|
 April
20, 2011 -
Cargill BiOH® is the latest in a growing list of
companies to join the
Specialty Sleep Association (SSA) in promoting a
retail labeling program that points consumers and retail
sales associates to bedding products which meet
different levels of environmental and safety compliance.
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 percent claiming they would pay more for products
that meet established standards in both areas of
concern,” said Dale Read, president, Specialty Sleep
Association. “We are committed to product labeling on
SKU’s 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 particular level are set through established
third-party programs such as Oeko-Tex® Standard 100,
Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), and CertiPUR-US®.
Certifications achieved through these programs are
recognized by SSA as proof of compliance with specific
criteria in the SSA program along with other proof of
verification from reputable testing facilities.
The organization established a board of governors
with representatives from participating manufacturers
and suppliers like Cargill. The SSA Green Initiative
Board, led by Ralph Rossdeutcher, board chair and ceo of
NaturaWorld, works to define communications standards,
or, “truth in green marketing,” and other protocol for
program participants.
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,
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 used in a host of consumer products
including bedding, mattresses, furniture, carpet
cushion, and automotive seats, and which is made from
renewable soybean oil. In March, Cargill BiOH® launched
a RSA-directed education program designed for furniture
and bedding retail stores.
For details regarding SSA Levels I, II, and III,
and for a complete list of the SSA Green Initiative
Board of Governors, or other information regarding the
SSA, please visit
www.sleepinformation.org, or contact Executive
Director Tambra Jones at
tambra@sleepinformation.org, 559-868-4187,
559-676-8639.
About SSA: Founded in 1995, the Specialty
Sleep Association (SSA) is a national, not-for-profit
organization created to facilitate the growth and
positive awareness of the specialty sleep category. Its
members develop or sell specialty sleep products
including natural/biobased and organic bedding, latex,
memory foam, air, gel, water, adjustable, new spring
technologies and related products. SSA membership
includes more than 100 manufacturers and retailers
ranging from small, family-owned businesses to large
corporations. SSA has showroom in Las Vegas and High
Point.
About Cargill: Cargill is an international
producer and marketer of food, agricultural, financial
and industrial products and services. Founded in 1865,
the privately held company employs 131,000 people in 66
countries. Cargill helps customers succeed through
collaboration and innovation, and is committed to
sharing its global knowledge and experience to help meet
economic, environmental and social challenges wherever
it does business.
For more information, visit
www.cargill.com. |
