcomes

And importantly, it ensures organisations have access to credible, independent certification, helping them stand out in an increasingly competitive and sustainability-conscious market.

Exclusive Benefits for GECA Licensees, AFA Members and AFISC Members

The partnership introduces a suite of member benefits designed to make certification, stewardship and sustainability leadership more accessible:

For GECA Licensees

A 10% discount on AFA/AFISC membership fees is available for organisations with GECA certified products.

For AFA & AFISC Members

Exclusive discounts on GECA certification:

Waived application fee
10% discount on first-year certification fees
5% discount on renewal fees (up to $1,000)

These benefits reduce barriers and help organisations strengthen their sustainability credentials without compromising on rigour or independence.

Aspect Furniture’s GECA certified Forum Lounge

Why GECA Certification Matters in the Furniture Sector

The furniture industry touches every aspect of our lives—our workplaces, homes, schools, hospitals and public spaces. Choosing better materials and verifying performance matters.

GECA’s Furniture, Fittings, Foam & Mattresses (Level A) standard assesses products across environmental, human health and social impact criteria while ensuring they perform as promised.

According to the GECA Standard Guide for Furniture, Fittings, Foam & Mattresses, certification helps manufacturers and procurement teams:

Demonstrate leadership and build consumer trust.
Reduce procurement risk through independent verification.
Align with major rating tools such as Green Star, WELL and the IS Rating Scheme.
Avoid harmful substances and ensure lower emissions.
Meet strict criteria around design, end-of-life, social and legal compliance, and fit-for-purpose performance.

These criteria encompass the entire lifecycle of furniture, from raw materials to responsible end-of-life options, including refurbishment, reuse, recycling or disposal, and provide assurance that products are held to the highest sustainability benchmarks.

Driving Industry-Wide Change, Together

By combining industry stewardship (AFISC), sector-wide advocacy (AFA) and independent certification (GECA), this partnership is designed to accelerate the shift toward a more sustainable, transparent and circular Australian furniture industry.

This includes:

Joint marketing and knowledge-sharing
Alignment with federal procurement policy
Advocacy around standards and certification
Support for businesses transitioning to better materials and practices
Increased visibility for independently certified products

We’re committed to helping organisations move beyond claims to credible, evidence-backed action.

Ready to Strengthen Your Sustainability Story?

Start with the GECA Guide to Furniture.

If you’re exploring certification or simply want to understand what a robust, independently verified furniture standard looks like, we’ve created a comprehensive guide that walks you through the process, criteria and benefits.

This guide will help you understand:

What the standard covers
How certification works
Key environmental, health, and social criteria
How your products can stand out in a rapidly evolving market

It’s the best place to start if your organisation is ready to demonstrate genuine leadership in sustainability—backed by independence, integrity, and industry-wide support.

Why Independent Certification Matters More Than Ever in Australia’s Furniture Industry