Some mattress companies exploit the words “organic” and "natural" as marketing buzz words. The words are used in their marketing campaigns, without having the certifications to back up the claims and without strict adherence to environmentally and socially conscious manufacturing standards.
Latex for Less actually does the work of getting their products certified under these strict standards. Here’s a quick outline of Latex for Less Mattress Certifications:
Oeko-Tex Standard 100 Certification
Oeko-Tex Standard 100 is a worldwide consistent, independent testing and certification system for raw, semi-finished, and finished textile products at all processing levels, as well as accessory materials used. Its aim is to ensure that products are free of harmful substances.
Latex for Less holds the Oeko-Tex Standard 100 Certification for our 100% Natural Latex. Qualifying for the Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certification requires samples, of all components of the mattress, for compliance testing. A declaration of conformity must also be signed.
The Oeko-Tex Standard 100 Certification must be renewed every year after issue. Also, the Oeko-Tex association drops in, unannounced, on 25% of their certified companies each year, checking facilities and taking samples for analysis, to ensure that companies are still adhering to the certification’s standards.
As you can see, the Oeko-Tex Standard 100 Certification process is especially rigorous. Its criteria and test limits for safety are stricter than existing national and international standards.
Eco-Institut Certification
The Eco Institut is a very well-respected organization that tests a variety of products for pollutants and emissions.
Their areas of testing include building materials, flooring, mattresses, bedding and furniture. The Eco Institut tests these products to make sure the materials meet certain thresholds for emissions requirements.They also test for harmful substances such as: heavy metals, biocides, phthalates, flame retardants and more.
Latex for Less holds the Eco-Institut Certification for our Natural Latex Mattress.
Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)
The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) Certification lays out clear requirements for:
- Production and Processing
- Human Health Criteria
- Environmental Impact
- Technical Quality
- Social Consciousness
GOTS brings together the expertise of four organizations, from four countries. This creates a pool of knowledge about organic farming, environmental ethics, and social responsibility from the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Japan.
“Organic” as defined by GOTS, means that farming methods must protect and replenish soil without the use of pesticides or fertilizers that could persist and harm future growing conditions or wildlife.
GOTS requirements cover the processing, manufacturing, packaging, labeling, trading, and distribution of textiles. That includes yarn, fabric, clothing, linens, and other fabric products.
The Global Organic Textile Standard certifies textiles at two levels. To carry the GOTS “made with organic” label grade, a textile product must be made using at least 70% organic fibers. To carry the “organic” GOTS label, a textile must be produced with at least 95% certified organic fibers.
The Global Organic Textile Standards call on manufacturers to process organic and conventional fiber products separately, so that each is clearly identified. They also require strict prohibition of toxic heavy metals, formaldehyde, solvents, chlorine bleach and genetically modified organisms. Also, phthalates and PVCs are barred from the printing methods of GOTS certified manufacturers. PVCs are also banned from any product’s packaging under GOTS rules.
Finally, GOTS includes social considerations for their products. GOTS won’t certify any processor or manufacturer that uses forced labor - employment must be freely chosen. No child labor is permitted. Harsh or inhumane treatment of workers is also banned, as laid out in the Forced Labor Convention. Workers at GOTS certified manufacturing facilities must be permitted to organize and bargain with their employers. Their workplace must be safe and hygienic. No discrimination in hiring or employment is permitted under GOTS rules. Finally, the hours provided to employees must be adequate and dependable… without becoming excessive or unreasonable.
The integrity of all these standards is enforced through disciplined, accredited inspection by GOTS.
A processor or manufacturer must meet all of these requirements, before GOTS will approve certification. GOTS then audits their certified “made with organic” and “organic” manufacturers and processors with unannounced on-site visits, to ensure that their acceptable standards remain in place.
As you can see, the GOTS certification imposes many constraints on companies for environmental and social consciousness. It takes a great deal of meticulous work to be allowed to use the GOTS certification imagery on a product. Latex for Less is proud to exceed GOTS standards for our 100% organic cotton ingredients.
Conclusion
As you can seen from the standards and certification procedures of the organizations above, Latex for Less mattress materials have been thoroughly inspected and judged by independent third party standards. The Oeko-Tex Standard 100, Eco INSTITUT and GOTS Certifications are not easy to get. We believe in 100% natural, sustainable, responsibly sourced materials for our latex mattresses, mattress toppers, and pillows.
Latex for Less is proud to meet or exceed standards for health, social consciousness, and sustainability, and we proudly display the certifications to show that our mattresses are safe and environmentally friendly.
