Furniture World News Desk on
2/15/2024
In previous Organic Mattress Retailing installments, we’ve focused on the need for organic and non-toxic mattress claims to show that they meet recognized standards, especially the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). GOTS is the primary and central standard for organic mattress claims (and other organic non-food product claims).
There are other standards that can be useful as well to retailers that sell organic, non-toxic and sustainable mattresses. Naturepedic operates retail stores in select markets, and we’ve found that familiarity with them can help customers make informed decisions, confirm that GOTS requirements are being met, and add additional details. In later articles, I will share how they can effectively be used to create retail traffic and in product presentations.
Standards and Certifications That Apply to
Organic and Non-Toxic Mattresses
- GOTS/Global Organic Textile Standard – Organic certification that is USDA backed; all organic fibers are USDA certified; chemical management including prohibited and restricted inputs; no polyurethane foam or toxic flame retardants or other toxic chemicals or GMOs; strict human rights, social, environmental and sustainability criteria.
- OCS/Organic Content Standard – Individual organic materials, chain-of-custody certification, organic textile labeling.
- MADE SAFE – Non-toxic hazard-based ingredients certification: no ingredients known to be harmful to humans, animals, ecosystems, or to bioaccumulate or persist in the environment.
- GREENGUARD GOLD & UL FORMALDEHYDE FREE – Low chemical emissions certification, focuses on VOCs, including formaldehyde, etc., in the air surrounding products.
- HPD/Health Product Declaration – Public Repository of ingredients and materials; provides transparency of product information and material health.
- Zero Toxics – Product Materials Registry of recommended non-toxic mattresses.
- GOLS/Global Organic Latex Standard and FSC/Forest Stewardship Council – GOTS-approved latex (these are the only latex products approved for certified organic mattresses); all latex from rubber tree sap; no petroleum-based latex; responsible forest management.
- Oeko-Tex Standard 100 Class 1 – Non-toxic certification testing commonly added to GOTS-approved latex.
- Certified Vegan & PETA Approved Vegan – No wool or down materials or animal testing. Note: These certifications only apply to those mattresses that do not contain any wool.
Brand New Non-Toxic Mattress Standard and Certification Program
- EWG (Environmental Working Group) – EWG is a well-known and respected environmental organization that advocates for a non-toxic environment. For example, EWG advocates for cleaner water and eliminating cancer-causing chemicals in food, clothing (including diapers), cosmetics, and other personal care products. EWG also focuses on eliminating toxic pesticides and chemicals such as phthalates commonly used in consumer products (including mattresses). EWG also focuses on chemicals related to cancer, asthma, birth defects, fertility problems, and, as well, on allergens and irritants.
The EWG consumer health and safety certification “EWG Verified” programs now include a new certification program for mattresses. Naturepedic is the first mattress manufacturer to be certified under this program, and all Naturepedic mattresses are certified to this program.
Certifications That Apply to Companies and Brands
but Do Not Apply to Individual Products
- Organic Trade Association Fraud Prevention Solutions Program – Quality assurance program to eliminate fraud. Note: no other mattress manufacturer completed this program other than Naturepedic, and OTA has now terminated the program.
- Green America Gold – Socially just and environmentally sustainable practices (Naturepedic achieved a Gold Rating), committed to equitable practices for workers, customers, and communities.
- Sustainable Furnishings Council – Promotes sustainable practices (Naturepedic achieved a Gold Rating).
- One Percent For the Planet – Monitors and approves company donations to approved environmental organizations, which constitute one percent (1%) of company gross mattress sales.
- EPA Green Power Partner – Note: This program is limited to purchasing Renewable Wind Energy Credits from Green-e certified provider NativeEnergy for electricity usage (100%)
Note: The above standards and certification do not include every possible environmental standard that could apply to organic and non-toxic mattresses. They do cover those that are most commonly used and applicable.
To read more articles in this series by Barry A. Cik, CLICK HERE.
About Barry A. Cik: Barry A. Cik is a Board Certified Environmental Engineer and founder and technical director of Naturepedic Organic Mattresses & Bedding. Since 2003, Naturepedic has been on a mission to protect the lives of families through safer, healthier organic-based products that have a positive impact on the environment. A brand with purpose, transparency, and ethical practices, Naturepedic is the recipient of many certifications and is highly respected by numerous health and environmental organizations (https://www.naturepedic.com/certifications) and is an EPA Green Power Partner. Since its inception, Naturepedic has been a consistent and generous advocate and supporter of NGOs and nonprofits advocating for the “Right to Know” about what is in the products that people bring into their homes.
