Sustainability

At Commercial Systems Australia (CSA), sustainability isn't just a buzzword – it's the foundation of everything we do. As a leading supplier of street and park furniture in Australia, we are committed to making a positive environmental impact through every stage of our production process. From fabrication to material sourcing, we take pride in creating sustainable, high-quality products that serve communities and the planet.

All of our furniture is proudly manufactured in Kilsyth, Victoria. Manufacturing locally is an intentional decision, allowing us to maintain strict quality control, reduce carbon emissions from transport, and contribute to the local economy. This local production means our team is hands-on throughout the entire process, ensuring each piece meets the highest standards of durability and sustainability.

Processes that we aren't able to achieve in house, we utilise other local businesses to fill in the gaps. Ensuring transport is kept to a minimum reducing pollution, greenhouse gas emissions and fuel consumption.

While sourcing materials locally can sometimes come with a higher price tag, we believe that supporting local industries and reducing environmental impact is worth it. The majority of our materials are sourced from Australian suppliers, ensuring that we minimise our environmental footprint while maintaining transparency and traceability in our supply chain.

Our furniture frames are crafted using Mild Steel and Stainless Steel, both known for their strength and recyclability. We also incorporate Hardwood timber for its natural durability and aesthetic appeal, recycled plastic for a sustainable, low-maintenance alternative to traditional materials, and Aluminium extrusions for their lightweight yet long-lasting properties.

Mild steel is a highly sustainable material in Australia, thanks to its durability, recyclability, and energy-efficient production practices. With an average recycling rate exceeding 90%, mild steel is a key contributor to the circular economy, reducing the need for raw material extraction and minimizing landfill waste. Additionally, the longevity and versatility of mild steel in construction, manufacturing, and infrastructure reduce resource consumption over time.

Stainless steel is an exceptionally sustainable material in Australia, offering unmatched durability, recyclability, and minimal environmental impact throughout its lifecycle. With a recycling rate of over 90%, stainless steel contributes significantly to the circular economy by reducing the demand for raw material extraction and lowering energy use during production. Additionally, stainless steel’s resistance to corrosion and long lifespan reduces the need for frequent replacements, conserving resources and lowering maintenance impacts.

Utilising locally sourced ‘Green’ Aluminium from Rio Tinto, CSA are adding another sustainable material into our extensive material catalogue. This sustainable material is produced locally using renewable hydroelectric power reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Aluminium products have the potential to be 100% recyclable without the loss of quality and consumes less energy than primary production. By incorporating this material in our batten extrusions and combining it with local powder coating and sublimating processes, CSA have introduced another beautiful and sustainable batten material.

FSC-certified Spotted Gum is a sustainable and environmentally responsible choice for timber projects. The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification ensures that the wood is sourced from responsibly managed forests, protecting biodiversity, ecosystems, and the rights of local communities. Australian Spotted Gum is a durable, native hardwood that requires minimal maintenance and offers exceptional longevity, reducing the need for frequent replacement and conserving resources. Its natural beauty and rich grain make it a stunning choice for your furniture project while supporting sustainable forestry practices. By choosing FSC-certified Spotted Gum, you can enjoy the strength and elegance of a premium hardwood while contributing to the preservation of Australia’s forests for future generations.

Made from a blend of recycled materials, including reclaimed wood fibres and post-consumer plastic, Enviroslat products reduce the demand for virgin resources and helps divert waste from landfills. Additionally, Enviroslat’s long-lasting durability and low-maintenance requirements minimize environmental impact over their lifecycle.

The graph below highlights the varying levels of recycled content used in different materials. Some materials incorporate a significant amount of recycled content, while others contain little, if any. The ability to recycle materials after their initial use is crucial for a circular economy. By reducing reliance on virgin resources and diverting waste from landfills, we can minimise our environmental impact and conserve natural resources.

Our approach to sustainability follows the cradle-to-grave principle, meaning we design for the entire lifecycle of our products. From material extraction to manufacturing, use to refurbishment or eventual disposal or recycling. By designing our furniture with durability in mind, we ensure it serves communities for many years, reducing the need for frequent replacement.

Once our products reach the end of their life cycle, steel furniture can usually be restored back to they are designed to be easily dismantled and recycled. Steel, aluminium, and plastic components can be repurposed, while our timber elements naturally decompose or can be repurposed in other ways. This circular approach minimises waste and supports Australia’s sustainability goals.