Specialty Sleep Assn. offers DVD of Green Initiative conference

Effort focuses on defining ‘green' bedding

Furniture Today Staff -- Furniture Today, June 29, 2009

FRIANT, Calif. — The Specialty Sleep Assn. has released a DVD from the recent SSA Green Initiative Conference, in which 30 industry leaders met to begin developing a set of definitions, terms and standards for what constitutes "green" bedding.

Participating companies included Simmons, Sealy, Tempur-Pedic, Serta, Natura World, Foamex, Hickory Springs Mfg., I-Care, Cargill, Organic Mattresses Inc. and Anatomic Global.

The conference, held in Florida in May, marked the first time industry leaders gathered to discuss the need for standardizing the way "green" is defined in bedding products, according to the SSA.

"We were gratified by the number of companies that participated in our Green Initiative conference; however, many leading manufacturers and suppliers were unable to join us," said Tambra Jones, executive director of SSA. "We believe that by hearing the words of our speakers via our educational DVD others will want to join in and help us create what is sure to become an industry standard."

Speakers included Anatomic Global President Jeff Scorziell, who led a discussion about what mattress manufacturers are hearing from consumers and their retailers about the importance of being "green."

Ralph Rossdeutscher, president and CEO of Natura World, explained his company's green labeling, which identifies how much natural material, by weight, goes into each product.

Walt Bader, president of OMI, discussed the pristine conditions under which his company's mattresses are produced and the organic certifications its brand carries. Anne Kozel, specialty sleep brand director of Simmons, talked about Simmons' relationship with Danny Seo, which helps build awareness of its green line.

Other speakers included Susan Inglis, executive director of the Sustainable Furnishings Council;
Vicki Worden, an expert on launching products and services with green labels; and
Stijn Devaere of Centexbel, one of the largest green certification groups in Europe.

SSA said it will soon announce an initial nine-company board of governors for the Green Initiative program, which will recruit up to 50 bedding manufacturers to back the effort, and will be responsible for raising funds, hiring staff and setting goals and direction.

The SSA Green Initiative Educational DVD is available for $100, plus shipping. Those who attended the recent conference can purchase the DVD for $15, plus shipping. Any company joining the SSA, becoming a member of the SSA Green Initiative working committee and ordering the DVD will be credited $85 toward the Green Initiative dues structure.

For more information, contact SSA Executive Director Tambra Jones at tambra@sleepinformation.org.