The deadline for the 2024 ISPA Cost Survey has been extended to May 15th.  Please participate in this member paid benefit now.  Participating members receive the report for FREE.  Non-participant cost: $500. The 2024 Cost Survey Report compiles 2023 data to allow analysis of financial and operating performance against industry averages.  This report on mattress industry financial ratios and profitability is designed to assist in controlling costs and identifying operational weaknesses. REPORTING OPTIONS: Complete online in the Portal (you can save and come back to it as nee ..read more

The gross domestic product grew at an annual rate of 1.6% in the first quarter, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, below the 2.2% consensus forecast. Compared to the fourth quarter of 2023, the real GDP in the first quarter reflects decelerations in consumer spending, exports, and government spending.  While this could be a sign that the U.S. economy may be slowing from the weight of higher interest rates, the Federal Reserve will hold the federal-funds rate steady for now, awaiting clearer signals of slowing economic activity before implementing a rate cut. With inflation pick ..read more

Researchers directed by Dr. Samanvaya Srivastava at UCLA’s Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering Department tested post-consumer mattress foam to understand the characteristics and variability of sample density, chemical composition, thermal, and mechanical properties. The MRC-funded project provides important information essential to tailoring recycling strategies for different foam types. Please review the complete analysis. The post UCLA  Foam Characteristics Research appeared first on International Sleep Products Association | ISPA ..read more

Climate disclosure requirements imposed by both the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and California are being challenged in the courts. As previously reported by ISPA, California enacted two laws in 2023 that require certain large public and private companies that do business in the state to disclose their greenhouse gas emissions and their climate-related financial risks. A coalition of business groups has challenged these laws in federal court on several grounds. Plaintiffs argue California is preempted by federal law from establishing its own climate disclosure requirements that reg ..read more

The Colorado legislature has amended a law (CO HB 22-1345) enacted in 2022 that established a product phaseout timeline for specific categories of consumer products that contain intentionally added PFAS. Of relevance to the mattress industry, the original law banned the distribution and sale of: Fabric treatments and juvenile products containing intentionally added PFAS, effective January 1, 2024. Indoor textile furnishings and upholstered furniture containing intentionally added PFAS, effective January 1, 2025. Like the Maine law, the terms juvenile products, textile furnishings and upholst ..read more

ME SP 610 significantly amends Maine’s existing PFAS in Consumer Products Law. Enacted in 2021, the original law among other things (A) required manufacturers of products sold in Maine with intentionally added PFAS to report specified information to the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) effective January 1, 2023; and (B) beginning January 1, 2030, banned the sale and distribution in Maine of products containing intentionally added PFAS. The amended law, which the governor has now signed into law, affects several of these provisions. First, it repeals the reporting requirement for mo ..read more

According to The National Association of Manufacturers’ (NAM) Monday Economic Report this week, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the Consumer Price Index rose 0.4% last month, up 3.5% from a year ago in March. The index for shelter and gasoline rose in March and combined, contributed to over half of the monthly increase. As markets had expected the Fed to start cutting interest rates in June, it seems unlikely given the higher-than-expected inflation report.   While grocery categories show mixed trends, the energy index increased 1.1% with gasoline prices rising 1.5% and ..read more

The U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) has recalled Ghostbed Natural mattresses, model number beginning with 13GBNAT or “Natural,” due to fire hazard. The mattresses violate the smoldering ignition requirements of the Part 1632 federal mattress flammability regulation. This recall covers mattresses sold on GhostBed.com, GhostBedNatural.com and other websites from June 2021 through March 2023. Consumers should immediately stop using the mattress and contact GhostBed to receive a free cover to put on the mattress to bring it into compliance. GhostBed is contacting all known purchase ..read more

On April 11th, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) rejected MRC’s proposed program plan a second time and requested additional information. MRC has 60 days to submit another revised plan to DEQ for review. DEQ has 45 days to review the plan. If To keep up with our progress, consider subscribing to MRC’s Oregon Update newsletter, published to help potential participants in the Oregon program prepare for its launch. The post MRC Revised Plan in Oregon Rejected appeared first on International Sleep Products Association | ISPA ..read more

The California Assembly last week amended SB 707, which would create a manufacturer-funded recycling program for textiles (defined to include apparel and textile articles). Pursuant to ISPA’s request, the amended bill continues to exclude materials managed under MRC’s California mattress recycling program (which includes mattresses, foundations and futons). ISPA is working with the bill’s proponents to clarify another definition in the amended bill. Although the California Senate passed an earlier version of SB 707 in May 2023, if the Assembly passes the amended version of the bill, it must re ..read more