Sustainable flooring gets a voice in Parliament
The UKSFA and other sector trade bodies under the British Furniture Confederation (BFC) umbrella have worked together to form an All-Party Parliamentary Furniture Industry Group (APPFIG).
With the aim of driving sustainability policy changes, our CEO, Cathie Clarke, was part of this five-strong industry body collaboration at the Houses of Parliament this spring.
Chaired by Labour MP, Adam Thompson, with the support of other parliamentary officers including fellow Labour MP, Sarah Smith, Conservative MP, Greg Smith, and member of the House of Lords, Baroness Taylor of Bolton; the APPFIG aims to shape policy by working closely with government departments and key industry stakeholders.
Other furniture trade bodies forming part of the BFC are the British Furniture Association (BFA), the National Bed Federation (NBF), the Furniture Makers’ Company, and the Furniture Industry Research Association (FIRA), to strengthen industry-wide lobbying efforts.
The formation of the APPFIG provides a critical platform for UKSFA to push for increased recognition of the flooring sector’s needs within sustainability-focused legislation. With key regulations such as the European Eco-design for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) on the horizon, Cathie Clarke, CEO of UKSFA, says members and industry partners must remain informed and engaged.
“The future of sustainable flooring hinges on proactive engagement with the Government and industry collaboration,” says Clarke. “Our first meeting marked a significant step forward in uniting industry voices to advocate for circular economy solutions and sustainable legislation. Being part of the APPFIG strengthens our ability to engage directly with policymakers, ensuring sustainability remains central to future legislation.”
Clarke added: “Through strategic collaboration, we can amplify our industry’s voice, educate government bodies on the challenges we face, and actively shape policies that promote long-term, sustainable solutions.”
As part of its ongoing commitment to advocacy and industry-wide collaboration, UKSFA is supporting a series of events designed to raise awareness among MPs at Westminster. These include a ‘pop-in’ event at the Houses of Parliament later this year, which will allow MPs to engage with the sector on sustainability and the circular economy.
An Autumn networking lunch for BFC members, including the UKSFA, and MPs is also planned, providing a platform for discussion on regulatory developments and industry priorities.
Regular meetings with APPFIG will track policy progress and ensure continued engagement with government departments, including DEFRA’s Circular Economy Task Force.
UKSFA encourages its members and industry partners to stay informed and involved in these critical discussions.