LAS VEGAS — The Specialty Sleep Assn. is sponsoring a presentation at the market here by James Kohm, the associate director for the Enforcement Division of the Federal Trade Commission's Bureau of Consumer Protection.
Kohm, who oversees enforcement of all consumer protection orders, will address enforcement of the FTC "green guides" for manufacturers and retailers making "green claims," and educate furniture and bedding manufacturers on how to comply with and make green claims according to the FTC guides, SSA officials said.
His presentation is set for Monday, Jan. 27, from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. in World Market Center C-174.
"We are sponsoring this FTC presentation at the Las Vegas market as a public service to the entire home furnishings and mattress/ bedding industry," said Dale Read, SSA president.
"The requirement to substantiate back-up information and provide evidence for ‘green claims' applies to the entire furniture and home furnishings industry. If you are a manufacturer or a retailer, and you are making either a specific green claim, or even a generalized green claim, you must substantiate your claim with specific statements, with competent and scientific evidence such as testing and/or with valid, third-party certifications," Read said. "You cannot just make up these claims because they make good marketing; you cannot create your own certifications and seals. You have to have credible evidence and substantiation behind your ‘green claims."
Read said SSA is sponsoring the program as part of the association's new vision: "To be a trusted authority for consumers on product transparency and education for specialty sleep products."