This year’s Polyurethane Foam Association (PFA) Spring Meeting offered an energizing convergence of minds, insights, and innovations from across the industry. It was a privilege to be there, surrounded by manufacturers, researchers, regulators, and solution-providers—all focused on driving sustainability and operational efficiency in the polyurethane foam sector.
Highlights
The agenda featured a rich mix of technical updates and future-focused conversations. Dr. David Simchi-Levi of MIT delivered one of the most compelling sessions, detailing how large language models (LLMs) are revolutionizing supply chain logistics. His insights on real-time data discovery and automated decision-making echoed many of the challenges and opportunities we’re tackling at LiquiDonate. The session provided a perfect backdrop to think about how AI isn't just transforming how we move goods, but how we can redirect those goods for social impact.
Another key moment came with the update from the American Chemistry Council’s Diisocyanates Panel and the International Isocyanate Institute. It was fascinating to hear how the Aliphatic Diisocyanates Panel continues to champion scientifically sound research on health and safety. Their work highlights the importance of collaboration and vigilance in a rapidly evolving regulatory landscape.
Equally timely was the discussion led by Bob Clark on floor covering sales trends and the growing influence of EPR legislation, especially in New York State. With enhanced producer responsibility legislation gaining traction, not only for mattresses but for bonded carpet cushions and other materials, the tone throughout the conference was clear: the circular economy is no longer optional. It’s the future of this industry.
As for me, I had the honor of presenting on how mattress returns intersect with recycling mandates and donation logistics. I shared how LiquiDonate is helping retailers reroute bulky returns directly to nonprofits, reducing costs and environmental impact while delivering community value. But more importantly, I was grateful for the thoughtful questions and engaging discussions that followed. The audience brought real-world challenges to the conversation—about routing inefficiencies, cost pressures, and compliance complexities—and it was gratifying to explore how technology and collaboration can ease those burdens.
Reflections
What stood out most, though, wasn’t any single presentation. It was the sense of shared momentum. Everyone—from technical specialists to policy advocates—seemed aligned around a single idea: the time to act is now. Whether we’re tackling illegal dumping, landfill capacity, or evolving customer expectations, our industry is at a turning point.
I left the PFA Spring Meeting more inspired than ever to tackle the challenge of sustainable mattress dispositions. Events like this remind me how essential it is to stay connected—to listen, share, and shape solutions together. At LiquiDonate, we’re eager to keep building partnerships that turn returns into resources and logistics into legacies.
