After Activist Pressure, Macy’s Vows to Ensure Furniture Is Free of Toxic Flame Retardants
By: Christie Boyden Lindsey Rupp
October 20, 2015 — 3:38 PM EDT
Health and environmental activists had pressured the retailer
Department-store chain says most vendors already are complying
Macy’s Inc., responding to a campaign from health and environmental activists, will check with its furniture suppliers to ensure that they aren’t using toxic flame retardants in their products.
While Macy’s expects that few manufacturers are still using the substances at issue. Yet the retailer will explicitly instruct suppliers to stop using certain chemicals. That’s from Macy’s Jim Sluzewski. He’s a spokesman and said in an e-mailed statement Tuesday.
“We at Macy’s are firmly committed to protecting the health and safety of our customers. For that’s as well as to complying with all laws. I mean including those that pertain to protecting safety,” Sluzewski said. “Macy’s has been an industry leader in environmental sustainability. So we are proud of our track record in that regard.”
Safer Chemicals, Healthy families is a health and environmental advocacy group. For they had been calling on Cincinnati-based Macy’s to commit to eliminating the flame retardants since August. That’s from sending the company letters In addition and also starting online petitions. Then to organizing e-mail campaigns among supporters.
Moreover, the campaign was also spurred by a change in California’s safety standard. One that took effect on Jan. 1. For this is eliminating a requirement that furniture was made with certain chemicals to prevent fires.
“We thank and congratulate Macy’s for taking this big step to make all sofas safe,” said Mike Schade, Mind the Store campaign director of Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families. He said Macy’s should also announce a time frame for phasing out the chemicals. I mean I think they are definitely right.
