These days, more and more of us are striving in the way we live and consume to be more eco-friendly. Whether you’re newly eco-conscious, a lifelong eco-warrior or simply trying to increase the number of environmentally-friendly choices you make, any step taken towards reducing our environmental impact is a positive one. Making eco-friendly choices within the bedroom may not necessarily be the first thing to ‘spring’ to mind. However historically mattresses have proved problematic for the ecologically-minded amongst us.

Mattresses which can be recycled often aren’t – meaning many once disposed of are sent to landfill unnecessarily.  Here at the Odd Company, we wanted to make it easier for people to find an eco-friendly bespoke mattress – which is why our mattresses use natural, biodegradable fillings and are completely recyclable. In addition, all of our bed bases and divans are made from Forest Stewardship Council-approved timber (FSC-approved)- helping you make good decisions all round! 

 

Are normal mattresses eco-friendly? 

As we’ve mentioned, both the high street and online stores are flooded with mattresses made from petroleum-based foams – which, in addition to retaining body heat( often leading to an uncomfortable night’s sleep) is one of the least eco-friendly mattress materials you can find.

Memory foam mattresses on the high street and online tend to be made with thick polyurethane-based material. Polyurethane is a polymer of plastic, also found in products like garden hoses, trainer soles and home insulation. Memory foam mattresses take an estimated 1,000 years to decompose, meaning many of us are contributing to the planet’s plastic pollution problem without even realising it.

 

 

So, how is an environmentally-friendly mattress made?

 Making an eco-friendly mattress is no mean feat. Here at The Odd Company, you’ll know by now that our mattress fillings are all made using natural and biodegradable materials like curled horsehair, cashmere, cotton and lambswool – which provide breathable warmth and comfort. These fillings will all be biodegradable and will return to the earth at the end of their lifespan as nature intended. 

The internal springs of an Odd Mattress are fully recyclable too. Once the mattress has reached the end of its useable life they can be removed, melted down and then reused in newly manufactured products.  

 

Recycling your old mattress

When you select a new mattress from The Odd Company, there’s no need to worry about the fate of your old one! The Odd Company offers customers a collection and recycling service – letting you enjoy your new mattress in the knowledge that you’re part of a sustainable cycle.

Our ingenious partner has developed a system which allows them to recycle 7000 mattresses a week, breaking down each mattress into up to 19 recyclable components. These components are subsequently reused by firms operating in industries as diverse as construction and fashion.  

In a precise and painstaking process, each part of the mattress is separated upon arrival. The internal spring system is removed from the upholstery and fillings by hand (this complex job cannot be done by a machine). The spring system is then processed and baled, whilst the soft fillings are washed, baled and used in a huge variety of products. 

 

Where can I get an eco-friendly bed base?

At The Odd Company, we know it’s not all about mattresses. Many of our clients also need divans and bed bases but want to purchase safe in the knowledge that the wood used in the construction of these products comes from sustainably managed forests.

Here at The Odd Company, all of our divans and bed bases are made with pine and ash timber that is FSC approved (that is, approved by the Forest Stewardship Council). We use FSC approved timber as it originates from well managed forests which are socially beneficial, environmentally appropriate and economically viable. Purchasing an eco-friendly bed base from The Odd Company with your bespoke eco-friendly mattress allows you to make choices that benefit both yourself and the planet – now that’s what we call a win-win! 

To speak to a member of our team about your new eco-friendly bespoke mattress from The Odd Company, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.