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 March 11, 2009
- “Some
companies lead. Some follow. We’re proud that
Hickory Springs has been and remains the leader in flexible
polyurethane foam technology.” With those outspoken
words still reverberating from the lips of Company President
Don Coleman, the vertically integrated Hickory-N.C.-based
corporation announces yet another innovation. Though
not of its own creation, Hickory Springs is among the first
domestic foam producers to bring CertiPUR-USCM compliant
foam to the domestic market.
“The concept of CertiPUR-US is simple,” says Hickory Springs
VP Bobby Bush. “By complying with this voluntary
program, we can confirm to customers and consumers that we
have taken proactive measures to verify that our foam not
only provides durable comfort but is produced in a
responsible, user-friendly manner.”
CertiPUR originated in Europe in 2004. With very few
alterations other than translation, the American version,
CertiPUR-US, is open to all manufacturers of flexible
polyurethane foam selling product in the US.
The CertiPUR-US certification process involves intense foam
testing, including head gas and chemical breakdown analysis.
It also involves signed affirmation that CertiPUR-US-prohibited
ingredients, such as ozone-depleting CFCs, PBDE fire
retardants, lead, mercury and other materials of concern,
are not being utilized in the foaming process.
“The CertiPUR-US label is something Hickory Springs is proud
of” exclaims Executive VP of Marketing Dwayne Welch. “We see
the program as added value, offering our customers – and
theirs – peace of mind. In addition, it complements our
on-going company-wide environmental responsibility and
sustainability efforts.”
Hickory Springs is one of several founding members of the
CertiPUR-US program, which was officially introduced by the
Polyurethane Foam Association earlier this year and is now
operated under the auspices of the Alliance of Flexible
Polyurethane Foam (AFPF), of which Bush is chairman.
“We see this as the foam industry’s best route for the
future,” says Bush. With guidance from a diverse AFPF
Advisory Panel, CertiPUR-US will remain “vital, adjusting to
new concerns and incorporating developing science in every
aspect of foam and the foaming process.” He continues, “I’m
excited about the possibilities. This program not only
levels the field, no matter where the foam is produced, but
it also establishes a level of verified quality control and
product safety that the industry has never had before.”
More information on this global product analysis,
evaluation and certification program can be found at
www.certipur.us.
Learn more about Hickory Springs’
environmental responsibility at
www.hickorysprings.com/2008/Environmental.html
and
www.preservefoam.com.
Interested manufacturers and retailers should contact:
Dwayne Welch, Executive VP of Marketing Dwayne Welch
828-328-2201 ext. 3382 or email:
dewelch@hickorysprings.com.
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