With blades made from FSC-certified wood and a motor housing composed of biobased plastics, the fan reflects a growing shift in Australian interiors, where materials matter as much as form and where the story behind a product is just as important as how it looks or performs.
“We’re always looking for ways to do better,” says Miguel Araya, Fanco’s Product Team. “Better performance, yes—but also better materials, better sourcing, better outcomes for the planet and the people connected to these supply chains.”
As an FSC Promotional Licence Holder, Fanco has committed to sourcing from forests managed to the highest standards of environmental care and social responsibility. FSC certification ensures that timber comes from responsibly managed forests, where biodiversity is protected, and the rights of Indigenous Peoples, local communities, and workers are respected. FSC certification is independently audited, fully traceable, and globally recognised.
“Choosing FSC-certified timber for Gaia was about more than just sustainable sourcing,” says Araya. “It was about supporting a system that protects both the environment and the communities that depend on it. Environmental sustainability is crucial, but it’s just one piece of the bigger picture. True sustainability means looking at the full impact of our choices—embracing responsible forestry, ethical sourcing, and social responsibility.”
Part of Fanco’s EarthFirst range, the Gaia Ceiling Fan, reflects more than two years of design and development, with a focus on reducing environmental impact without compromising functionality or form. The fan’s motor housing uses bio-based plastic, reducing dependence on fossil fuels, while the FSC-certified blades honour the natural grain of the timber—bringing warmth and texture into contemporary spaces.
These layered efforts were recognised in 2024 when Gaia received the prestigious Australian Good Design Award. As the jury noted:
“The jury was impressed with the commitment to circularity through material selection and component choice, which were well-considered without compromising on aesthetics.”
Fanco’s decision to take out an FSC Promotional Licence also reflects a broader desire to inform and empower customers. It’s not just about sourcing better materials—it’s about helping people make informed, traceable choices in a world crowded with green marketing. As Araya puts it:
“We’re proud to partner with FSC, and even more proud to be part of a global effort to drive meaningful change in sustainable practices. Sustainability isn’t a checkbox—it’s an ongoing process of learning, evolving, and finding better ways to do business.” – says Araya.
For architects and designers, Gaia offers a way to align aesthetics with ethics, and to bring the principles of responsible forestry into the everyday. It’s a reminder that good design can be rooted, quite literally, in better systems.