AFA urges immediate action on PFAS chemicals in furniture

The Australian Furniture Association (AFA) is calling on furniture manufacturers and suppliers to take urgent action in addressing the presence of harmful PFAS chemicals, following increased media coverage of these “forever chemicals” and their associated risks. 

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) have been identified in numerous consumer goods, including furniture, where they are often used in fire retardants, stain repellents, and water-resistant treatments. These chemicals have been shown to persist in the environment and have been linked to health issues in humans and animals, with recent findings showing contamination of water supplies in Australia. 

The AFA’s 2022 government-funded study on Chemicals of Concern revealed that PFAS and other hazardous chemicals are present in a significant proportion of furniture products consumed in Australia, predominantly cheap imported ‘fast furniture’. This highlights the critical need for industry to ensure that their products do not contribute to the growing environmental and health risks posed by these chemicals. 

‘With PFAS found in drinking water, it raises the question: where else are these harmful chemicals present? Are they in the furniture we sit on every day – at schools, hospitals, workplaces, and in our homes? It’s imperative that businesses take immediate steps to assess the safety of the materials they use and ensure compliance with evolving regulations’ says AFA CEO, Patrizia Torelli. 

Preparing for the Future: PFAS and the ESP Policy Manufacturers must act now to remove PFAS from their supply chains, particularly as the Environmentally Sustainable Procurement (ESP) Policy, set to take effect on 1 July 2025, will impose strict sustainability requirements for furniture procurement in Australia. Under this policy, any procurement above $1 million will be subject to these new standards, and businesses that fail to comply may find themselves excluded from future procurement. 

The AFA is urging manufacturers to conduct thorough checks on the chemicals used in their materials, such as fire retardants, water repellents, fumigants, and coatings. It is crucial to request and review detailed material data sheets from suppliers to ensure that harmful chemicals like PFAS are not included in their products. 

How the AFA Can Help:

• Guidance: The AFA provides expert advice and support on ensuring compliance with upcoming regulations and identifying harmful chemicals in supply chains.
• Certification: For businesses uncertain about the chemicals used in their products, obtaining certification from recognised ecolabels can help ensure compliance with sustainability standards. AFA provides guidance on suitable certification bodies that assess chemical safety.
• Digital Product Passport System (DPPS): To further assist the industry in ensuring compliance, the AFA, through the Australian Furnishing Industry Stewardship Council (AFISC), is developing the Digital Product Passport System (DPPS). This innovative platform will provide transparency, traceability, and compliance for all furniture products, helping businesses meet the ESP Policy requirements and eliminate harmful chemicals like PFAS from their products. 

The time to act is now. With daily reports exposing PFAS contamination and increasing calls for stricter government regulations, manufacturers must proactively prepare for these changes. The AFA is here to support the industry in navigating this critical transition, ensuring a safer, more sustainable future for Australian-made furniture. 

For further information and guidance on removing PFAS from your products, or to learn more about the Digital Product Passport System, please contact the AFA at hq@afisc.com.au.

Source: Australian Furniture Association (AFA)