ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITMENT

INTRODUCTION

We know we can change the world by making responsible decisions. That's why every day we consciously choose to shrink our ecological footprint and protect the health of our customers and factory workers — from sourcing reclaimed and recycled materials to partnering with organizations that restrict the use of harmful chemicals.

Our list of environmentally friendly products is constantly growing. It includes organic bedding and bath textiles; recycled PET flooring and rugs; reclaimed-wood furniture; eco upholstered beds and sofas; and lighting made from recycled glass, to name just a few. See the Green Glossary below to learn how these certifications and standards benefit you and your family.

GREEN GLOSSARY

Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)

This nonprofit promotes conservation of forests, protection of biodiversity and commitment to social responsibility, and is the gold standard around the world for sustainable forest management.

Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC)

This international nonprofit provides country-by-country endorsements of sustainable forest management, and certifies wood that meets minimum environmental standards and some social responsibility criteria. Each country endorsed by the PEFC must also be listed as "Low Risk" in the Global Forestry Registry.

Organic Cotton Standard 100 (OCS 100)

This certification assures that products are made with 100% organic fiber.

Global Organic Textiles Standard (GOTS)

This standard includes organic fiber requirements, social responsibility standards and restricted chemicals in finished goods, and is the gold standard for textile certifications.

Better Cotton Initiative (BCI)

This nonprofit assures that cotton fiber is grown following six environmental management principles, including efficient water use, conservation of natural habitats, concern for soil quality, preservation of fiber quality, minimal environmental impact of crop protection methods and promotion of decent work. BCI cotton is traceable from the farm to the gin, but may be blended with other fibers at the spinner.

TENCEL®/Lyocell

This is a fiber derived from FSC-certified eucalyptus trees, and processed using nontoxic chemistry in a closed-loop system that's safer for workers, prevents spills and reduces chemical waste.

Oeko-Tex 100 class I

This certification for children's products requires that textiles intended for kids three years old and younger be tested to ensure they do not contain harmful chemicals.

Oeko-Tex 100 class II

This certification for adult products that touch the skin requires that apparel, bedding and towels be tested to ensure they do not contain harmful chemicals.

Oeko-Tex 100 class III

This certification for adult products that indirectly touch the skin requires that outerwear and upholstery be tested to ensure they do not contain harmful chemicals.

Bluesign

This system brings together the entire textile manufacturing chain to jointly reduce the ecological footprint of textile products, including raw material suppliers, chemical suppliers, manufacturers and retailers.

Cradle to Cradle (C2C)

This framework is a design approach that integrates safe materials, continuous reclamation and reuse of materials, clean water, renewable energy and social fairness. Products that qualify for C2C certification are assessed as Basic, Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum.

Energy Star

This certification assures that electric and battery-charging products meet the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's criteria for energy efficiency and performance.

Fair Trade USA

This certification is for products that are made using Fair Trade USA-certified materials and/or manufactured in a Fair Trade USA-certified factory. The nonprofit gives farmers, workers and communities in developing nations the tools they need to leverage the free market and live fair, healthy and sustainable lives.

GREENGUARD

This certification assures that products designed for indoor spaces meet strict chemical emissions limits.

Reclaimed/Found

These terms refer to products made from 70% or more materials that have been collected from preexisting products, building or structures, and then converted into something brand new. This includes wood collected from nonforest sources such as driftwood and fruit and nut trees, and found objects that are minimally, partially or wholly processed.

Recycled (Post-Consumer Content)

This term refers to products made from 70% or more materials derived from preexisting products that would otherwise end up in a landfill.

Recycled (Pre-Consumer Content)

This term refers to products made from 70% or more materials derived from industrial processes, which do not reach consumers and would otherwise end up in a landfill. Excluded materials include those that are generated and reutilized in the same manufacturing process, such as glass.

Nontoxic

This term refers to products and manufacturing processes that will not harm human health immediately or in the long term. To qualify as nontoxic, products must meet Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) standards, which are defined by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA).

Water-Based Finish

These finishes use fewer harsh solvents and emit fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which improves indoor air quality in factories and homes.

Water Efficient

This term refers to products manufactured using processes such as waterless dyeing, finishing and printing.