Sustainability & Environment

Our commitment

Wortley Group is a 100% Australian owned family company committed to operating responsibly and reducing the environmental and social impacts associated with our business. Our approach combines responsible product sourcing, safer chemistry, resource efficiency, ethical business practices and transparent product information.

Environmental stewardship

Reducing our footprint. We continue to reduce energy use and emissions across our operations. Energy-efficient technologies, including our solar panel system, largely power our head office and warehouse distribution facility.

Resource conservation and packaging. We seek to minimise waste, support recycling through third-party providers and use responsible packaging solutions, including ocean-bound recycled plastic for wrapping where applicable.

Responsible supply chain. We work with suppliers that share our commitment to responsible sourcing, ethical labour practices and environmental stewardship. This includes recycled yarns and other lower-impact material options where appropriate, supported by our Modern Slavery Policy.

Product safety & recognised standards

Wortley Group requires its product ranges and supply partners to meet applicable international product, chemical and environmental requirements. Across our portfolio, relevant compliance and certification frameworks include REACH, RoHS, GREENGUARD Gold and Leather Working Group (LWG). The specific standard or certification applicable to an individual product depends on its material type, manufacturer and intended use, with supporting documentation available where applicable.

PFAS. Wortley Group products are supplied free from the recently restricted PFAS chemicals PFOA and PFOS, supporting the international focus on reducing persistent "forever chemicals" and other substances of environmental or human health concern.

Environmental Certification Standards

Wortley Group supports furniture manufacturers and specifiers seeking compliance with recognised environmental certification standards including AFRDI Sustainability Standard 150, GECA, Eco Choice Aotearoa (ECNZ) and Ecospecifier/Global GreenTag.

Under AFRDI Sustainability Standard 150, where a fabric or leather covering represents less than 0.5% of the total weight of the finished furniture product, it may be used within the relevant certification pathway provided it meets the required hazardous substance criteria.

Other recognised environmental standards, including GECA, Eco Choice Aotearoa and Global GreenTag, similarly address the environmental and human-health impacts of materials used in furniture, including requirements relating to hazardous substances and chemicals. While individual assessment criteria vary between standards, Wortley Group works with its suppliers to provide appropriate product compliance information to assist furniture manufacturers and specifiers seeking certification.

Wortley Group products are supported by internationally recognised chemical, environmental and responsible-manufacturing standards including REACH, RoHS, GREENGUARD Gold and Leather Working Group (LWG), as applicable to the individual product and material type.

Our products are also supplied free from the recently restricted PFAS chemicals PFOA and PFOS, supporting the increasing international focus on reducing persistent "forever chemicals" and other substances of environmental or human health concern.

Social responsibility

People and workplace. We aim to provide a safe, inclusive and supportive workplace that encourages professional growth, diversity and work-life balance. Our Code of Conduct establishes the standards expected across our workplace.

Ethical business. We conduct business with transparency, integrity and respect and seek to work with supply partners that demonstrate responsible labour and manufacturing practices.

Economic sustainability & continuous improvement

We invest in product development, innovation and responsible sourcing to provide high-performing materials that meet the changing needs of the Australian and international interiors market. We comply with relevant laws and regulations and seek to improve our environmental performance beyond minimum requirements.

Our sustainability and responsible business program includes participation in recognised government and industry initiatives. Wortley Group is an Australian Trusted Trader, recognising our commitment to secure international supply chains and compliant trade practices. We are also a member of the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO) and continually review product compliance information provided by our supply partners.

Our commitment to transparency

Sustainability claims can apply differently across fabrics, vinyls and leathers. Wortley Group therefore encourages customers and specifiers to request the technical or compliance documentation relevant to the specific product being considered. Our team will assist with available declarations, certificates and supporting information.