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$8 Things to Know Before Buying a Natural Latex Bed$

Time Business News

6 days ago

Health
Time Business News

8 Things to Know Before Buying a Natural Latex Bed

If you're seeking to enhance your sleep experience, a natural latex bed can be the perfect solution. Unlike traditional mattresses made of synthetic materials, natural latex beds provide a special blend of comfort, support, and sustainability. They're made from the sap of rubber trees, thus making them a healthier and more environmentally friendly option for modern, conscious consumers. Yet, not every latex mattress is the same, and that's where doing your research comes in handy. From realizing the difference between latex varieties to knowing which certifications to seek out, a number of items can influence your comfort, health, and long-term happiness. Luckily, by familiarizing yourself with the basics ahead of time, you can steer clear of typical mistakes and pick a mattress that really suits your lifestyle. In this article, we'll take you step-by-step through eight essential things to consider before purchasing a natural latex bed so you can make an informed, confident choice that benefits your body and your values. Before diving into choosing a natural latex bed, it's important to understand the differences between natural, organic, and synthetic latex. Natural latex comes from rubber tree sap without added chemicals. However, some mattresses blend this with synthetic latex, which can affect overall quality and performance. Even within natural options, there are two main types to consider: Dunlop latex: Denser and more supportive. Denser and more supportive. Talalay latex: Lighter and more breathable due to extra processing. For a truly natural latex bed, look for GOLS-certified organic latex for purity and sustainability. A mattress might be labelled 'natural,' but without third-party certifications, those claims can be misleading. Look for the following certifications that ensure both safety and sustainability: GOLS (Global Organic Latex Standard) – Ensures the latex is harvested and manufactured under strict organic guidelines. (Global Organic Latex Standard) – Ensures the latex is harvested and manufactured under strict organic guidelines. GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) – Applies to the organic cotton and wool components used in the mattress cover. (Global Organic Textile Standard) – Applies to the organic cotton and wool components used in the mattress cover. GREENGUARD Gold – Confirms the mattress emits low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), making it safe for indoor air quality. – Confirms the mattress emits low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), making it safe for indoor air quality. eco-INSTITUT – Tests for pollutants, heavy metals, and harmful emissions. – Tests for pollutants, heavy metals, and harmful emissions. OEKO-TEX Standard 100 – Certifies textiles are free from toxic substances. These certifications are not just labels—they guarantee that your bed is truly non-toxic and environmentally friendly. Unlike conventional foam mattresses that sag or break down over time, natural latex beds are built to last. Latex is inherently resilient and can maintain its shape and support for over 20 years when properly maintained. This longevity makes it a smart investment, especially when compared to typical memory foam or spring mattresses that often need replacing after 7–10 years. Moreover, the natural elasticity of latex allows it to bounce back after pressure is applied, resisting indentations and minimizing the risk of sagging. This feature makes natural latex an ideal choice for both lightweight and heavier sleepers. Source: Amerisleep Many natural latex mattresses offer a layered design that enables you to personalize your comfort level. These layers vary in firmness and can often be rearranged to better suit your preferences. Some models allow for split firmness, which is ideal for couples with different comfort needs. Latex layers are usually available in soft, medium, medium-firm, and firm options. The modular design means you can replace or adjust a single layer without replacing the entire mattress. This level of customization helps reduce pressure points, align the spine, and promote restorative sleep. Choosing a natural latex bed goes beyond just eco-consciousness. It brings several physical and health-related benefits that enhance sleep quality: Hypoallergenic properties : Natural latex resists dust mites, mould, and mildew, making it ideal for allergy sufferers. : Natural latex resists dust mites, mould, and mildew, making it ideal for allergy sufferers. Breathability : Latex has an open-cell structure and is often combined with organic wool and cotton for better airflow. This promotes temperature neutrality throughout the night. : Latex has an open-cell structure and is often combined with organic wool and cotton for better airflow. This promotes temperature neutrality throughout the night. Motion isolation : Despite its bounce, latex absorbs motion well, reducing disturbances between sleeping partners. : Despite its bounce, latex absorbs motion well, reducing disturbances between sleeping partners. Supportive comfort: Latex contours to the body without the 'sinking' sensation of memory foam, promoting better spinal alignment. These natural benefits make latex a strong contender for people seeking healthier and more comfortable sleep solutions. If environmental impact is a concern, natural latex mattresses are among the most sustainable bedding choices available. Latex is harvested from rubber trees without harming them, allowing trees to continue growing and absorbing carbon dioxide. This renewable harvesting process significantly reduces environmental damage compared to petroleum-based foams. In addition: Organic wool used in many models acts as a natural fire barrier, eliminating the need for toxic flame retardants. used in many models acts as a natural fire barrier, eliminating the need for toxic flame retardants. Organic cotton is typically used for the cover, offering a breathable and chemical-free surface. Sustainable sourcing, minimal chemical processing, and reduced emissions contribute to a lower ecological footprint. One thing many first-time buyers don't anticipate is the weight of a natural latex mattress. These beds are denser and heavier than traditional mattresses, which can make setup and moving a bit more difficult. You'll want to consider: Professional white-glove delivery options are available. Having at least two people for unboxing and positioning. Using a strong, supportive foundation that can handle the weight, slatted wood or platform bases work best. This isn't a deal-breaker, but it's an important practical detail to plan for before delivery day. It's no secret: natural latex beds often come with a higher upfront cost than memory foam or spring mattresses. But that price reflects: Certified organic materials. Ethical and sustainable production. Extended lifespan—often 2 to 3 times longer than conventional mattresses. While the initial investment may seem steep, the long-term value is clear. Over time, the cost per year of use tends to be significantly lower than other mattress types. Plus, considering the health and environmental benefits, many buyers find the trade-off worthwhile. Choosing a natural latex bed is more than just upgrading your mattress—it's a commitment to healthier sleep and sustainable living. But to make the most informed decision, it's crucial to understand the materials, certifications, structure, and expected experience. From durability and comfort to certifications and environmental impact, each element plays a key role in your satisfaction and long-term comfort. Always review third-party certifications, compare firmness options, and plan for setup logistics before making a purchase. With the right information, you'll not only sleep better—you'll sleep smarter. TIME BUSINESS NEWS

