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SPECIAL REPORT by Dale T. Read, Editor-in-Chief

In this new era of health-conscious consumers, litigation, government regulations and fines, as well as growing environmental awareness, it is becoming increasingly important for retailers to know what is going on inside a bed. The “Intel® Inside” marketing campaign was created by the micro-chip manufacturer because they knew that consumers wanted a quality product inside their computers. They wanted a brand, a company name they could identify with, count on, and even ask for. More and more consumers, and retailers, a like, need and want to know what is going on with any product they bring into their home, including their bed. What materials are being used for fillers, separators, fibers, quilting, foams and ticking covers? Not only do retailers need to provide inquiring consumers more information, but they need to protect themselves by having as much knowledge as possible about what goes into the various conventional and specialty sleep products they are selling. This special supplier section entitled “In the Bed” is designed to educate the retailer not only about the materials and components but also about the companies supplying those materials and components to mattress/bedding manufacturers. We hope this section is informative and useful for all who read it.

Hickory Springs Leads the Way with Bio-based Foam

Back in 2006 Hickory Springs Manufacturing located in Hickory, NC began an environmental revolution and performance technology for bedding/mattress products. With a commitment to environmental responsibility, and using advanced technology, imagination, and a fully-staffed Foam Technology Department, Hickory introduced the first bio-based polyurethane foam for sleep products applications. At the time, the company announced, “After years of hard work in the field of foam research, Hickory Springs is harvesting the fruits of its labor: Introducing Preserve™, a new type of foam that uses nature itself as a key ingredient. Hickory Springs has discovered a commercially viable way to use soy beans as a key component in foam. Using soy-based BiOH polyol as a key component in Hickory’s Preserve, we offer bedding manufacturers the industry’s first step away from complete reliance on petrochemicals.” Hickory’s timing for their initiative was impeccable. How could anyone have known exactly what the price of petroleum would rise to when they set about creating a new bio-based foam? Who could have fully anticipated the effects war, hurricanes and world politics would have back in early 2006?

 

Equally as important, the new bio-based foam was an excellent product as well. Hickory noted that, “Preserve offers consistent support, a creamier feel and reliable performance.” Hickory stated clearly that the new product provides mattress/bedding manufacturers and retailers with a product that “offers consumers luxurious comfort and one that reduces dependence on increasingly scarce oil resources.” Describing the product attributes of the new bio-based foam, Hickory stated clearly that Preserve offers “Improved Performance and Durabilty” featuring enhanced levels of dynamic flex fatigue performance and improved support levels.

 

The New PRESERVE® HR, High Resilience Not content to have introduced the industry’s first bio-based foam, Hickory has taken foam technology to the next level by introducing Preserve HR, the world’s first bio-based High Resilience foam. Marketed under the theme, “Better For You. Better for Your Customers. Better for the Planet,” Preserve HR brings a bio-based twist to traditional High Resilience foam. The new high resilience foam is made from bio-based material using newly developed technology. Hickory executives state that, “In terms of energy consumption and global warming, Preserve HR is a responsible product. It leaves a smaller environmental footprint than non-bio-based foam products. Preserve HR combines superb seating comfort, support and performance with peace of mind.” Commenting on both the Preserve and Preserve HR foams, Hickory notes that, “We are proud to have offered the mattress industry the world’s first bio-based foams. Coming from a company dedicated to reducing its reliance on petrochemical products, you can rest assured that there will be more and better Preserve foam products in the future.”

 

How Preserve HR Makes a Difference Hickory is pleased to state that Preserve and Preserve HR make a significant dent in the foam industry’s half-century dependence on oil. Through the use of bio-based ingredients, Hickory Springs conserves the equivalent of almost 18,000-barrels of oil per year or enough energy to power over 1125 homes annually . . . and that amount is growing. Future generations of Preserve foams will contribute even more to the company’s efforts to reduce energy consumption and green house emissions.

 

How We in the home Furnishings/Mattress Industry Can Make a Difference Hickory Springs is a founding member of the Sustainable Furniture Council. As such, the company is reaching out to mattress and home furnishing’s manufacturers with a pro-active message. “Preserve HR brings a new level of comfort to today’s environmentally conscious lifestyle. For the first time ever, a more responsible High Resilience cushioning product is available for consumer use throughout the house. We encourage manufacturers and retailers to ask for Preserve HR by name. The industry leader in bio-based foam technology, Hickory Springs not only introduced the first bio-based foam but it is also dedicated to building a better world, one mattress or cushion at a time. So, it’s Your Choice. Demand Preserve HR.”

 

For more information call, (800) HS-FOAM1 or visit www.preservefoam.com.

ISPA Expo Booth #2109