Polyurethane Enables Manufacturers to Keep Consumers’ Top Priorities in Mind

Furniture World News Desk on 11/18/2017

Editor's Note: This article was supplied by the Polyurethanes Industry following the recent Polyurethanes Technical Conference as an ad to retail furniture sales.

By Chris Thiede, Dow

Ask any consumer what they look for when they’re searching for a new piece of furniture – whether it’s a sofa, a new dining table or a new bedroom set – and you’ll probably hear something from this list: comfort, durability and aesthetics.

Manufacturers today are challenged constantly to meet as many of these characteristics as possible. But how do you produce a piece of furniture that is stylish while also being comfortable and durable?

One answer to this question is to use polyurethane. Furniture has to look good, but it also has to feel good. Flexible polyurethane foam (FPF) enables today’s furniture to be more comfortable, durable and stylish than ever.

With these questions in mind, here are a handful of tips to help guide furniture manufacturers as they continue to produce world-class furniture while being mindful of consumers’ primary concerns.

For sofas and chairs, style is important, but don’t forget comfort. One of the more common sights as customers make their way through furniture show rooms is when they flop down onto a prospective sofa or chair. When they hit that seat, you want them to recognize the furniture feels as good as it looks. Used in the form of FPF, polyurethane is one of the most common materials in upholstered furniture because it is versatile. Due to the variety of densities (softer cushions, but firmer seats), FPF offers manufacturers an efficient tool so the furniture they’re creating is as comfortable as it is stylish.

Make sure your mattresses and bedding built for the long haul. If your customers are sleeping as well as they should – approximately seven or eight hours per night – then they’re spending a third of their lives in bed. The International Sleep Products Association estimates most people expect their mattresses to last for just under 10 years. FPF is often used as cushioning in mattresses and bedding, and not only because it offers enormous flexibility in terms of the shape and firmness, but also because FPF is durability. Because of its durable comfort and support, FPF has become a major component in the bedding industry. Also: pillows and mattress pads made with polyurethanes are often used for years because they can hold their shape so well.

The use of FPF as carpet cushion supports recycling and the environment. Sure, some people prefer the classic, timeless look of hardwood floors. But plenty of people like the feel of something soft and warm under their feet as well. With the help of FPF, carpeting in your customers’ homes can feel as good as it looks. And not only that, bonded polyurethane carpet cushion is made from recycled FPF and can itself be recycled in many localities. And furthermore, the potential extension of carpet life can mean less frequent replacements, resulting in less carpet going to landfill.

Feel good about your foam. Want additional information about what’s in the foam? Look for the CertiPUR-US label to find foam that meets their standards for content and has been tested by independent, accredited testing facilities.

FPF is not the only way to use polyurethanes to maximize your furniture. These days, customers care about the durability and appearance of their furniture. When shopping for a dining room table for example, customers make their decision based on how well they like the look of the table, and whether it will hold up to daily wear and tear over time. Polyurethanes coatings are an extremely durable finish for wood furniture that resists both water and alcohol. It is available in a range of finishes to help your customers achieve the look they’re going for.

For more information on polyurethanes, visit incrediblepolyurethane.com or the Center for the Polyurethanes Industry website.