How Kariwala Industries is championing sustainability and women's empowerment

Time of India

09-06-2025

Business
Time of India

How Kariwala Industries is championing sustainability and women's empowerment

Live Events What do Zara, M&S, Tesco, L'Oreal, Kate Spade New York, Morrisons, and at least another 490 companies have in common? All their garments, bags, and employee workwear are sourced from Kolkata-headquartered Kariwala Industries, one of Asia's largest textile in 1989 as a humble family-run enterprise, Kariwala Industries has evolved into a prominent Indian textile manufacturer and exporter, with an emphasis on high-quality workwear and eco-friendly products. The company initially concentrated on selling work garments, but over the decades, it broadened its range to encompass industrial workwear, corporate uniforms, personal protective clothing, eco-friendly bags, and sustainable accessories that cater to diverse consumer Industries sets itself apart through its unwavering commitment to sustainability and social responsibility. It complies with rigorous environmental standards and holds numerous certifications, including Fairtrade, the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), and which validate its sustainable production methods. The company also prioritises energy conservation and the implementation of practices such as rainwater harvesting and zero waste to landfill Kariwala Industries' most notable feat, however, is its dedication to women's empowerment. The textile giant is the first 100% women-managed manufacturing facility in all of Asia, having successfully trained over 5,000 women, boasting a 90% employment rate among its trainees, and expanding its skill development programmes to empower even more Indian women, tackling social challenges such as gender bias and limited its mission transcends business success and spans ethical practices, active community engagement, and workplace well-being, Kariwala Industries has been honoured with a multitude of accolades, including the 'Clothing and Apparel MSME of the Year' at the ET MSME Awards 2024. Aside from standing out among thousands of contenders at India's largest awards for micro, small, and medium enterprises, Kariwala Industries is also a recipient of the UN Women Asia Pacific WEPs Award (2020) in 2020 and was recognised by UN Global Compact for its exemplary leadership in promoting gender Industries currently exports its diverse product offerings to 44 countries worldwide. It has set an ambitious goal to expand its international presence to 100 countries by the end of this year. The company's unique combination of superior craftsmanship, environmental responsibility, and strong social commitment positions it as a leading entity in India's textile export industry and as a model for sustainable and inclusive manufacturing more winner vignettes of the ET MSME Awards , keep an eye on this space.

