Naturepedic has gained recognition for its organic and non-toxic mattresses, but how well do they perform in terms of sustainability? So, we had to ask: How sustainable are Naturepedic mattresses?

Naturepedic mattresses are sustainable. The company makes mattresses primarily with biodegradable raw materials from organic farming systems, their modular design helps reduce waste, and their operation is low in energy consumption. In addition, their mattresses generally last a long time.

Read on as we walk through the life-cycle of Naturepedic mattresses. We will evaluate their sustainability, potential, and shortfalls in each life-cycle stage. And in the end, we’ll show you tips for buying and using Naturepedic mattresses more sustainably.

Here’s How We Assessed the Sustainability of Naturepedic Mattresses

Naturepedic is certified with some of the most prestigious and dependable sustainable and social standards. Yet, what does that mean specifically throughout the life-cycle of their mattresses? 

“Sustainable: The ability to be maintained at a certain rate or level | Avoidance of the depletion of natural resources in order to maintain an ecological balance”

Oxford Dictionary

To understand the sustainability of Naturepedic mattresses, we must assess their life-cycle and each stage’s sustainability. This life-cycle assessment (LCA) is a method to evaluate the environmental impacts of products and materials. Over the years, companies have strategically used LCA to research and create more sustainable products. So, let’s have a look at the LCA of Naturepedic mattresses!

To know if Naturepedic mattresses are really sustainable, we need to look at their manufacturing practices and determine if they are effectively reducing their impact on the planet. To do that we need to look at:

• The information they share,
• data they report to third parties for external review, 
• their ratings and reviews, and 
• what sustainable organizations they belong to. 

How Sustainable Is the Production of Naturepedic Mattresses

The production of Naturepedic mattresses is generally sustainable. Their raw materials are primarily natural and organic or recycled and their production is driven by low-waste and energy-saving initiatives. Naturepedic sources some raw materials and makes all mattresses locally in the US, lowering the carbon footprint of transporting. 

How Sustainable Are the Materials Used for Naturepedic Mattresses

Naturepedic mattresses mainly use natural and organic or recycled materials. 

• Naturepedic uses plant-based materials, such as organic latex and organic cotton in EOS Trilux Organic Latex Mattress, Organic Hybrid Mattress, and Concerto Plush Pillow Top Organic Mattress, which are highly sustainable to source as plants sequester carbon and lessen the climate crisis. But they also use organic wool which can have relatively high environmental impacts, especially when compared with plant-based materials. 
• Naturepedic utilizes upcycled steel to make the supporting coils in their mattresses, lessening the pressure on nonrenewable iron resources and avoiding the adverse environmental impacts of mining iron. 

The core materials used in Naturepedic mattresses are natural and recycled. The natural materials—latex, wool, cotton—are primarily sourced from organic farming systems. 

Specifically, Naturepedic mattresses consist of a comfort system (the soft top layers) and, in the case of hybrid mattresses, a support system (the responsive coils that move and respond to pressure changes). 

• A comfort system: It is constructed of several layers filled with organic latex, natural latex, organic wool, and organic cotton.
• A support system: It is constructed with pocket coils using 90% recycled steel and 10% virgin steel. Alternatively, in some baby mattresses, you can opt for their patented WaveSupport^TM core, which is strong yet lightweight, making it easy to lift the mattress and change the bedding.

Naturepedic mattress covers are made with organic cotton fabrics and organic cotton mattress fill. 

Naturepedic also uses PLA, polyester, and polyethylene in some mattress models. However, the amount and the form of these materials are approved by GOTS for the mattresses to be certified as organic. 

So, let’s have a look at the sustainability of the main materials used for Naturepedic mattresses:

