Fact: Your ‘Organic’ Mattress May Not Actually Be Organic

The industry has been abusing “Organic Mattress” for years. The “Green” bandwagon is filling up with pretenders all over the internet.

It appears that the USDA is finally starting to take notice. Furthermore, not only are they investigating retailers, but manufacturers. Anyone claiming to sell “organic mattresses,” ought to watch their backs. They are scrutinizing raw material vendors too (so I’ve been told).

USDA Investigating Mattress Retailer for Misuse of the Term “Organic”

As previously reported in an October 28, 2009 BedTimes Bulletin:

Over the past year, the Federal Trade Commission has sued several apparel manufacturers. Those parties falsely claim their products are “bamboo fiber”. In fact, more accurately they are just “rayon”. “Rayon made from bamboo” at most.

ISPA has learned that another federal agency – the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) – is investigating a mattress retailer for possible misuse of the term “organic mattress”. USDA has jurisdiction to decide whether organic claims for textile products (including mattresses) are accurate. When an agricultural product may be called “organic” is set forth by USDA’s National Organic Program (NOP). In general, the agricultural raw material (in the case of textiles, the cotton, linen, hemp, wool, etc. fiber) must be produced in compliance with USDA’s NOP rules. To grow plants organically, rules govern allowable fertilizers. Or the foods fed to the animals, etc. In addition, the NOP rules require a qualified third party to certify that the grower runs a certified organic operation. The fiber is “certified organic” only when growers fulfill these requirements.

We understand, however, that since cleaning and dyeing materials used to convert the raw fiber into a textile do not meet NOP standards, USDA would not allow the fabric manufacturer to claim that the fabric itself is organic. However, USDA would allow the fabric producer to claim “made with certified organic cotton”.

USDA also appears to be taking the position that retailers of finished textile products like mattresses may at most claim that the fiber used in the textile is certified organic. “Organic ticking” or “organic upholstery material,” does not permit claims a mattress is  itself “organic”.

In light of this investigation, mattress manufacturers and retailers making “organic” product claims should review their product packaging. Advertising materials need review. Companies not in compliance should consult with qualified legal counsel. Confirming whether those claims meet the NOP requirements would be wise.

Update:

This is even worse today than it was 9 years ago. The government didn’t do much to stifle greenwashers. Companies like Avocado, Naturepedic, and Essentia have taken greenwashing to another level.

I love Naturepedic. We carry it. However, they use plastic in almost all of their “Organic” products. The company makes mostly clean attainable to most consumers (particularly with crib mattresses). It’s important for consumers to have the information.