The Australasian Furnishing Research and Development Institute (trading as Furntech-AFRDI) is an independent not-for-profit technical organisation providing standards, testing, product certification and research for buyers and sellers of furniture.
The purpose of testing and certification is to ensure that products are not only safe, but that they will last, thus contributing to sustainability, and minimising use of the earth's resources.
While most of the work centres on establishing standards for industry, it is likely that in future the organisation will develop more consumer-focused standards, such as its new program to identify leather from other materials which may have similar appearance.
Commercial products tested by Furntech include:
- Height adjustable swivel chairs
- Visitors' chairs
- Desks and workstations
- Monitor arms
- Table bases
- Filing cabinets and
- Storage furniture
Domestic products tested include:
- Household cots and bunks
- Visitors' and dining chairs
- Storage furniture
- Table bases
- Recliner chairs and
- Plastic monobloc chairs
We can also test fabrics, leather, upholstery foams, veneer finishes, and test timber for strength. If we don't already test something, we have the expertise in-house to develop testing and certification programs.
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Industry
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Furniture
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Company size
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11-50 employees
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Headquarters
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Launceston, Tasmania
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Type
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Nonprofit
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Founded
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1989
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Specialties
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Furniture testing, product certification, standards writing, and research and development