What is Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS)?
Latex mattresses are amazing. They're comfortable, supportive, and they can last for years if you take care of them properly. However, there are many types of latex on the market today. How do you know which one is best?
GOLS (Global Organic Latex Standard) has come up with a system to determine what type of latex mattress is right for you! Read on to find out more about this important standard.
GOLS—The Natural Latex Certificate
Global Organic Latex Standard is a non-profit, international association that provides a certification system for rubber tree latex products worldwide. GOLS-certified latex is produced by processing rubber trees harvested without harming the environment, workers, or local communities.
GOLS sets strict limits on harmful substances that could be present in latex to protect the health of the end-users as well as people involved in the production chain. GOLS latex is tracked through the entire supply chain using transaction receipts to ensure only certified product is sold.
What Does It Take to Become GOLS Certified?
In order to obtain GOLS certification, companies need to apply by filling out the application form to start the GOLS certification process. The manufacturer has to follow strict criteria throughout the whole chain of production.
The latex products undergo testing for hazardous chemicals, synthetic latex, and other additives. Once the manufacturer meets all the strict criteria, they are awarded GOLS certification. If they fail the certification, the manufacturer receives guidelines that will help them to improve and get certified.
The GOLS certification has a variety of requirements. Here are a few examples:
GOLS Environmental Criteria
The environmental criteria in certified organic plantations and factories include minimization of water use, energy-saving, and avoidance of chemicals that are harmful to the environment throughout the manufacturing process.
The criteria also include looking for renewable resources. GOLS certified manufacturers are encouraged to recycle as much as possible and using PVC packaging is banned.
GOLS Social Criteria
GOLS certified organic rubber plantations and factories must provide fair working conditions and their employees must be paid adequate wages and child labor is strictly forbidden, as well as forced labor.
Freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining shall be enjoyed by all workers without any discrimination. All women and men who perform work of equal value must receive equal pay, benefits and opportunities for advancement.
Other GOLS Criteria
Other GOLS criteria also involve protecting customers from unsafe practices throughout the manufacturing process, such as using harmful dyes and chlorine bleaches, as well as heavy metals, GMOs, and other chemicals that are hazardous to human health or the environment.
Best GOLS Certified Mattress Brands:
In this section, we'll discuss the best mattress brands that are GOLS certified. We'll also include a quick description of each, so you can find the right one for you.
Mattress Type: 100% Latex Mattress
Certificates: GOTS, GOLS, Greenguard GOLD, OEKO-Tex, Eco-INSTITUT®, FSC
Warranty: 25 Years
Sleep Trial: 100 Nights
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King
Best GOLS Certified Latex Foam Pillows:
If you're looking for quality GOLS-certified organic latex pillows, you'll be pleased to know that there are quite a few to choose from.
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Materials: GOLS certified organic latex and GOTS certified organic cotton
1) Latex Pillow for Neck Pain by Organic Textiles: This is natural latex pillow designed to specifically help with neck pain. The GOLS latex is hypoallergenic, breathable, antimicrobial and resistant to dust mites and other allergens.
2) Organic Shredded Latex Pillow by
Conclusion
If you're planning to buy a Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS) organic mattress, then you are making the choice of only supporting manufacturers who work ethically, track their supply chain all the way back to farm level, and ensure that no child labor is used.
You also have the assurance of what's inside your mattress. No nasty chemicals or cheap fillers, just organic latex from tropical trees and other certified organic materials.
GOLS-certified mattresses have been independently tested by accredited laboratories and have been proven to contain no harmful substances. You can be confident that your mattress made of organically grown latex and other natural materials is a healthy, non-toxic choice for you and your family.