• Organic Latex: Sourcing natural latex from organically cultivated rubber trees to use in mattresses is sustainable because the sap is renewable and can be harvested responsibly without killing the tree. Rubber trees can live for a long time, sequestering carbon dioxide throughout their lifespan. Organic farming of rubber trees can also benefit the health of the soil, the ecosystem, and the farmers while eliminating the adverse environmental impacts associated with using synthetic agrochemicals. 
• Natural Latex: Sourcing the sap of rubber trees for natural latex mattresses is sustainable because the sap is renewable and can be harvested responsibly without killing the tree. Rubber trees can live for a long time, sequestering carbon dioxide throughout their lifespan. 
• Organic Cotton: Sourcing organic cotton fibers to use in mattresses is generally sustainable, mainly thanks to the carbon sequestration of cotton plants. Organic cotton cultivation can also benefit the health of the soil, the ecosystem, and cotton growers. 
• Organic Wool: Sourcing organic wool fibers to use in mattresses is generally sustainable. Organic wool fibers are generally renewable, while organic agriculture systems often adopt sustainable practices that promote biodiversity, increase soil health, and sequester more carbon. 
• Recycled Steel Coils: Using recycled steel avoids depleting iron ore resources, which are nonrenewable, and bypasses iron mining, which has many adverse environmental impacts. Note that about 90% of the steel used in Naturepedic mattresses comes from recycled sources. 
• Steel Coils in Pockets: Sourcing iron raw material to use in mattresses is unsustainable due to its nonrenewable nature. Iron mining has adverse environmental impacts, including habitat destruction, environmental contamination and pollution, and water scarcity exacerbation. Note that only about 10% of the steel used in Naturepedic mattresses comes from virgin materials. 
• Flame Retardants: Naturepedic mattresses meet all fire safety standards without using any flame retardant chemicals or flame barriers. Instead, they use natural materials, such as organic wool batting, strategically to avoid the need for harmful chemicals. 
• PLA: Sourcing non-GMO sugarcane to make PLA layers used in Naturepedic mattresses is generally sustainable. As plants sequester carbon, helping to mitigate the climate crisis, plant materials are thus renewable, contrary to the nonrenewable fossil fuels used to make conventional plastics for fabrics like polyester or nylon. Additionally, the PLA material used in their mattresses is approved by GOTS for organic products. 
• Polyethylene: Sourcing polyethylene from conventional fossil materials is unsustainable because of the depletion of nonrenewable resources, the acceleration of climate change, and the environmental pollution of extracting and refining fossil fuels. However, the polyethylene material used in Naturepedic baby crib mattresses is made from food-grade bio sources. It is approved by GOTS for organic products.
• Polyester: Sourcing fossil fuels for making polyester to use in mattresses is generally unsustainable because of the depletion of nonrenewable resources, the acceleration of climate change, and the environmental pollution of extracting and refining such fuels. However, the amount of polyester used in Naturepedic mattresses is approved by GOTS for organic products. 

How Sustainably Are Naturepedic Mattresses Generally Produced

Manufacturing organic-based mattress layers from latex, wool, and cotton, as used in EOS Trilux Organic Latex Mattress, Organic Hybrid Mattress, and Concerto Plush Pillow Top Organic Mattress models, is generally eco-friendly, with harsh synthetic chemicals strictly controlled and eliminated. While manufacturing can have a high energy demand, Naturepedic has many energy-saving incentives in place. The company also operates on a low-waste approach. 

Manufacturing Naturepedic mattresses typically includes the following process steps for their comfort system (the soft top layers) and, in the case of hybrid mattresses, their support system (the responsive coils that move and respond to pressure changes):

1. The first step to producing Naturepedic mattresses is to construct the comfort system from one or several layers (latex, wool, cotton). The comforting layers are made in organic-certified facilities, free of harmful synthetic chemicals. However, producing some comforting layers, especially organic latex and organic wool, can be energy-intensive. 
2. In the case of hybrid Naturepedic mattresses, a support system made of coils is also produced. Producing the steel coils (drawing steel wire and bending wire to create coils) uses a lot of energy, which would have serious knock-on ecological impacts when production depends largely on fossil fuels. However, coils made with recycled steel, as used in Naturepedic mattresses, would have a lower energy demand as there is no need to produce new raw steel.
3. For all Naturepedic mattresses, a mattress cover (encasement) is added at the end to bind all layers together. 

The production of Naturepedic mattresses is generally eco-friendly thanks to the following measures:

• Naturapedic offsets 100% of the electricity used in their manufacturing facilities and organic mattress galleries by purchasing Renewable Energy Credits. 
• Naturepedic also implements many energy- and electricity-saving incentives, including:
  • Installing skylights in their manufacturing facilities to make use of natural light and offset electricity usage 
  • Operating LED and energy-efficient lighting in all workstations in all facilities 
  • Handcrafting manufacturing procedures whenever possible to reduce energy to power machines
  • Using energy-efficient heaters and air-conditioning systems (HVAC) 
  • Increasing insulation with double-pane glass and reflective white coating on roofs 
• Naturepedic uses no glue or adhesives in any of their mattresses. Instead, they use non-chemical methods for binding, such as sewing, heat-sealing, or using physical clips. 
• Naturepedic uses recycled content in their supply chains.
• Naturepedic reduces manufacturing waste. For example, they collect polyethylene waste from the manufacturing process, damaged goods, and packaging refuse, compact it into cubes, and transfer it to material recyclers. 

Where Are Naturepedic Mattresses Usually Produced

Naturepedic mattresses are made in the company’s Ohio manufacturing facilities.

As Naturepedic mattresses are manufactured in the US, production will likely rely heavily on fossil fuels. According to Our World in Data, only 11.66% of energy consumption in the US comes from renewable sources.

Using renewable energy (solar, wind, hydroelectric, geothermal, and biomass) would significantly reduce carbon emissions at this stage.

