Manufacturers and retailers in the mattress/bedding industry, says the SSA, have become quite familiar with the “Green Initiative” program spearheaded by the Specialty Sleep Association (SSA). The program is focused on defining eco-friendly sleep and providing clarity for consumers shopping for mattresses and bedding. Now, the SSA announced that the National Cotton Batting Institute (NCBI) has joined the SSA to team on this important effort.
According to Dale T. Read, president, SSA, “The NCBI has a long history of advocating cotton as an element in natural and all natural mattresses, pillows and bedding. We share a common goal of educating the consumer about natural components in mattresses and bedding. It is a benefit for the SSA to support the NCBI, and to have their support for our SSA Safety and Environmental Program for Consumer Education."
“Since a high percentage of our product is entirely natural --- reclaimed cotton waste converted into batting --- we were extremely interested when the SSA began conducting surveys to define what is ‘green’,” said NCBI president Weston Arnall. The National Cotton Batting Institute represents U.S. companies that manufacture and sell batting for use in mattresses, futons, home furnishings, and upholstered products. NCBI provides a range of services to assist its members in expanding markets, monitoring and contributing to legislative and regulatory decisions that affect the industry, and conducting consumer education and information programs.
The SSA industry-wide product labeling effort is the core element of its Safety & Environmental Program. The ongoing national initiative is centered on addressing a key industry challenge: helping to bring “transparency” to acceptable practices in the marketing of eco-friendly sleep products.
All aspects of the SSA program are based on in-depth national research and input from manufacturers, retailers, retail sales associates (RSAs), and the market at-large – as well as analyses of applicable consumer protection laws at the federal and state levels.
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. Those interested in learning more about the SSA, should contact Tambra Jones, executive director, SSA, (559) 868-4187 or (559) 676-8639, tambra@sleepinformation.org. Visit www.SleepInformation.org.