The CertiPUR-US Story: How We Got Started
In 2008, responsible foam producers in the U.S. were concerned about substandard foams being imported into this country. It was suspected that many of these foams were made with chemicals that were banned in the United States and which were identified on some chemical watch groups’ lists as possibly causing cancer, genetic defects, or damage to the unborn child. There was no way for consumers to know what was inside foam used in bedding and upholstered furniture.
The CertiPUR-US® program was developed to provide the comfort and confidence of knowing the flexible polyurethane foam meets standards for content, emissions and durability and are analyzed by independent, accredited laboratories. Today, foam producers from all countries may participate in the program, as long as they meet our 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), Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX (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 Physical Performance and Environmental Guidelines for Certification of Prime Flexible Polyurethane Foam for Use in Furniture and Bedding (PDF) for slabstock foam and the Physical Performance and Environmental Guidelines for Certification of Molded Flexible Polyurethane Foam for Use in Furniture and Bedding (PDF) for molded foam. Both Technical Guidelines set baseline criteria for product physical performance, component analysis, and product emissions evaluation and were developed to meet or exceed guidelines established by REACH, a European system of regulation for chemicals and their safe use that deals with registration, evaluation, authorization and restriction of chemical substances.
Product Verification and Use of the Logo
We have an aggressive program in place to monitor the use of the CertiPUR-US logo/name and to conduct random samples of certified products for verification purposes. The integrity of the program and its value to participating companies is enhanced through vigilant protection. We emphasize transparency so that we continue to earn consumers’ confidence. See the CertiPUR-US Program Terms of Use Manual and contact us with any questions.
CertiPUR-US is a program of the Alliance for Flexible Polyurethane Foam, a nonprofit organization incorporated in 2008.
Meet the Team
Michael Crowell, Executive Director, has been involved with the polyurethane industry for nearly four decades. Contact Mike about anything related to the CertiPUR-US® program, but especially for questions related to technical issues and registration procedures.
Email: mcrowell@certipur.us
Phone: 828.552.5400
Fax: 248.659.1531
Helen Sullivan, Communications Counsel, was on the original team that established the nonprofit CertiPUR-US® program to combat substandard foams in bedding and upholstered furniture. Contact Helen if you have questions about certified foam, or (for manufacturers and retailers) to learn how to become a participating company.
Email: hsullivan@certipur.us
Phone: 828.552.5400
Media inquiries welcome. Please contact Helen Sullivan for information, photographs, or to arrange interviews.