EBIA was created in January 2000; it represents the interests of the European bedding industry, i.e. some 140 companies located in the member countries.
 
Members:

• 8 national associations, i.e. Austria, Belgium, France, Italy, Germany, Netherlands, Portugal and Spain (and 1 representative company from Ireland)
• 3 multinational groups: Hilding Anders, Cauval Group and Recticel Group
• Associated members: the main suppliers to the Industry

 

Organisation

EBIA is run by a Board of Directors in which all members are fully represented and which reunites at frequent annual intervals for pro-actively discussing a variety of salient topics of particular concern to the sector. The association has an elected President and a staff headed by the Secretary General, which is conveniently located in Brussels, in the vicinity of the major European Institutions and provides a day-to-day service to the affiliates.

A permanent Technical Committee as well as a Marketing Committee, drawn up from respective experts from member companies were also created with a view to treating actual technical and business issues. Both Committees hold several yearly meetings to formulate competent proposals to the Board members for facilitating and accelerating the decision making process.
Ad-hoc working groups are also created whenever necessity arises for immediate action focussed on a specific field.

 
Objectives

• Represent an industry producing quality products and aiming at the wellness and comfort of its clients
• Be the permanent voice of the bedding industry, i.e. towards the authorities as well as towards its suppliers, the retailers and consumers
• Enhance national or international actions to promote the European bedding industry
• Promote personal contact and improve communication amongst its members

EBIA’s main mission consists of being instrumental in helping to ensure our industry’s stability and prosperity within the framework of sustainable development.  The association is therefore concerned about any measure that could compromise the industry’s competitiveness and jeopardise job security.
Developing synergies between policy makers and industrial representatives through transparency and open consultations is an essential prerequisite, if the industry is to successfully meet the ever-increasing challenges it faces – undoubtedly in the interest of all stakeholders.

 
European Mattress Market

The bedding industry focuses on health and environmental matters, and is as such co-operating with the European Commission and other European associations representing related industries, supply chains, client sectors, specifically in topics related to:

• Consumer safety
• End-of-life & recycling
• Product quality

Towards the end-user the bedding industry is concerned with:

• Promoting the notion of purchasing a good mattress
• Supporting campaigns axed on underpinning the crucial necessity of a 10-year maximum renewal cycle
• Explaining the importance of a good sleep for the consumer's personal health and in this respect the link between a good mattress and sleep quality.