The CertiPUR-US® program is a voluntary testing, analysis and certification program for flexible polyurethane foam used as a cushioning material in home furnishings such as adult mattresses, crib mattresses, upholstered furniture and some accessory comfort products. Certified flexible polyurethane foams have been independently laboratory tested and certified to be:
- Low Emission (VOCs) for indoor air quality
- Made without ozone depleters
- Made without PBDE flame retardants
- Made without mercury, lead and heavy metals
- Made without formaldehyde
- Made without prohibited pthalates
(See interactive hangtag for more information on this checklist)
The CertiPUR-US® program is administered by a nonprofit organization and is the most rigorous and comprehensive certification for polyurethane foam.
Why is certification important?
Responsible foam suppliers here in the U.S. were concerned that there was no way for consumers to know what was inside foam products used in bedding and upholstered furniture.
Today, U.S. and foreign foam suppliers may participate in the program, as long as they meet the rigorous certification guidelines.
Based on Good Science and Developed in Cooperation with Environmentalists
The certification process was developed by the foam industry in close collaboration with leading environmentalists, chemists, accredited laboratory research scientists and bedding and furniture industry leaders. CertiPUR-US® emissions and analysis methods are compatible with other standards such as Eco-label (EU), LGA (Germany), OkoTex 100 (Class IV Mattress) EUI, Blue Angel (Netherlands), IKEA, AQS Greenlabel and BIFMA criteria.
Transparency
The technical guidelines and testing requirements for the CertiPUR-US® program are “living” documents, allowing for transparent revisions based on relevant scientific findings and new health, environmental and safety regulations. The CertiPUR-US® certification is based on the established U.S. Voluntary Physical Performance and Environmental Guidelines for Prime Flexible Polyurethane Foam for Use in Furniture and Bedding (PDF). The Guidelines set baseline criteria for product physical performance, component analysis, and product emissions evaluation and were developed to meet or exceed guidelines established by the CertiPUR®* program and REACH, a European system of regulation for chemicals and their safe use that deals with registration, evaluation, authorization and restriction of chemical substances.
* CertiPUR-US® is adapted from, and closely aligned with, the European CertiPUR program, developed in 2002 by EUROPUR, the association of European flexible polyurethane foam block manufacturers. One key difference is that the CertiPUR-US® program includes physical performance standards that help quantify durability, consistency, and comfort.
Product Verification and Use of the Seal
We have an aggressive program in place to monitor the use of the CertiPUR-US® mark and to conduct random samples of certified products for verification purposes. The integrity of the program and its value to participating companies will be enhanced through vigilant protection. We emphasize transparency so that we continue to earn consumers’ confidence. If you have questions, please contact us. Click here to see the CertiPUR-US® Branding and Style Terms of Use Manual.
CertiPUR-US® is a program of the Alliance for Flexible Polyurethane Foam, an organization formed in 1995 and incorporated in 2008. In addition to administering the CertiPUR-US® certification program, the mission of AFPF to educate consumers as well as the industry about the benefits of flexible polyurethane foam.