NewslineVolume VI, Issue 11 - May 20, 2005The Carpet and Rug Institute news for industry executives
In This Issue: Final Answer Carpet Care Joins SOA Family Contact Joan Seelaus at 706.428.2123. Learn more about the SOA program Stakeholders Invited To ForumX-ray fluorescence (XRF) technology will soon be used in testing programs for vacuum and extraction cleaners. Equipment that passes the test will receive CRI's Seal of Approval as well as certification from the Space Foundation. An industry forum co-hosted by CRI, the NASA Southeast Regional Technology Transfer Center, and the Space Foundation has been scheduled for June 28th in Atlanta. Participants will learn about the branding opportunities available through the testing program, and hear from other product manufacturers who have utilized the space certification in their marketing efforts. The forum is designed to be informational, as well as allow stakeholders an opportunity to offer input into the program. Contact Joan Seelaus at 706.428.2123. Good News From Far and NearWhile CRI continues to pound the pavement to debunk carpet-related myths in the United States, a little help is always appreciated. That help was found recently in two instances around the world. An article in a German newspaper recently raised the question as to whether hard flooring was better for people with allergies than carpet, and then answered it with a resounding "no," citing the Sweden study in which incidents of allergies and asthma skyrocketed while the use of carpet declined. In another article in Australia, two researchers published the findings of a vacuum cleaner study which showed carpet trapped particles which were subsequently able to be removed with HEPA vacuum cleaners, whereas hard surfaces simply recirculated the particles into the air whenever they were disturbed. The authors argue that the study debunks the popular belief that hard surfaces are better for those with asthma than carpet. Closer to home, in the June issue of Redbook in an article titled "Is your home safe?" falling is listed as the No. 1 danger. The article goes on to say you can't change the height of a fall, but you can lessen the blow, and recommends carpeting stairs and having carpet with padding. Contact James Beach at 706.428.2116. Threats Being Addressed by CRICRI regularly updates its members on threats in the marketplace that are generally stirred by misinformation or misconceptions. Recently, several particularly erroneous situations arose that the CRI fire brigade was called out to address. The Harvard public school system is under attack from the Board of Health over indoor air quality and has ordered the school to remove carpets. CRI has engaged with the school superintendent, who is fighting the order. In another instance, CNN aired a report on indoor air quality that suggested removing carpet. CRI is working to get a forum with CNN to refute the information presented. Contact James Beach at 706.428.2116. Article in LA Recognizes CRI Green LabelA recent article in the LA Weekly, a highly-circulated Los Angeles publication, spoke about several green initiatives and mentioned CRI's Green Label programs in a very positive light. It praised the industry for the fact that one in every four carpets in Home Depot is Green Label certified, and suggested that anyone moving into an apartment have the landlord verify the carpet as being Green Label certified or have it replaced with one. Contact James Beach at 706.428.2116. Industry, U.S. Official Praise Meeting on POPs TreatyChemical industry leaders and a Bush Administration official are praising the outcome of last week's 1st Conference of the Parties for the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs). A number of key decisions were made that will be critical to the treaty's implementation, the World Chlorine Council and the International Council of Chemical Associations said in a joint news release. These steps include the formation of a POPs Review Committee to consider new substances for the treaty; support for guidelines on Best Available Techniques and Best Environmental Practices for reducing unintentional POPs; support of the Basel Convention's guidelines on Environmentally Sound Management of POPs Waste; and the adoption of guidelines to assist countries in developing National Implementation Plans. According to BNA's Daily Environment Report, Claudia McMurray, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, says the meeting was "very successful." McMurray also says the Bush Administration is renewing pressure on Congress to pass legislation ratifying the treaty. An agreement is still needed, she says, on a mechanism that EPA could use to determine if regulations are needed on chemicals added to the current list of POPs. Contact Frank Hurd at 706.428.2136. European Pictograms InitiativeUnder the umbrella of CEN's Technical Committee on flooring, the European textile, laminate and resilient flooring covering associations have begun an initiative towards a harmonization in labeling and symbols for the European flooring industries. The initiative will not be designed to create any new test methods or standards. All symbols are linked to current European or ISO testing standards. Depending on product use, some symbols may be certified based on manufacturer testing and others will require 3rd party certification. The symbols represent a guarantee by manufacturers that their products perform according to these standards. The concept is to build on the existing symbols in use but to make them distinct enough to eliminate any confusion. An official European Technical Report, "Floor Covering Standard Symbols," will be published later this year. The overall objective is to create universal and timeless meaning and appeal, where the symbols require no translation, are easy to understand, and are easy to reproduce. Contact Frank Hurd at 706.428.2136. Mendez Spreads The Word In MexicoCRI Government Issues Manager Jennifer Mendez was the invited speaker for a recent special flooring event sponsored by carpet manufacturer Terza in Mexico City. Mendez, who speaks fluent Spanish, gave the presentation in Spanish to about 125 contractors and conducted media interviews with Mexico's two largest newspapers as well as a home decor magazine. Contact Jenn Mendez at 703.875.0634. CRI Meetings
* CRI Board of Directors, May 26, 9:00 - 11:00 am CRI Participation in Upcoming Events
* NEOCON World's Trade Fair, June 13-15, Chicago If you are aware of other events that present significant opportunities to deliver our messages to our critical audiences, please contact Joan Seelaus at 706.428.2123. Check our website calendar for other industry related events |
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