Illegal logging and deforestation have caused severe damage to rainforests around the world, from South America to Southeast Asia, since the industrial revolution in the 1800s. Shockingly, it is estimated that more than 100 million cubic meters of timber are still produced through illegal logging each year. As more and more people become aware of this growing problem, consumers have begun demanding sustainable forest products that protect biodiversity instead of contributing to further land clearing and habitat loss.
The Rainforest Alliance is an organization dedicated to helping businesses take responsibility for their use of forest resources and develop environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable practices. They work with farms, forest operations, and tourism enterprises, conducting independent audits for certification to help conserve biodiversity and improve the livelihoods of workers in tropical countries.
What Does a Rainforest Alliance Certified™ Label Mean for My Mattress?
If a mattress claims to be Rainforest Alliance certified, it usually means that the natural latex used in its production is sourced and processed in a sustainable manner. The latex is obtained from rubber plantations located in the tropical forests of countries like Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia.
To qualify for this certification, the natural latex must be sourced from suppliers who comply with the standards set by the Sustainable Agriculture Network (SAN), and with whom the manufacturer has a direct relationship. This ensures that the workers involved in harvesting and processing the latex receive fair wages, and that the production of the mattress is not contributing to deforestation.
