Key FR issues on the horizon
Basofil's McKinnon, Land share perspectives on FR developments
By David Perry -- Furniture Today, January 25, 2004
Q: How would you characterize the current level of bedding producer activity on mattress flammability?
A: We feel that most mattress producers in the top 15 are on target with their FR mattress solutions. Furthermore, when the national and large regional producers go public with their FR mattress systems, the majority of the industry will follow suit with one of those approaches.
Q: Are you surprised by the pace of testing these days?
A: We are not surprised at all with the vigorous pace of testing by the top mattress manufacturers. They are, in fact, legitimizing their selection for FR protection. In other industries where FR products are required, we know that an evolutionary educational process has occurred. The same applies to mattress and other home furnishing products. This requires each mattress producer to evaluate the impact of FR performance in combination with comfort and durability. The larger producers are in the process of evaluating numerous FR solutions and establishing a value vs. performance schedule that will yield their current manufacturing method and their way to comfort with an invisible TB 603-compliant mattress and box spring.
Q: What is the key factor driving the intense interest in compliance to TB 603 – the new California regulations — these days?
A: TB 603 is the flame-resistant mattress/box spring test method and pass/fail criteria for California's Law Assembly Bill 603. The effective date of implementation of this test method is Jan. 1, 2005. California's new FR law for consumer mattresses and box springs has created a new market need for the mattress industry.
Q: When do you believe some of the major producers will announce their new FR lines?
A: We think some of the top 15 mattress producers will introduce their FR lines in the first 120 days of 2004 and most certainly at the High Point market in April. It doesn't appear feasible for a manufacturer to delay action until the October market 2004.
Q: As a supplier of FR materials, what are some of the factors that producers should keep in mind as they evaluate potential FR suppliers and products?
A: Mattress manufacturers' due diligence of FR suppliers and their products should include the following:
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Visit them, get to know them, kick the tires and be certain they have the credible science behind their products that will do the job without fail.
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Their FR solution should be production capable. In other words, the producers' quilting and sewing equipment should run at the same production levels as their non FR production.
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There should be a producer/supplier material agreement in place guaranteeing adequate supply of FR products for the mattress producer.
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The FR product solution should not only pass TB 603 consistently but the product also should be durable for the life of the mattress while providing expected comfort.
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Volatile Organic Chemical (VOC) testing should be completed on each FR solution in order to ensure that the products of choice are environmentally clean and safe for use by the consumer.
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Price and value are of obvious importance but so is selecting the product(s) that will perform at the desired level.
Q: Does the introduction of new fire-resistant bedding lines offer a marketing opportunity to the bedding industry?
A: Absolutely! This is an opportunity to advise consumers of new scientific innovations that provide them and their families' safety features that until this time were not achievable. It is not a matter of mattress manufacturers marketing and selling unsafe products in the past. In fact, they made and sold the best products available in the marketplace. Now is an opportunity to promote and sell, newer, better, safer products because science has made it possible. Throw out or "trade in" that five-year-old or even two-year-old mattress for new technology. Educate factory mattress sales personnel, retail salespeople and consumers. This is a major breakthrough in home safety.
Q: How can producers capitalize on that opportunity?
A: With the economy improving and consumer spending rising monthly, now is the time to advertise and educate. Tell consumers about fire safety but also tell them how environmentally safe the new bedding is. Also tell them of the lasting qualities provided by the new technology. Just maybe, margins can be enhanced due to all of the new features.
Q: Basofil Fibers has been marketing FR products for a number of years. Does safety sell?
A: We do not believe safety alone will create a landslide in sales volume unless consumers are made aware of the benefits. Further, it would be unwise to slander products that companies made for years without characterizing the innovative technology that makes today's purchase only slightly more expensive but tremendously safer. Thus, the newer, safer products are a great value.
Our product, Basofil Fibers, is being used extensively around the world in fire fighters' gear, industrial workwear, seat barrier applications for airlines and other end uses. As we have improved applications and recognition, its acceptance has grown immensely. It is a safe, economical product that provides unparalleled safety for the consumer. Even in these applications, however, it was not selected for safety reasons alone.
Q: What are some of the best ways for mattress producers to get information on FR products?
A: Industry Web sites and FR workshops, trade journals (Furniture/Today), state and federal government Web sites and workshops and FR fiber and product Web sites (www.basofil.com) are just a few ways for producers to identify a number of FR solutions being offered by industry. Most essential, however, is a due diligence visit to the supplier's business location.
Q: Is there one FR barrier solution, a so-called Silver Bullet, that can meet the needs of every mattress producer?
A: In our opinion, there are a variety of FR barrier products that provide desired end use solutions. The science developed to protect heavier fuel loads or side panels or pillow tops most certainly differ from those needed for less critical areas of the bed. In short, industry has identified the FR product performance needed to achieve desired results.
Q: Can more than one type of FR barrier product be utilized in a system to create TB 603 compliant mattress/box springs?
A: Yes. We have seen numerous technologies utilized in mattress construction. When and how various components are used creates a need for a FR systems approach. A combination of woven and nonwoven products used in a mattress will sometimes enhance protection as well as comfort for the consumer. Further, a systems approach may assist the mattress manufacturer in producing a more cost effective product.
Q: What additional thoughts do you have regarding FR products, their performance and use?
A: First of all, in a situation like this, which is dictated by legislation, we are challenged differently. For a moment, consider the automotive industry. They are doing a good job in promoting safety through seat belts, air bags, safer side panels, etc. They did not apologize for their innovations.
Neither should we. We fully expect FR product performance to continue improving and more and better ways developed to achieve desired results.
Our challenge is not simply passing TB 603 but it is to incorporate all of the existing features currently utilized by industry to achieve comfort, durability and reliability as well as safety.
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