How Sustainable Is the Transportation of Naturepedic Mattresses

Transporting Naturepedic mattresses can have a relatively high carbon footprint because of the bulky nature of the product. However, sourcing partly locally and manufacturing completely locally in the US helps reduce the transporting distances. 

In the life-cycle of Naturepedic mattresses, transportation typically occurs as follows: 

• from fields/pastures/forests/mines where raw materials are extracted to the manufacturing locations in Ohio, 
• from the manufacturing location to sorting centers and/or physical shops, 
• from sorting centers and/or physical shops to the consumer’s home, and
• from the consumer’s home to the centers for recycling and/or disposal.

Besides manufacturing locally in the US, Naturepedic aims to source raw materials domestically as much as possible, significantly reducing the transportation carbon footprint. For example, their organic batting is grown in Texas, many of their fabrics are made in the U, and their encased steel coils are manufactured in their own factory.

What Eco-Friendly or Sustainable Certifications Does Naturepedic Have

Naturepedic mattresses are certified with some of the most prestigious and dependable sustainable and social standards. 

• Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS): This certification is a worldwide standard pioneered by the Control Union that focuses on latex products regarding the farming and manufacturing processes. It ensures that latex products contain more than 95% certified organic raw materials. A mattress with this certification is guaranteed to be what it claims to be, is safe and free from toxic chemicals, and is sourced and produced in an environmentally and socially responsible manner.
  • Naturepedic’s GOLS-certified organic latex is collected from USDA-certified organic rubber trees. 
• Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS): This globally recognized certification system ensures that a certain threshold of organic content has been met. It covers manufacturing, packaging, labeling, transportation, and distribution (but not what happens in the fields where crops are grown).
  • Naturepedic is GOTS-certified for their whole manufacturing process. 
• EWG Verified^® : EWG Verified® is a certification program developed by the Environmental Working Group that ensures products meet strict health and safety standards. This certification focuses on product ingredients, ensuring no potential health risks. It guarantees that products are free from harmful chemicals, fully transparent in their ingredient lists, and meet the highest standards for health and safety.
• Forest Stewardship Council: An FSC certification ensures that the wood (or wood-like material) used in a mattress comes from responsibly managed forests that provide environmental, social, and economic benefits.
  • Naturepedic mattresses use FSC^® certified latex. 
• MADE SAFE: This certification ensures that products are made with safe ingredients that are not known or suspected to harm human health, animals, or ecosystems. It screens for a wide range of harmful substances (over 6,500 substances), including carcinogens, endocrine disruptors, and toxicants, providing assurance that the products are safe to use.
  • Naturepedic is MADE SAFE^® certified. 
• GREENGUARD: A certification program that ensures products meet strict chemical emissions limits, contributing to healthier indoor air quality. GREENGUARD Certification is awarded to products that have been tested and proven to have low chemical emissions, helping to reduce indoor air pollution and the risk of chemical exposure.
  • Naturepedic mattresses are GREENGUARD Gold Certified. 
• Organic Content Standard (OCS): The Organic Content Standard (OCS) is a certification system that ensures the accurate verification and traceability of organic material in a final product. OCS focuses on confirming the presence of organic content in a product through a chain of custody verification. It ensures that the organic content in the final product is properly accounted for and verified throughout the supply chain.
• OEKO-TEX^® STANDARD 100: OEKO-TEX® labels aim to ensure that products pose no risk to human health (i.e., containing banned chemicals). 

How Sustainable Is the Usage of Naturepedic Mattresses

The usage of Naturepedic mattresses is sustainable thanks to their long lifespan.

What Is the Typical Lifespan of Naturepedic Mattresses 

Naturepedic makes hybrid mattresses based on natural latex, which tend to have a long lifespan, meaning that they do not need to be replaced as frequently, reducing waste generation and conserving resources. 

Naturepedic offers 

• 25-year limited warranties on adult and kid mattresses
• limited lifetime warranties on baby mattresses 

How Is the Quality of Naturepedic Mattresses Rated

Online reviews about the quality and durability of Naturepedic mattresses are mixed. 

• Naplab review praises their durability
• On Trustpilot, reviewers rate Naturepedic mattresses only “Average” with 3 / 5. 
• Sleepopolis rates Naturepedic mattresses 3.8 / 5 

In brief, Naturepedic mattresses offer long warranty periods, signaling the durability of their mattresses. Yet, there are mixed reviews over the durability of their products.

How Sustainable Is the End-of-Life of Naturepedic Mattresses

The end-of-life of Naturepedic mattresses is typically sustainable because they are primarily made with biodegradable components (latex, wool, cotton). The hybrid nature of these mattresses tends to complicate recycling options at the end of their life. 

How Circular Are Naturepedic Mattresses Made

Naturepedic mattresses primarily have biodegradable components (latex, wool, and cotton). When they reach the end of their lifespan, they break down naturally, returning to the earth without leaving a significant environmental footprint. For example, a study showed a substantial decrease in the mass of the latex foam after three months, estimating that it would take one to two years for latex foam to break down completely.

