Register for PFA Spring Meeting To Be Included On Preliminary Attendees List

PFA's Spring Meeting could be of particular value for networking this time around. Many of you have spent time in recent months reaching out to your contacts in the supply chain, and in Pittsburgh you can hopefully visit face to face. The job functions represented among conference registrants suggests that is in the works for many.

With this in mind, we're going give you an early look at attendees and contact info. Our first preliminary list will be released on May 4. So, if you haven't registered yet, please do so to ensure you're included in the roster and the distribution.

Note: if you plan on attending the Tuesday and/or Thursday evening receptions, please RSVP on our meeting page; this helps us ensure sufficient food and drink, and avoid waste.

Follow the button below to our meeting web page, where you can read the latest abstracts, reserve your rooms and register for the conference.

NOTE: To register at the PFA Member rate, 2026 dues must be paid.

Highlighted Speaker: Industry Issues

Regulatory Outlook: Business and Institutional Furniture

Steve Kooy, Technical Director, Health and Sustainability, BIFMA

A number of state and federal regulations are pending, and BIFMA regularly updates its voluntary standards for furniture safety and function. Steve will provide an update on these developments in his presentation.

Speaker Biography: Steve has 15+ years of experience as a sustainability professional in the furniture industry. He currently leads BIFMA’s Health and Sustainability programs including the LEVEL sustainability certification program adopted by most commercial furniture manufacturers.

Steve also serves as board chair of mindful Materials, a 501c3 non-profit. Mindful Materials convenes industry leaders to define sustainable materials, crowd source sustainability data, and drive change better sustainability decisions. 

He graduated from the University of Michigan with a Bachelor’s in Civil/Environmental Engineering.

Highlighted Technical Presentation Abstract

Advances in Mattress Foam Recycling. Mike Gallagher and Karl Haider, Mattress Recycling Council.

Developing robust, commercially viable end markets for recovered polyurethane foam remains one of the most significant challenges to long-term scaling for mattress recycling operations. This presentation provides an updated assessment of polyurethane foam recycling rates in the United States and the technical barriers that continue to limit higher recovery and reuse.

MRC will outline its current market development portfolio, including the expansion of vitrimer‑based technologies into new product applications, advancements in processing enabled by novel dynamic exchange catalysts, and progress in building and construction markets that leverage foam’s inherent insulation and acoustic performance attributes. The session also highlights recent developments in surface-functionalization technologies aimed at improving value in downstream applications.

The presentation concludes with an overview of the newly established Foam Technical Working Group, an interdisciplinary collaboration designed to integrate industry expertise, accelerate innovation, and strengthen MRC’s long‑term foam recycling research strategy.



Speaker Biography: Mike is a materials scientist and a chemical industry consultant focused on supporting sustainable innovation. He has worked with the Mattress Recycling Council since 2018, helping to develop and manage its Research Program. After a 38-year career in the polymer industry, Mike retired from Covestro LLC, (formerly Bayer MaterialScience) in 2017. In his last position, he headed the North American Innovation Office where he was responsible for the development and management of the region’s innovation strategy working closely with all business units.

Don't Miss: Expanded Opening Reception

Tuesday, May 19, 6:30-8 pm

Wigle Reserve Room, PNC Park

Mingle and network with foam industry standouts in the VIP section of PNC Park.

Enjoy drinks, great food, and amazing views of the city at the

the home of the Pirates. We'll kick off the conference in a private suite at one of the most beloved Major League ballparks.

A special event sponsored by:

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