Natural mattresses are better for the environment because they have a lower carbon footprint from manufacturing.
Regular, synthetic mattresses contain engineered materials formed through chemical processes. Examples include polyurethane (memory foam) and polyester. Technically, these materials are elastomers and plastics.
The chemicals required to manufacture regular mattresses give them a larger carbon footprint. Additionally, synthetic foams and plastics emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) over their lifetime via off-gassing, creating pollution.
Natural mattresses contain organic materials untreated with chemicals – examples include cotton, bamboo, graphite, wool, mohair and latex.
We estimate that natural mattresses have a 50-80% lower carbon footprint, so they are the best option if you are eco-conscious.
Natural mattresses have a lower carbon footprint from manufacturing
The chemicals required to make synthetic materials have high VOCs and require tremendous energy to refine. We derive most virgin plastics from petroleum, one of the biggest causes of carbon emissions.
While synthetic materials like memory foam are manufactured in labs, natural materials are grown, cultivated, or mined in the case of graphite (graphite is used as a natural fire retardant in latex foam and wool layers).
Most natural materials in mattresses are produced in an environmentally-friendly way, free from harmful insecticides and herbicides. Certified organic materials have the lowest carbon footprint, so you should look out for these.
Additionally, the refinement of natural materials requires less energy, and chemicals are not needed during refinement.
Natural mattresses have no chemicals (well, most of them)
Most natural mattresses have no chemicals, except when the manufacturer opts for a chemical fire retardant treatment instead of a natural alternative like graphite (chemicals are cheaper and easier to apply).
They don’t need chemicals because natural mattresses have fire-resistant materials like wool with a fire-retardant layer like graphite latex, which means a lower carbon footprint and no ongoing VOC emissions.
Most natural mattress manufacturers have moved away from chemical-based fire retardance in favour of natural alternatives like graphite. Graphite is mixed in latex foam to make it fire-resistant and enhance breathability.
Natural mattresses are easier to recycle
Natural mattresses are easier to recycle because the materials are fully recyclable and untainted by chemicals.
When we look at the makeup of a natural mattress, we can see that all the materials are fully recyclable and widely recycled in the UK:
- Cotton
- Bamboo
- Wool
- Mohair
- Damask
- Natural latex
- Graphite
- Stainless steel (springs)
We’ve covered the recyclability of mattresses before at Bedstar – the cusp of it is that an estimated 7.5 million mattresses go to landfills in the UK each year, with only around 20% of mattresses being recycled and turned into new products.
The problem has multiple sides, but the main one is the makeup of the mattress – the materials in synthetic mattresses are notoriously challenging to recycle and separating the layers is impossible on an industrial scale without specialised machinery.
Certain chemicals render foams and fibres unrecyclable. Also, separating them is difficult, so most synthetic mattresses go to landfills or get incinerated.
Natural mattresses last as long as synthetic mattresses, helping reduce waste
It is a common misconception that natural mattresses have a shorter lifespan – in reality, they last just as long as standard mattresses!
It’s important for mattresses to last years (and hopefully a decade) because it means less waste. Keeping hold of a mattress means keeping it out of the recycling system, which might spit your old mattress into a landfill despite your best efforts.
For peace of mind, get a mattress with a ten-year guarantee like the Sleepeezee Perfectly British Strand 1400, a firm hybrid mattress.
Overall
Natural mattresses are better for the environment because:
- They have a lower manufacturing carbon footprint.
- They contain few or no chemicals.
- They are easier to recycle.
- They last as long as synthetic mattresses, contributing to waste reduction.