“Circular economy: The circular economy is a system where materials never become waste and nature is regenerated. In a circular economy, products and materials are kept in circulation through processes like maintenance, reuse, refurbishment, remanufacture, recycling, and composting. The circular economy tackles climate change and other global challenges, like biodiversity loss, waste, and pollution, by decoupling economic activity from the consumption of finite resources.”

Ellen Macarthur Foundation

There are no circular mattresses in Naturepedic’s selection and we couldn’t find any information about plans to make their mattresses circular in the future.

Are Naturepedic Mattresses Made for Recycling

At the end of their life, Naturepedic mattresses are difficult to recycle because they often contain many layers. 

As a principle, products made with one type of material, such as 100% latex foam, are easier to disassemble and recycle than products made with a blend of materials. 

But if your Naturepedi mattress contains multiple layers (for example, the Concerto has eight layers), then it’s generally relatively difficult to recycle at the end of its life. However, a company specializing in recycling old mattresses would be able to help you. Suppose you are also buying a new mattress. In that case, your seller might be able to help you with responsible recycling or disposing of your old mattress.

Will Naturepedic Mattresses Go to Waste at Their End-of-life

Naturepedic mattresses can break down naturally in landfills because they are mostly made with organic materials. 

While there is no mention of a take-back program for Naturepedic mattresses at the end of their life, the company is committed to keeping the returned mattresses longer in circulation by donating them to charities, including Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity, and The Mahoney House in Idaho. 

Additionally, the modular designs of Naturepedic mattresses allow consumers to replace individual damaged components while keeping the whole mattress. This helps reduce waste and diverts a lot of otherwise discarded mattresses from landfills. 

In brief, Naturepedic’s mattresses are not yet circular. However, the company is taking steps toward a zero-waste approach, including using recycled materials and keeping damaged or returned mattresses longer in circulation.

Why Is It Important to Buy More Sustainable Mattresses

It is important to buy mattresses made of more sustainable materials because such materials generally have lower carbon footprints, put less pressure on natural resources, and are safer for both consumers and workers. 

Buying Mattresses Made of More Sustainable Materials Reduces Toxic Chemicals In Your Sleeping Environment 

Many mattresses are made with synthetic materials in chemical-intensive processes, exposing factory workers and end users to health risks, especially regarding the respiratory system. For example, one memory foam model was found to emit 61 volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including the known carcinogens benzene and naphthalene. 

In contrast, mattresses made of more sustainable materials, such as plant-based latex or organic wool, are generally safer, as they don’t contain toxic chemicals and are produced in more responsible processes. 

Buying Mattresses Made of More Sustainable Materials Reduces Your Carbon Footprint 

Conventional synthetic materials used in mattresses are fossil-derived and, thus, have a high carbon footprint. On the other hand, mattresses made with more sustainable materials, either organic or recycled, have relatively low carbon footprints. 

Buying Mattresses Made of More Sustainable Materials Reduces Demand for Natural Resources and Waste Management

Buying mattresses made with more sustainable materials, such as organic or recycled ones, means that you can avoid fossil-derived mattress foams, which contribute to the depletion of nonrenewable resources. 

Additionally, using organic materials for mattresses lessens the pressure on landfill space. Keep the following in mind:

• Mattresses are bulky waste that take up significant space in landfills.
• Over 50,000 mattresses are thrown out every day in the US and about 20 million of those end up in landfills annually.

Considering that synthetic materials don’t break down for hundreds of years, opting for organic mattresses that are biodegradable and recyclable significantly lowers the pressure on landfills. 

Buying Mattresses Made of More Sustainable Plant-Based Materials Encourages Sustainable Management of Forests and Ecosystems

Sustainable plant-based mattress materials, such as bamboo and hemp, are made with raw materials from forests and plantations that are sustainably managed. 

When you buy sustainable plant-based materials, you discourage unsustainable practices like clearing biodiverse forests for cattle raising. Furthermore, you help reduce deforestation, biodiversity loss, and the effects of climate change.

Final Thoughts

Naturepedic mattresses are generally sustainable. They are made primarily with biodegradable raw materials from organic farming systems, including organic latex, organic wool, and organic cotton. Furthermore, Naturepedic actively reduces waste, save energy, and offsets their carbon emissions. Their mattresses are guaranteed with long lifespans of up to 25 years and longer. 

As a consumer, you can make your use of Naturepedic mattresses more sustainable by following these steps:

1. Buy second-hand mattresses
2. Keep a Naturepedic mattress for as long as possible
3. At the end-of-life of your Naturepedic mattress, upcycle the material to extend its usage and arrange for it to be recycled or properly disposed of

Stay impactful,

Sources

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