LILYSILK Shares 2024 Impact Report on World Environment Day, Underscoring Its Ongoing Sustainability Efforts

Cision Canada

05-06-2025

Business
Cision Canada

LILYSILK Shares 2024 Impact Report on World Environment Day, Underscoring Its Ongoing Sustainability Efforts

NEW YORK, June 5, 2025 /CNW/ -- LILYSILK, the world's leading silk brand dedicated to inspiring people to live spectacular, sustainable lives, has released its 2024 Impact Report, marking the third consecutive year the brand has published its sustainability achievements in conjunction with World Environment Day. The report highlights the significant strides LILYSILK has made in advancing sustainability, further solidifying the brand's commitment to responsible production and environmental stewardship. The report spotlights the brand's Zero Waste Movement, built on three pillars: Zero Inventory, Zero Waste, and Zero Scraps. Zero Inventory: LILYSILK's made-to-order model crafts garments within 48 hours and delivers them in 2-3 days, minimizing waste and creating only what's truly needed. Zero Waste: LILYSILK has creatively transformed surplus fabric into 7,323 patchwork pillowcases, 29,048 hair ties, and 15,410 eye masks. Remaining materials—over 5 tons—were shredded and repurposed into sustainable fabrics, including silk-wool blends for future collections. Zero Scraps: Partnering with TerraCycle®, LILYSILK offers customers a recycling program for their silk products. In 2024 alone, the program diverted over 490 pounds of material from landfills. To date, we've recycled more than 2,690 items, helping keep unwearable silk textiles out of landfills and incinerators. The company also continues to improve its packaging practices. In 2024, 99% of LILYSILK's outer packaging was degradable, with a goal of reaching 100% by 2026. Many materials now carry FSC® certification. LILYSILK's dedication extends to supplier partnerships. The company maintains a rigorous evaluation process, requiring partners to hold globally recognized certifications, including GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard), RWS (Responsible Wool Standard), GCS (Good Cashmere Standard), and OEKO-TEX. This ensures that raw materials are ethically sourced and meet the highest environmental and social standards. "For World Environment Day 2025, we are proud to share our progress toward a more sustainable future," said David Wang, CEO of LILYSILK. "Our mission to inspire people to Live Spectacularly goes hand in hand with our commitment to sustainability. By reducing waste, improving supply chains, and building partnerships with aligned values, we aim to make a positive impact for our customers and the planet." LILYSILK's 2024 Impact Report reinforces its position as a sustainability leader in the fashion industry, providing customers with high-quality, eco-conscious products and empowering them to make responsible choices.

Yahoo

05-06-2025

Business
Yahoo

LILYSILK Shares 2024 Impact Report on World Environment Day, Underscoring Its Ongoing Sustainability Efforts

