Freedom Furniture Sustainability
by Freedom 28/04/2026
by Freedom 28/04/2026
This article was contributed by Freedom.
Sustainability At Freedom
We’re committed to playing our part in creating a more sustainable future with furniture and homewares built to last. As one of Australia’s largest home lifestyle retailers, we know we can make a difference. Our sustainability framework is centered around three key areas of impact: considered design, smarter packaging and better practices. We are currently working to deliver this framework as part of our first three-year roadmap, which includes goals and 34 initiatives across these focus areas. We are at the start of our journey, and we know change won’t happen overnight, but we’re committed to continuously improving and sharing our journey with you.
We’re committed to delivering furniture and homewares made from materials that are compliant with responsible sourcing legislations. In accordance with the Illegal Logging Prohibition Act 2012 (Cth) and Illegal Logging Prohibition Regulation 2012 (Cth) and Modern Slavery Act 2018 (Cth), Freedom have developed a new Responsible Sourcing Framework. This will require our suppliers to establish appropriate systems in accordance with our Responsible Sourcing policies. Our Framework will be managed and implemented by our Responsible Sourcing Committee.
‘Freedom To Green’ is our internal committee with a shared vision of creating a more sustainable future, starting with the implementation of our three-year roadmap. The committee oversees initiatives such as improving site recycling and waste management, evaluating products against our internal sustainable and circular design checklist and delivering sustainability education programs for our team.
Freedom is a member of APCO. As part of this membership, we’re working towards the 2025 National Packaging Targets: – 100% reusable, recyclable or compostable packaging – 70% of plastic packaging being recycled or composted – 50% average recycled content included in packaging – The phase out of problematic and unnecessary single-use plastics packaging
Since 2020, we’ve partnered with Soft Landing a non-profit social enterprise to assist Australians to recycle their mattresses, diverting reclaimed steel, foam and timber from landfill. Soft landing’s revenue goes entirely to helping create stable and meaningful jobs and their mission is to keep end-of-life mattresses and ensemble bases out of landfill and recover components to recycle. Soft landing is approved by the Australian Bedding Stewardship Council (ABSC) for demonstrating safe and environmentally responsible collection, storage and recovery of end-of-life mattresses and their component materials.
In 2024, Freedom became an Impact Partner to All Heart New Zealand, who work with a network of partners to create circular solutions for furniture, among many other used goods. So far this year 133 pieces of furniture have been salvaged, ready to be donated, repaired and/or recycled.
Freedom works with not-for-profit company Soft Landing to provide sustainable mattress & bed ensemble recycling options for customers in Australia.
Freedom is an Australian Packaging Covenant Organization member, working towards the 2025 National Packaging Targets.
Freedom launched a state-of-the-art DC facility in Dandenong South Victoria. The new DC is a 24,345sqm space with 100-kilowatt solar power system, water-efficient rainwater harvesting, double glazed windows which bring in natural light and foil-faced insulation throughout. We’ve also implemented efficient LED lighting and motion sensors, with the metering of utilities. To create a better working environment for our staff the facility also boasts vertical gardens in the reception and lunchroom areas, enhanced air quality systems, bike racks, lockers, and filtered water. The building is currently being assessed under the Green Star sustainability rating to validate the effectiveness of these initiatives.
Freedom becomes a foundational member of Sustainable Choice Group.
Freedom committed to reducing waste within our stores. Across our 10 New Zealand stores, we transitioned from printing large format signage 3-4 times a year, to producing standardized reusable signage with small promotional glass adhesives. This has reduced POS spend by 38% between October 2023- March 2024 while achieving single-use material savings.
Freedom has been a proud partner of Children’s Cancer Institute for over 25 years, contributing to CCI’s success across various channels and initiatives. Our support includes workplace giving, cause-related marketing, staff engagement, consistent participation and advocacy in CEO Dare to Cure, Diamond Ball sponsorship, and gift-in-kind support. Moreover, Freedom has supported CCI’s brand awareness through our extensive network of stores and with various initiatives including branded merchandise and mug month promotions. With contributions totaling $4 million – or the annual cost of 27 researchers – we are excited to further strengthen our partnership as CCI transition to their new home at the Minderoo Children’s Comprehensive Cancer Centre.
In April 2023, we launched a trial in our Balgowlah store to introduce a cardboard shredder. This machine downcycles surplus shipper packaging to produce honeycomb paper that is then used for wrapping and as a filler for online packaging deliveries. This is now being rolled out across all New Zealand 11 company stores.
First package free candle wall installation in New Zealand. Our Ecoya refill program provides packaging free and refills in one convenient location in store. Our aim is to use this space to help educate our staff and our customers on the benefits of durability, longevity and reusing the resources we use wherever possible.
Freedom launched sustainable packaging guidelines for homewares. These guidelines outline key principles and materials considerations so we can work with our suppliers to develop smarter, more sustainable packaging.
Freedom is developing a sustainable and circular design checklist to audit products. This will help identify how we can continue to improve the longevity of our products and increase the use of certified, renewable, recycled and recyclable materials across our designs.
In August 2024, Freedom donated 80 pieces of returned furniture to Reloved, who deliver reclaimed products directly to people who need a helping hand.
Freedom to green sustainability education for all freedom employees and customers. This year’s focus will be onboarding to our team to the Homewares Sustainable Packaging Guidelines.
All Freedom stores, warehouse DCs, and support centers will recycle packaging and solid waste on-site.
We are working to transition all Freedom stores to have LED lighting to improve energy efficiencies.
Certificate – Membership
Certificate – Membership
Standards – Guidelines
Report – Sustainability