With varying trends across consumption, costs, and government policy, consumers at large are becoming eco-conscious. In other words, they are keen to find out the origin of their favorite goods.
As leading brands of the world consistently strive to meet quality expectations for their customers, global certifications for organic sourcing are increasingly becoming important.
When it comes to latex mattresses, GOLS (Global Organic Latex Standard) certification ensures the purity of materials used for bedding. The standard is the first and global one for organic latex and is established by the independent certification group Control Union.
GOLS function to set the standards right for all latex goods that claim to be one hundred percent organic. Essentially, it refers to the harvesting process where latex is derived from rubber trees across certified organic plantations without using chemical pesticides. Such farming practices not only ensure the purity of extraction but also ensures the sustainability of the environment.
Nevertheless, not every retailer or manufacturer can qualify to receive the GOSL certification. As a conscious shopper for a latex mattress, it is worthwhile to know the ifs and buts of organic certifications.
A brief insight on latex mattress toppers
For a latex mattress, it usually ranks at the top of all bedding materials that come with the eco-friendly tag. Compared to other popular offerings like memory foam, a latex mattress topper ditches petroleum by-products as non-sustainable means of production.
Owing to natural and organic latex rubber being renewable resources, they are seemingly the first choice for a comfortable and durable latex mattress topper. Besides, an organic latex mattress is far more durable and highly breathable compared to other materials. They also carry the appropriate springiness and ensure a natural cooling effect.
Nevertheless, not all products using natural latex are organic. Hence, it’s important to know and understand the certification standards which helps a buyer make a confident and informed decision.
GOLS certification-Everything you need to know
As mentioned earlier, GOLS happens to be the first-ever standard for worldwide organic latex production for bedding products.
The GOLS certification isn’t limited to just organic production of latex. It also comprises constant monitoring activity for all latex products having its roots tied to a particular rubber plantation. Additionally, the certification standard also features requirements for emission tests, percentage count for polymer and other filler substances, and a quick check on the permissible amount of harmful substances used.
The certification is not only limited to rubber plantations but also retailers responsible for selling the final products. Thus, when one uses such transaction certificates across the length and breadth of the supply chain, it encourages and establishes an easy traceability pattern from the plantation field to the final delivery, without any hiccups.
At times, a latex mattress can also imbibe certain non-organic stuff, like fillers used for stabilization needs and cost-cutting. So, what does it take for an organic latex production to be GOLS certified?
Well, the majority of latex mattress toppers produced, say no less than ninety-five percent of the lot must be sourced as organic raw latex. The remaining five percent are also required to produce on the lines of latex foam. Hence, reading the label information before buying a product is significant, especially when you are looking for comfortable and eco-friendly bedding products.
The next time you hit a store to buy a latex mattress, look around for the GOLS certification tag. It will ensure you take back home an organic product that not only certifies friendly farming practices but devoid of fillers or other unwanted compounds.
The sole idea behind GOLS certification was to ensure humane and sustainable farming practices are adopted worldwide. As such all approved manufacturers are to follow a pre-agreed social as well as environmental conditions under any circumstances. They include resourceful conservation practices, safe and healthy working conditions, and befitting working hours.
Where do you stand as a buyer?
While GOLS certification gains paramount significance for sleep products globally, it’s not the only certification for an organic latex mattress.
For instance, we also have the USDA certification for a similar line of bedding products matching the organic standards. In all probability, it all boils down to rudimentary details, considering any naturally produced latex mattress toppers qualify for both GOS as well USDA certification.
GOLS being the most sought after certification for bedding products sets a clear pathway for production and after-procedure. It goes all the way from field to farmer level, and the retailer dealing with the final product. As such, all manufacturers who pass the GOLS certification are put on a track to produce organic products that abide by the environmental and social regulations.
From a consumer’s perspective, it is an indirect responsibility as one has to make an informed decision whenever shopping for a latex mattress.
Conclusion
So, now you know all about the GOLS certification standards and what it means for bedding products, like a latex mattress or latex mattress topper. Such insights not only enriches one as an individual but also facilitates to be an informed buyer, compared to others in the row.
Undeniably, bedding products are an important purchase like furniture in the house. When one seeks quality at the price they pay, it only makes sense to buy a product that is sourced naturally and causes no harm to the environment.