From volume to value: Bangladesh's garment strategy amid trade turmoil

Fashion United

05-06-2025

Business
Fashion United

From volume to value: Bangladesh's garment strategy amid trade turmoil

Bangladesh's garment industry seeks to shed its low-cost, large quantity image as it aims to capture higher-value business. At Best of Bangladesh, a fair and conference in the heart of Amsterdam, manufacturers and government officials advertised the world's second largest garment producer's transition, hoping to gain more business amid global trade turmoil. Beyond basics It looked like a typical sourcing fair at first glance: Exhibitors waited for buyers in small booths separated by white walls that were lined with garments. Yet, the exhibition floor wasn't hectic. Soft, jazzy music created a lounge feeling amidst the old-world allure of the historic red-brick walls of Amsterdam's former stock exchange. The choice of the elegant venue for 'Best of Bangladesh' at the beginning of April and the talks held at the event sought to convey a feeling of progress. Bangladesh, traditionally focused on basic apparel like knits, shirts, and denim, is currently aiming to level up its textile industry and expand beyond these simpler garments. A textbook example of these ambitions is Centro Ltd, which had its stand right at the entrance to the exhibition. The apparel manufacturer, based in the capital city of Dhaka, was founded in 2006 and started with knitwear and later wovens before expanding its offering to outerwear, activewear and footwear, Sohel Samim, head of design and product development at Centro, said in an interview. The newer categories represent roughly 12 percent of the offering, according to Centro. Bangladesh's textile industry wants to portray the country at its best. Credits: FashionUnited The company generates 70 percent of its 220-million-dollar revenue from Europe, selling ten million garments per month to fashion companies such as River Island, Primark and Peek & Cloppenburg. Centro has sourcing offices in Hong Kong and the UK, operates three factories with 3,000 workers in Bangladesh and sources from 50 partner factories. In Amsterdam, the focus is to showcase newer product categories such as wool coats, leather jackets and sneakers. Centro further highlights that 70 percent of its sourced fabrics are either sustainably produced or recycled, bearing certifications such as Global Organic Textile Standard or Recycled 100. 'Our main aim is to show our strength, not only Centro's, but our Bangladeshi strength,' said Samim, who considers Centro as one of the leading apparel companies from its home country. 'We are representing the Best of Bangladesh.' 100 billion dollar goal The garment sector remains a cornerstone of the South-East Asian country's economy, with exports of 38,5 billion US dollars in 2024 accounting for more than 80 percent of the country's overall exports, data by Bangladesh's Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) shows. The industry organisation even announced a goal some years ago to more than double its exports to 100 billion US dollars by 2030. Bangladesh has a long-standing tradition of producing cotton garments, but manufacturing apparel from man-made fibers, such as activewear and outerwear, could help the country achieve its ambitious export targets, said Abdullah Hil Rakib, managing director of Dhaka-based Team Group, during a panel discussion. Garment companies also need to improve their environmental and social governance while tackling inefficiencies with data-driven decision making, for example on the production floor and in their management systems, he added. 'Chapter One was about volume, chapter Two is about value,' said Rakib about ways to increase the country's competitiveness as Bangladesh is facing a graduation from its status as 'Least Developed Country' by the United Nations on 24 November 2026. The country enjoys a favorable tariff regime under its current classification, such as duty-free and quota-free access to the EU which will likely end in 2029 after a transition period of three years. Trade turmoil Bangladesh's garment industry has profited from rising production costs in China over the past decade as clothing brands looked for lower-priced alternatives. Many garment industry executives believe that the country might benefit from a likely continuation of trade tensions between China and the US. US President Donald Trump has escalated the trade conflict with China by increasing tariffs on imports from China to the US to 145 percent before reducing them to 30 percent in May. While the reductions will be in place for at least 90 days while negotiations take place, it remains to be seen how the relationship between the two countries will develop as Trump seeks to reduce its trade deficit with China. 'There's hundreds of billions of dollars of business that will have to move out of China,' Pallak Seth, executive vice chairman of PDS Limited said in an interview before the reduction of US-China tariffs in May. The Mumbai-listed sourcing and trading company generates a revenue of more than 1.2 billion dollars by supplying apparel and other consumer products to about 300 retailers and brands worldwide. PDS sources from major apparel manufacturing destinations across the world with 40 percent of volumes coming from Bangladesh. The company's second biggest sourcing market is China but business there is bound for Europe more so than the US, according to Seth. While some of the business from China might move to Central America or Africa, the South Asian country with 'a large capacity and ability to expand fast is Bangladesh', Seth added. 