Given the rise in popularity of latex mattresses, toppers, and pillows, it might not have occurred to you what latex is, exactly.
In this post, we’ll explain what latex is and how Naturally Nestled latex is produced. We’ll also share how that translates into latex bedding products you can feel great about purchasing as cleaner and eco-friendlier options for your home.
What is latex, and where does latex come from?
How latex is harvested
While synthetic latex is manufactured using petroleum-based products (which are not biodegradable), both organic and natural latex come from rubber trees.
While synthetic latex is manufactured using petroleum-based products (which are not biodegradable), both organic and natural latex come from rubber trees.
Most of today’s rubber production takes place on rubber tree farms based in Asia. Rubber tree sap is a cloudy white liquid found under the bark; this sap protects the tree from insects and other external damage. By tapping rubber trees using methods that avoid permanently damaging them, they can be tapped to harvest latex for up to 30 years.
If you’ve read about or seen how maple trees are tapped to make syrup, then you have a good idea of how the rubber tree “sap” production process works.
Types of latex
First of all, not all latex types are the same or even made using the same materials. (We wrote about this in another post.)
It can get a bit confusing for consumers, so we’ll break it down again here:
A primary distinction to understand is the difference between latex harvested from rubber trees (organic and 100% natural latex) and latex manufactured using petrochemicals (synthetic latex). Organic and natural latex is biodegradable, while synthetic latex is not.
Organic latex is farmed and harvested according to strict environmental standards that prohibit certain pesticides and chemicals. Natural latex is cultivated and harvested according to conventional agricultural methods–in fact, most latex is produced in this way.
To add to the confusion, some latex products labeled “100% natural” contain fillers that are added to save costs. These fillers can also reduce the longevity and quality of a natural latex mattress topper. Naturally Nestled 100% natural latex is produced without added fillers, which means it will last longer and is more readily biodegradable.
Keep in mind that there is also a “blended” type of latex. Blended latex is made from a combination of natural and synthetic latex, either with or without added fillers.
Checking latex product labels is essential to ensuring that the item you’re considering buying is either made from 100% natural latex without added fillers or certified organic latex.
Organic latex certification
Naturally Nestled organic latex products are made from GOLS certified organic latex. GOLS certification, which stands for Global Organic Latex Standard, is the first-ever organic standard for latex.
GOLS certified organic latex is farmed from rubber trees at certified organic plantations. GOLS certification also addresses plantation workers’ treatment, requiring humane working conditions, fair wages, and reasonable work hours. This means that organic latex is produced in an environmentally friendly manner that also benefits the people living in nearby communities.
Both natural and organic latex are better for the planet
Products made from organic and 100% natural latex made without fillers are better for the planet in a few key ways:
- Because the trees can be planted and harvested over a 30-plus year period, rubber tree plantations are a sustainable form of agriculture.
- Latex production benefits the communities where rubber trees are farmed by providing opportunities to residents.
- Organic latex and 100% natural latex made without added fillers last longer. This means less frequent trips to landfills, which is better for the environment.
- Last but not least, 100% natural and organic latex foam products are biodegradable. Because they’re made from petrochemicals, latex products made from polyfoam are not biodegradable.
Shop Naturally Nestled latex mattress toppers and pillows with confidence
Naturally Nestled mattress toppers are made from either organic or 100% natural latex, and our pillows are made from organic latex. Both types of latex are better for the environment, so you can feel good about adding them to the comfort of your home.
