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FR Legislation Creates Opportunities for Nonwovens
pending standards for upholstered furniture, top of bed materials could mean more growth for FR nonwovens
Karen Bitz McIntyre
editor
Three years ago when the consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) passed regulations requiring all mattresses sold in the U.S. meet flammability standards, the nonwovens industry rose to the challenge. In preparation for the legislation—known as CFP Part 1633—nonwovens producers, both experienced in flammability resistance and new to this technology—worked overtime to develop substrate material able to meet the standards, which became effective in July 2007. Fast forward a year and the bedding market has fully transitioned to FR materials—helped largely by nonwovens, which are favored for their cost efficiency, flexibility and ability to run at high line speeds—and some are even calling the market that was once praised for its ability to offer value adds, commoditized.
However, there are now new opportunities on the horizon for those nonwovens manufacturers and suppliers of FR materials to the nonwovens industry that have successfully met the standards enacted last July. The CPSC seems to be finally moving forward with a similar flammability measure, this time encompassing the upholstered furniture market. Like the mattress ruling, which was under consideration for more than a decad
