Cargill Joins SSA Green Effort

April 19, 2011  by in UnCategorized   

By Home Furnishings Business in Green on April 20, 2011

Cargill BiOH has joined the Specialty Sleep Association in promoting a labeling program pointing consumers and sales associates to bedding products with different levels of environmental and safety.

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 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 such as Cargill. The SSA Green Initiative Board, led by Ralph Rossdeutcher, board chairman and CEO of NaturaWorld, works to define communications standards, or, €œtruth 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 its RSA-directed education program designed for furniture and bedding retail stores.