Tim Cox, Managing Director at Coakley & Cox, explains why the regulations reform on the fire safety of domestic upholstered furniture needs to happen.
Norfolk-based upholstery manufacturer Coakley & Cox has welcomed the reform of the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988. With the consultation closing later this month – on 23 June 2026 – the business has been championing the use of non-FR fillings and sees the proposed changes as a positive step forward for the industry.
“We’re a medium-sized upholstery manufacturer based in Attleborough, producing clients’ designs as a B2B business,” said Tim Cox, Managing Director at Coakley & Cox. “Sheridan Coakley and I took over the company in 2003, initially manufacturing upholstery exclusively for British brand SCP. Over the years, we’ve expanded to work with a wider group of high-end clients, producing their designs and collaborating closely from development through to manufacture.”
Does the reform present opportunity?
“In 2009, we worked with SCP to transition all their pieces from foam and petrochemicals to natural material-filled sofas, chairs and beds. In 2024, we completed the conversion of their full range and, following testing, were able to produce these pieces without the need for FR chemicals. As a result, all the fillings we now use are FR-free.
“This has enabled us to actively promote the use of non-FR fillings, and we see this as a very positive move. It should be viewed as an opportunity to drive sales, as there is clear demand from customers looking to move away from FR-treated sofas and beds — something we’ve experienced first-hand through numerous enquiries.
“With the reform of the regulations under review, our concerns are limited. However, it is important that the process is completed as quickly as possible for the benefit of UK consumers. From an industry perspective, it strengthens our ability to export upholstery globally and may also help reduce the cost of foam, particularly given recent price increases.”
Having reviewed the Government’s proposals – including the introduction of new fire safety requirements based on a smoulder test, alongside more pragmatic testing methods and proportionate scope adjustments – Tim believes the changes will be beneficial.
“Countries such as the USA have long banned the use of certain fire retardants, meaning we already work with non-FR foams imported from Europe. Fire-related deaths linked to upholstered furniture, although recorded slightly differently across regions, remain broadly in line with UK figures despite the absence of FR chemicals. This supports the view that their use is no longer necessary, a point also highlighted in the Government’s proposals.”
Tim also highlighted the challenges around recycling: “Currently, UK-produced upholstery cannot be effectively recycled and instead has to be destroyed at high temperatures. We should be manufacturing products that support a circular economy. For example, mattresses in Europe are now recycled, with foam broken down into its polymer form and reused in more sustainable products.
“The issue arises once materials enter the UK manufacturing stream and are treated with FR chemicals — at that point, they can no longer be recycled. It’s disappointing that, in this day and age, a sofa at the end of its life that cannot be reupholstered has to be incinerated.”
As outlined, the company is committed to producing furniture using natural materials without fire retardants. With regulatory changes on the horizon, Tim welcomes the opportunity to use non-FR foams where necessary but ultimately aims to eliminate foam entirely as part of a longer-term strategy.
“Our understanding is that foams can be manufactured to meet cigarette test standards and therefore align with European and global products that do not rely on fire-retardant chemicals. This is a positive development.
“We support the proposals, which will encourage continued innovation among smaller, independent manufacturers who play a vital role in the upholstery industry and wider economy.
“I would like to see the proposals adopted in full and at pace, including the removal of FR chemicals in foams. Where natural materials cannot be used, foam remains a viable alternative. However, both natural and foam-filled products must ultimately be fully recyclable.
“Business has been strong,” Tim added, “but it remains a challenging environment, with sustained pressure from rising overheads — particularly business rates and wages — now compounded by more recent increases in raw material costs. Despite this, we continue to invest, launching new collections with key clients and showcasing them internationally, including at the recent Milan furniture exhibition.
“The real constraint now isn’t demand — it’s people. The shortage of skilled entrants into the trade is a growing concern, and without renewed focus on apprenticeships and training, that gap will only widen.”
