Sustainability, consumer education and action against rogue traders remain key activities
The cost-of-living crisis led to a surge in unknown bed and mattress brands targeting consumers, which is likely to continue in 2026. While the NBF’s consumer research found that instances of purchasing beds from the back of a van declined last year, unscrupulous traders are using social media advertisements and online marketplaces
to attract unsuspecting buyers.
These activities damage the reputation of reputable bed retailers and manufacturers by creating the false impression that high-specification products can be bought at much lower prices. That is why buying from a reputable bed retailer that stocks NBF-approved member brands is more important than ever.
‘At the core of NBF membership is adherence to its Code of Practice. The sixth edition will be released this month. The code requires manufacturer members to pass an audit with strict requirements and sets out criteria to ensure that processes and procedures
are in place for supply chain scrutiny and regulatory compliance,’ says Tom Williams, NBF sustainability and circular economy lead.
‘As part of our code of practice, we have our Due Diligence Random Testing programme, which ensures we check NBF members for ongoing compliance, and not just at the time of the audit. We also purchase non-member products as part of the programme and share all the results with our Primary Authority Partner, West Yorkshire Trading Standards. WYTS conducts its own investigations, often visiting manufacturing sites to provide expert advice or, if necessary, initiate legal proceedings against the business. If the company in question is outside West Yorkshire, it contacts the relevant trading standards authority to follow up.
‘Equally, consumer education remains a priority to help us tackle ruthless traders from the other side of the coin. We have significantly increased our consumer scams awareness education, highlighting the benefits of buying NBF-approved brands from reputable retailers and the dangers of not doing so. To solidify our commitment to this,
we will launch a new dedicated consumer campaign later this year, which we encourage all the bed trade to get involved with – so watch this space.
‘Sustainability continues to remain a focus during 2026 with the upcoming work required on digital product passports to support the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation. To further assist NBF members on their sustainability journeys, we’re releasing a comprehensive NBF Sustainability Guide to strengthen existing guidance, such as our freely available Ecodesign Principles and NBF Chemical Claims Guide. We are also refreshing and updating the NBF Pledge for Our Planet to keep members on track.
‘Most excitingly, we have been busy researching how the industry can measure the cleanliness of reused and recycled materials from beds and mattresses through our Knowledge Transfer Partnership with Manchester Metropolitan University. Circularity is critical to the future of the bed industry and the planet, and we look forward to launching the test with NBF members later this year.’
To further support retailers, the NBF introduced a new level of benefits to the Retail Champions Scheme last summer. In addition to the free package – which includes a listing on the consumer website bedadvice.co.uk, and a POS pack – the enhanced package takes business support to the next level, starting from £250 a year for small retailers. Those who have signed up have already benefitted from sustainability insights; in-depth information on the latest product legislation; expert support and advice on
HR, health and safety, legal, tax and VAT issues; annual NBF consumer bed-buying research; discounted City & Guilds training and the Bed Show’s first VIP lounge.
