Manufacturer and retailer Ethan Allen has announced that the company will now use only CertiPUR-US certified foams in its mattresses and custom upholstery.

In a release, the company said the CertiPUR-US foams are made without formaldehyde, mercury, lead, heavy metals, ozone depleters, prohibited phthalates or PBDEs (polybrominated diphenyl ethers). The foams also are low-VOC emission materials and enhance indoor air quality.

"Ethan Allen clients are savvy shoppers who are just as concerned with what's inside their furniture and mattresses as they are with how it looks and feels," said Farooq Kathwari, chairman, president and CEO. "The information on the hangtags will provide answers to some very important questions that consumers are asking these days."

Products with CertiPUR-US foam are tested and certified by an independent laboratory to meet specific criteria for physical performance, content, and emissions.

"We are constantly reevaluating our processes to ensure that we're using the best materials available in our products," Kathwari said. "It just doesn't make sense for us to limit the use of CertiPUR-US certified foam to our mattresses."

Ethan Allen owns and operates eight manufacturing facilities, including five manufacturing plants and one sawmill in the United States and two plants in Mexico and Honduras. About 70% of its products are made in its North American plants.