It’s not too late to register for the Sept. 25-26 conference in Charlotte, North Carolina.
The third International Sleep Products Association’s Sustainability Conference returns this month with a deeper dive into sustainability topics relevant to the mattress industry.
Focusing on tools and methods to help drive sustainability efforts and communicate those efforts to consumers, the event kicks off Wednesday, Sept. 25, at the Hilton Charlotte Uptown in Charlotte, North Carolina, with a circular design seminar and workshop. Melissa Bilec, professor and co-director of the Mascaro Center for Sustainable Innovation at the University of Pittsburgh, will provide strategies to help attendees identify, measure and improve environmental performance through circular design. The preconference seminar is available for an additional fee.
WANT TO GO?
When: Sept. 25-26 | Where: Hilton Charlotte Uptown, Charlotte, NC
How: Register at ISPASustainability.com
“This is a must-attend event with one of the most recognized circular design experts in the country,” said Richard Skorpenske, vice president of public affairs for North America at Covestro and member of the ISPA Sustainability Committee. “Come hear what Dr. Bilec has to say about the systems approach to our journey to circularity.”
The following day will be filled with sessions that delve into applicable issues and strategies, such as:
“Hidden in Plain Sight Sustainability at Carpenter Co.”
Joseph Lowery, circularity director at Carpenter, will provide a real-world example of how and why Carpenter prioritized sustainability and what the company learned.
“Greenwashing: The Green Guides and Compliance With Environmental Claims”
The Federal Trade Commission’s Green Guides were developed to make sure that environmental claims are not misleading. This session will help attendees make environmental claims about their products that will not violate the Green Guides and will effectively communicate a company’s efforts to reduce environmental impact.
“Certifying Sustainability: Navigating Third-Party Certifications for Environmental Claims”
Third-party certifications can promote sustainability, compliance, efficiency and a positive image. This session will provide tools to verify environmental claims and identify the various certifications available to the bedding industry and the benefits of each.
“Sustainability Policy: Legislative Updates and Trends”
The goal of this session is to help companies anticipate and prepare for legislation or policies that may affect the industry.
“Powering Efficiency: Improving Energy Management in Manufacturing”
Betsy Dutrow, manager of Energy Star Industrial, will present Energy Star’s no-cost energy management program available to all small and medium manufacturing companies. This program trains companies to implement or enhance energy management practices in their facilities.
“I am thrilled to attend my first Sustainability Conference,” said Alison Keane, president of ISPA and the Mattress Recycling Council. “This event represents a critical opportunity to collaborate with industry leaders on innovative practices that will ensure we are contributing to a more sustainable future. I am eager to engage in meaningful discussions and explore new ways to drive positive change within the sleep products industry.”
Allen Platek, vice president of new product development for Tempur Sealy International and a member of the ISPA Sustainability Committee, also is enthusiastic about the conference. “In its third year, this conference will be the best yet because the sessions focus on what really impacts ISPA’s members with regard to sustainability, recycling, greenwashing, energy management and legislative updates,” he said. “Whether you are a supplier or a manufacturer, this conference is a must to attend.”
