Cargill BiOH joins Specialty Sleep Assn. in touting labeling program

Furniture Today Staff -- Furniture Today, April 20, 2011

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Cargill BiOH has joined the Specialty Sleep Assn. in promoting a retail labeling program that points consumers and retail sales associates to bedding products that comply with various levels of environmental and safety standards.

The SSA launched its three-level labeling program last year based on consumer research and retail sales associate surveys.

"Consumers with environmental and safety concerns are hungry for information, with almost 40% claiming they would pay more for products that meet established standards in both areas of concern," said SSA President Dale Read. "We are committed to product labeling on SKUs that are marketed as ‘green' to facilitate the selection process at retail and to support credible green marketing claims."

Environmental and safety standards associated with each level are set through established third-party programs such as Oeko-Tex Standard 100, Global Organic Textile Standard and CertiPUR-US.

Manufacturers participating in the program complete a rigorous application process and pay a fee to the SSA to use the SSA seal and tag on their products.

"SSA's labeling initiative aligns with the BiOH brand's goal of transparent communication with end users," said Nicole Nachazel, assistant marketing manager of Cargill's Biobased Polyurethanes business unit. "We want to give consumers access to data that allows them to make informed choices at the point of sale."

Cargill is the maker of BiOH polyols, an ingredient for flexible foam that is made from renewable soybean oil and used in consumer products including bedding, mattresses, furniture, carpet cushion and automotive seats.