Inside ISPA’s 2026 Strategy: President Alison Keane on Big Shifts Shaping the Mattress Industry

The $1 Million Mattress Recycling Secret: How ISPA Is Reinventing Sleep Sustainability (and What 2026 Holds)

What if your old mattress could become a wallet, a phone case, or even the future of sleep health? The mattress industry is at a crossroads, and ISPA President Alison Keene just revealed what’s next—from AI-powered change to a $1 million annual investment in recycling breakthroughs.

A Spicy Start: Lessons from the Guacamole Challenge

Sometimes, disruption comes when you least expect it—like being forced to swap teams in the middle of a guacamole competition. For Alison Keene, this “spicy” team-building exercise was more than a metaphor; it was a reminder that the entire sleep industry is in flux. Whether you’re a manufacturer, retailer, or supplier, adapting to change is now the name of the game.

Expanding Membership for a New Era

ISPA isn’t just for manufacturers anymore. Alison explains how the association is opening its doors to retailers, accessories providers, and supporting organizations—reflecting the messy reality of a supply chain where companies play multiple roles. This is about realigning with how people buy, sell, and innovate in the world of mattresses.

Advocacy in Action: Tariffs, Trade, and the Fight for Fairness

Tariffs and international trade wars aren’t just headlines—they’re real threats to American jobs and the future of domestic manufacturing. Alison gives a candid look at how ISPA lobbies for fair trade, why anti-dumping laws matter, and what the industry learned from the near-collapse of American furniture manufacturing.

Sustainability That’s More Than a Buzzword

Did you know over 15 million mattresses have already been recycled thanks to ISPA’s Mattress Recycling Council? Alison details how $1 million a year goes into research, producing tangible results like wallets and phone cases made from old foam. But challenges remain—especially as states propose new recycling laws that could make or break the system.

The Innovation Stage and the Future of Sleep

From practical AI applications to advanced chemical recycling, ISPA Expo 2026 will showcase the best minds tackling the industry’s biggest challenges. The “Innovation Stage” promises a front-row seat to the future—where sustainability, technology, and advocacy intersect.

Key Takeaways

ISPA is evolving: Membership now spans retailers, accessories, and support organizations to reflect today’s industry reality.
$1M in recycling research: Breakthroughs like “vitroization” are turning old mattresses into new products, but regulatory and logistical hurdles remain.
2026 and beyond: Expect more advocacy on trade, smarter use of AI, and a push for harmonized, efficient recycling laws across states.

Ready to shape the future of sleep?
Connect with ISPA, join the conversation, and don’t miss ISPA Expo 2026 in Orlando, March 10-12.