'Bangladesh will be a net beneficiary, not only for apparel, but for general merchandise, home, electronics, pharmaceuticals and many other things.' PDS will continue to invest in Bangladesh, with Seth estimating that the company could source as much as 2.5 billion dollars in goods from the region in the next five years. Looking to Europe The relatively young country is also still in its own trade talks with the US after increased tariffs of 37 percent were put on hold during a 90-day negotiation period. As a sign of goodwill, interim head of government Muhammed Yunus had already pledged to increase imports of products such as soybeans or cotton from the US to Bangladesh. The initial impact of raised tariffs could be felt immediately in the textile sector as some Bangladeshi manufacturers reported halts on orders requested by US buyers. Dhaka-based garment supplier Knit Asia Ltd temporarily halted production on behalf of clients after the announcement of additional US tariffs, said its director Amer Salim in an interview. Now, after the suspension of tariffs, manufacturers are rushing to finish orders destined for the US within the three-month window as uncertainties over the outcome of the negotiations between the two countries remain, he added. The surprise tariffs have also prompted some apparel manufacturers to look for ways to increase their business in Europe. 'I think everyone is de-risking. Everyone's seen that [the US] is not a reliable partner, to be honest,' said Seth, adding that even US focused companies are now looking to increase their share of the European market. The continent has traditionally been their most important export destination. About half of Bangladesh's garments are exported to the European Union and 11.6 percent to the UK, while the US accounted for 18 percent, as figures by trade organization BGMEA show. Most of the woven factories in Bangladesh, producing items like shirts, or jackets, have more customers from North America while manufacturers of knits, such as t-shirts or flat-knit sweaters, generally have more European customers, said Salim. His company generates 40 percent of its revenue from the US but now he is looking to expand in Europe due to risks related to the US market. The big picture Bangladesh's textile sector's future is intertwined with global dynamics, particularly its ability to draw foreign investment during its current political changes. Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus is leading an interim government after his long-term predecessor Sheikh Hasina was forced to flee the country amid protests in August. The transformation of Bangladesh is advertised right at the entrance. Credits: FashionUnited The interim government is now using their temporary mandate to push for political and economical reforms before calling for elections, for which no date has yet been set. The government has to boost the flailing economy and improve infrastructure as high inflation and persistent income inequality lead to discontent and unrest in the population. 'We have a generational moonshot to change Bangladesh for the better,' Ashik Chowdhury said in Amsterdam, describing the ambitions of an interim government 'made of technocrats and geeks'. The banker turned government official, has been heading Bangladesh's Investment Development Authority and the Economic Zones Authority for six months. Chowdhury admitted that Bangladesh is not yet a perfect place to do business and that the government tries to improve the investment climate before calling for elections. 'The ambition is to convert Bangladesh into a global manufacturing hub' like a mini China, connecting West and East, he added. Attracting foreign investment is essential for fulfilling these goals. The government intends to attract such investment through initiatives like green channels, designed as a one-stop-service within the government to help businesses. Another goal is triple port capacity within five years, according to Chowdhury. He also promoted his country as young and dynamic, in line with the message of the event, in front of an audience which also included investors, Dutch government officials and NGO workers. The country's manufacturing industry is still facing transportation bottlenecks and power outages. Rising energy prices worldwide contributed to spiraling inflation and have put a strain on power supply amid slowing economic growth over the past years. Upskilling Foreign investment is also welcomed in the garment sector to create a more complete supply chain. Bangladeshi garment manufacturers are still importing ingredients like certain yarns and fabrics from countries such as China. Investments introducing technology and expertise, such as for producing these ingredients, would allow apparel producers to "offer much better things," said Salim in an interview. His company Knit Asia Ltd works with brands such as Ralph Lauren or Gymshark and generates close to half a billion of US dollars in revenue. The company, which currently employs 23,000 people at its 13 units in Bangladesh, has also heavily invested in newer machinery in the past decade. Previously, producing 10,000 sweaters required 3,000 workers, of which 2,000 operated the manual knitting machines, said Salim. With increasing automation, only 1,100 workers are currently needed to produce the same amount. Despite some remaining simple, manual jobs, the latest machinery doesn't only require less but higher-qualified employees who might even need academic credentials. Salim offers employees continuing education and recruits talent at universities in order to be prepared for the coming digital transformation. 'You need to attract new skills,' he said. 