The Specialty Sleep Association (SSA) announced that it will unveil the first-of-its-kind research on consumer needs in green bedding products at February Las Vegas Market --- “Environmental Claims: What Marketers and Retailers Need to Know --- Terminology, Definitions, Standards and Trends for the Bedding Industry” Tuesday, February 2, 2010, 2:00pm – 3:30pm at Building C1350 in the SSA conference area.
In conjunction with the release of these findings from a “Green Initiative” consumer survey, the organization will also release a set of definitions and terms based on research conducted over the past nine months. Open to the public, the Mattress/Bedding “Green Initiative” is working to better define common terms being used in the industry in order to achieve transparency for clear terminology based on consumer and retail sales research.
“While some studies have focused on what manufacturers think are common terms in environmentally friendly bedding, this is the first time that anyone has spoken directly to the consumer to report those vital findings,” said Dale Read, president of the SSA. “We are excited about sharing this information and are pleased to present --- for the first time --- the suggested guidelines for the mattress/bedding industry on how certain green and environmental terminology is used and what those words and definitions actually mean.”
A panel of industry leaders including David Farley, chair of the “Green Initiative” Board and CEO of Anatomic Global, Vicki Worden, founder/president of Worden Associates and a noted strategic counselor on the development and launching of products and services with green labels, Dale Read, president of the SSA, and Ken Morgan, Director of Market Analysis, Simmons Bedding Company are scheduled to highlight the state-of-the art green movement occurring in the bedding industry.
A diverse group of industry representatives are building a resource manual to better define these terms being used in the industry. The “Phase I” of the “Green Initiative” outlines results of research coupled with recommendations for terminology. Key findings will include the concern consumers have about the environmental impact of the bedding products purchased and the environmental attributes that would affect consumer shopping for bedding.
The SSA panel is part of a larger “Bedding Bowl” to be held at World Market Center Las Vegas. “An event-within-an-event, we look forward to hosting those in the mattress category to give a better understanding of issues pertaining to our industry,” noted Margaret Casey, Director of Programming, World Market Center Las Vegas.
Founded in 1995, the Specialty Sleep Association is a national not-for-profit organization created to facilitate the growth and positive awareness of the specialty sleep category. SSA membership is comprised of more than 100 manufacturers and retailers ranging from small, family-owned businesses to large corporations. Companies interested in learning more about the SSA “Green Initiative” should contact SSA Executive Director Tambra Jones, tambra@sleepinformation.org. For more information, visit www.sleepinformation.org.