AFA urges immediate action on PFAS chemicals in furnitureFriday 25 Oct 2024 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:
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) | ||
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