Bedmakers Mull Definition of ‘Green’

May 26, 2009

Email this story Print this post Add your comments

Representatives of Sealy, Simmons, Serta, Tempurpedic, Foamex, Hickory Springs, Cargill, Natura World, OMI and Anatomic Global have identified the need to forge a common definition about what constitutes the environmental benefits of bedding products.

During a recent meeting of the Specialty Sleep Association, a national non-profit association focusing on the sale and promotion of premium sleep products, top bedmakers agreed to form a preliminary working committee and a larger board of governors to draft proposed language, according to the association.

In September at the Las Vegas Furniture Market, the group will take the next steps to establish formal industry standards on green products.

There are differing methods of identifying and marketing the level of sustainability that goes into bedding, or other environmental attributes.

Ralph Rossdeutscher, president and CEO of Natura World, says his company’s own green labeling identifies how much natural material, by weight, goes into each of his products.

Anne Kozel, specialty sleep brand director of Simmons, said there is a market for what she calls “light” green bedding for the consumer who wants to exhibit environmental sensitivity but also be budget conscious.

The SSA Green Initiative is a process designed to identify, define and standardize how mattress manufacturers and retailers label “green” and natural sleep products, according to the release.

The association may create a standard and certification program based on a consensus around standards and definitions for terms such as “green,” “natural,” “all-natural” and “organic.”

Email this story Print this post Add your comments

Advertisers

Make sustainability part of your strategy.

Get equipped at the SAP Sustainability Resource Center. >>

Unclear about the EPA's new GHG Rule?

Learn how it could affect your business. >>

EPA mandatory emissions reporting starts Jan 1st

CSA Standards can help your organization get ready for compliance. Find out how. >>

Survey Results: Product Environmental Compliance Best Practices

How to achieve compliance at a significantly lower cost. Download the full report. >>

Join the Discussion

Recent Daily News [ see all ]

11/20/2009
11/19/2009
11/18/2009

Charts [ see all ]

European Paper Industry Cuts CO2 Emissions by 42% since 1990

S. America Takes Most Urgent View of Copenhagen Talks

Nike Tops Annual Climate Action Scores

Oceans May Trap more Carbon than Forests

Jobs

View All Jobs >> Post a Job >>

Comments and Discussions

Trade Association on Trade Group on EPA Chemical Regs: ‘If Everything is a Priority, Then Nothing is a Priority’
"Seriously… that..."

Gary Markowitz on Supermarkets Tackle Emissions Reductions, Fuel Efficiency
"Supermarkets waste over 10 percent of their energy through improper..."

peter in ireland on Ontario May Follow California’s Lead on TV Energy Efficiency
"Governor Schwarzenegger is shooting himself in the foot! 1...."

Environmental Leader on S. America Takes Most Urgent View of Copenhagen Talks
"The survey respondents (the PDF report mentions 4,000 respondents in 38..."

Jake on UPS Trying New Hydraulic Hybrid Trucks
"A point of clarification: the Reuters press release referenced herein reports that 20 UPS will purchase..."

Custom Organic Shirts on S. America Takes Most Urgent View of Copenhagen Talks
"90% of North Americans believe it is urgent to get a global climate..."

peter dublin on California City’s Green Building Ordinance Applies to Commercial Buildings
"Why energy efficiebnt regulation on buildings –..."

Environmental Leader