'Things that I cannot do, maybe a talented young kid can do, which I can't even think of right now. So I need to have him or her in my pool.' The technological transition that is already underway also highlights the need for the upskilling of the country's garment industry which is employing more than 4.5 million workers. Workers are losing their jobs because of automation but there are only a few initiatives for workers to get training, said Kalpona Akter, founder of the Bangladesh Centre for Worker Solidarity. They also lack understanding of the industry transition that is happening to realize which greener or sector-specific jobs they could move to and need to be included to participate in the transition, she added during a panel. Due diligence points 'Bangladesh's unique selling point cannot be to produce large quantities at low prices,' said Alexander Kohnstamm, executive director of Fair Wear Foundation during a panel. 'Skilling up your workers and equipping your factories through higher margin business, that is really what needs to be done.' More than 12 years after the collapse of the Rana Plaza building, killing at least 1138 people, NGOs such as Fair Wear agree that working conditions have generally improved in Bangladesh's garment sector. NGOs, textile bosses from Bangladesh and a sustainability manager from Bestseller talk about upskilling and workers' rights. Credits: FashionUnited Almost 90 percent of all the safety hazards identified have been remediated, but there is still a lot that needs to be done in the remaining 10 percent, according to Joris Oldenziel, the executive director of the International Accord. During a panel discussion, he noted that only 60 percent of the 1,600 factories under the Accord have a completely operational certified fire alarm and protection system. The Amsterdam-based organisation is the successor of the Bangladesh Accord, which was set up in 2013 by apparel brands, unions and manufacturers to improve working conditions in the immediate aftermath of the Rana Plaza tragedy. Health and safety conditions have improved significantly over the years but not the wages, said Paul Roeland, an activist from the Clean Clothes Campaign in an interview. The NGO is still supporting demands for a minimum wage of 23.000 Taka (188.42 US dollars) as the last adjustment of the minimum wage wasn't sufficient given the inflation last year. People still have to work overtime, some as much as 80 hours, to sustain themselves, Roeland added. He further demanded that dialogue with workers needs to be included in the minimum wage settings. Workers should also receive better guarantees for freedom of association, said the activist. Another increasing area of concern is the impact of climate change on workers who have become more prone to suffering from floods blocking their way to the work place or the impact of heat stress at work and in the home, added Akter. Next generation The legacy of Rana Plaza and stricter legislation about sustainability and human rights violations in the supply chain have prompted fashion companies to keep a closer eye on their suppliers. Frequent compliance audits have helped to improve working conditions and raise consciousness for more sustainable production methods. However, factories complain about the rise of repetitive audits in a short period of time which put a strain on human and financial resources. 'There is no sharing of audit results or recognition of other independent programmes that emerge shortly thereafter, as such factories that work with multiple buyers and data undergo multiple audits, each pretty much the same as the other,' said Sohel Sadat, chairman of garment maker Shin Shin Group during a panel. He estimated that his company spends more than 100,000 dollars on audits, certifications and traceability. While there is acknowledgement from brands and NGOs that the overlap of audits should be reduced, no single solution is in sight yet. Facing stricter future sustainable legislation, especially as part of the Green Deal by the EU, the question remains who will foot the bill for a greener future. 'Here we need financial support, policy support and of course our own commitments,' Abdullah Hil Rakib, managing director of Team Group said. Many also hope that attracting higher-margin business will provide more room to pay workers better and to be more responsible to the environment. Therefore, the garment industry also needs to shed its current image. 'We're kind of stuck in this loop where the consumers, the retailers, the buyers are so used to getting inexpensive things from Bangladesh,' said Mustafain Munir, the director of Cyclo Fibers based in Dhaka. 'People should stop having that negative association that because it's made in Bangladesh, it's made with forced labour or bad environmental practices.' 'The practices were not good before,' admits the second-generation textile entrepreneur. But progress has been made in terms of safety, health and the environment, especially in the last ten years. His company in particular is one that is making people rethink their image of garments from Bangladesh. Back in 2009, even before circularity became a buzzword in the fashion industry, he and his father had the foresight to buy a bankrupt Spanish company and to bring its mechanical recycling machine to Bangladesh. After years of research, Cyclo Fibers has achieved a breakthrough, developing an in-house process to manufacture recycled fibers at a lower cost than virgin fibers. Hardly anyone in the fashion industry is currently able to do so. From this perspective, Cyclo offers a pioneering example of the possibilities of the local industry. 'So everything is better, at the same price,' said Munir. 'It's a tough challenge but we're doing it.'

Latest news with #GlobalOrganicTextileStandard

8 Things to Know Before Buying a Natural Latex Bed

How Kariwala Industries is championing sustainability and women's empowerment

LILYSILK Shares 2024 Impact Report on World Environment Day, Underscoring Its Ongoing Sustainability Efforts

LILYSILK Shares 2024 Impact Report on World Environment Day, Underscoring Its Ongoing Sustainability Efforts

From volume to value: Bangladesh's garment strategy amid trade turmoil

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