Bedmakers Mull Definition of ‘Green’

May 26, 2009

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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.”

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