Global GreenTag International has joined forces with the Australian Furniture Association (AFA) to increase sustainability benchmarks of furnishing manufacturing practices, product design and output.
Research conducted over the past three years shows that furniture and furnishings are in the top 10 high risk waste and sustainability categories and AFA CEO, Patrizia Torelli recognises this needs to change.
“The AFA’s partnership with Global GreenTag International signals the ongoing work of Australian furniture industry leaders and the desire to be responsible corporate citizens in the quest for a greater circular economy and sustainability practices,” she says.
“We’re determined to work with the best in the business and look to our internationally recognised bona-fide partners to ensure that the Australian furniture and furnishing industry is a standout in a global marketplace.
“You only need to look at the credentials to know that Global GreenTag is one of the best in the business and AFA members benefit greatly from this partnership along with the millions of Australian consumers across the nation who can rest assured that AFA and Global GreenTag verified products meet community expectations.”
Indeed, Global GreenTag International assesses, verifies and certifies sustainable product claims and attributes at depth across all aspects of impacts on the environment, human health, ethical labour supply and circular economy and will bring a deeper understanding of the value of product certification pathways for the furnishing industries, supporting AFA and its member and partner networks.
Plans include the development of focused, educational opportunities for the sector to drive up sustainability levels and designing and implementing joint campaigns to build greater awareness of exemplar furnishing manufacturing practices and products emerging in the market.
“The AFA is one of the most inspiring, industry support bodies in Australia and Global GreenTag is excited to implement a blueprint for action that we have jointly planned that brings our individual specialisations and shared goals together to help take the Australian furnishings and design industry to a next level,” says David Baggs, CEO, technical director and cofounder of Global GreenTag International.
“We aim to build greater accountability amongst furniture manufacturers and assist them to understand and implement certification pathways that help to produce more responsible products that also meet standards set for building and interiors rating tools, which focus on sustainability in Australia and globally.”
