The industry standards that protect your people, your investment and your reputation.
In any modern workplace, the furniture you choose has far reaching consequences. It shapes the safety, wellbeing and daily experiences of your people. It influences your long term operational costs. And it reflects your organisation’s commitment to quality, accountability and environmental responsibility. For OLG, where trust, and value guide every decision, understanding the certifications behind commercial furniture isn’t just helpful it’s essential.
Not all certifications are created equal. The most credible standards are backed by rigorous testing, recognised authorities and transparent assessment frameworks. Here are the certifications that genuinely matter.
Australian Certifications:
The Australasian Furnishing Research and Development Institute (AFRDI) provides one of the most trusted certification systems for commercial furniture across the region. Its independent testing program assesses strength, durability, ergonomics, stability and safety, ensuring furniture withstands real world, high use environments.
The widely recognised AFRDI Blue Tick confirms a product meets strict standards for performance and ergonomic integrity across chairs, desks and storage. AFRDI also offers Green Tick certification, which evaluates environmental criteria including material sourcing, waste, energy use and end of life recyclability, ensuring organisations can make responsible, future ready purchasing decisions.
AFRDI certification is a strong indicator that furniture is safe, reliable and cost effective over its lifespan.
GECA (The Good Environmental Choice Australia) Ecolabelling Program, operates a national third-party, independently verified ecolabel, in conformance with Environmental labels and declarations (ISO 14024), that can be applied to a wide range of products and services. This certification gives you an independent, reliable and convenient way to select products and services that are certified by GECA to deliver better environmental outcomes.
Australian Trusted Trader Certification is a standard that rewards companies showing compliant behaviour, secure supply chain with strong security practices, to enjoy a wide range of trade facilitation benefits. OLG have held this status since 2017.
International standards add further assurance for Australian workplaces. BIFMA certification confirms commercial furniture meets strict safety, strength and durability benchmarks used worldwide. It ensures products withstand serious workplace use, supporting long term value and reducing risk.
Similarly, GreenGuard Gold certification verifies low chemical emissions, improving indoor air quality a major factor in workplace health and productivity. It aligns with global green building initiatives and supports healthier, people centred spaces.
Global GreenTag Certification is a trusted, third-party accreditation that verifies the sustainability, safety, and environmental impact of products. Furniture with GreenTag certification is made from responsibly sourced materials and meets strict environmental standards. These products have low volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions, contributing to better indoor air quality and a healthier workplace. GreenTag also ensures that manufacturing processes follow ethical labour practices and responsible material sourcing, providing confidence in both quality and sustainability.
FSC is the leading catalyst and defining force for improved forest management and market transformation, shifting the global forest trend toward sustainable use, conservation, restoration, and respect for all.
Why These Certifications Matter
Certifications aren’t labels they’re safeguards. They protect:
Your people, by ensuring furniture is safe, ergonomic and low emission
Your investment, by validating long term durability and repairability
Your reputation, by demonstrating responsible, standards aligned procurement
Biophilic design in 2025 will move beyond aesthetics to measurable outcomes. Designers will use nature-inspired elements like circadian lighting systems to enhance productivity and reduce fatigue. Beyond plants and natural materials, expect data-backed integration of features like air purification systems using green walls or sensory experiences.
