Our commitment to avoid the use of latex or foams
We have made a rough estimate that 32 million mattresses are disposed every year in Europe alone. Only a few are being recycled due to high costs or lack of regulation. In Stockholm, for example, they are all burned in the recycling stations.
When burning any material, natural or synthetic, it's crucial to consider the emissions produced and their potential impact on health and the environment. Here's a factual comparison based on what happens when materials like Talalay latex (a type of natural latex) and natural fibers such as wool, cotton, cashmere, and silk are burned:
Talalay Latex (and Other Latex Types)
- Composition: Talalay latex is a natural rubber product derived from the sap of rubber trees (Hevea brasiliensis). It undergoes a specific processing method involving vacuum, freezing, and vulcanization to create foam.
- Burning Characteristics: When latex burns, it can release a range of hazardous gases, including carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and potentially other toxic compounds depending on the additives present in the latex formulation. The specific hazards can vary based on whether the latex is 100% natural or if synthetic materials have been added.
- Health Risks: Inhalation of smoke from burning latex can irritate the respiratory system and, depending on the concentration of gases, can pose more severe health risks such as headaches, dizziness, and in extreme cases, can be life-threatening due to the inhalation of toxic fumes.
Natural Fibers (Wool, Cotton, Cashmere, Silk)
- Composition: These fibers are protein-based (wool, cashmere, silk) or cellulose-based (cotton). Protein-based fibers are derived from animals, while cellulose-based fibers come from plants.
- Burning Characteristics:
- Wool and Cashmere: These fibers are relatively flame-resistant compared to other natural fibers. When burned, they char and self-extinguish once the flame source is removed. They emit a smell similar to burning hair and produce less intense flames.
- Cotton: Cotton burns quickly and leaves behind a fine, soft ash. It can ignite more easily than wool or cashmere and produces a yellowish flame.
- Silk: Similar to wool, silk burns slowly and can self-extinguish. It also smells like burning hair due to its protein content.
- Health Risks: The primary hazard from burning these natural fibers is the inhalation of particulate matter and potential irritants from the smoke. However, compared to synthetic materials or natural rubber, the emissions are generally less toxic.
Comparison and Environmental Impact
- Toxicity of Emissions: Synthetic materials and natural rubber like latex can produce more hazardous emissions than natural fibers when burned, due to the potential release of toxic gases and chemicals.
- Biodegradability: All the mentioned natural fibers are biodegradable and have a lower environmental impact in terms of disposal compared to synthetic fibers. Latex, especially natural latex, is also biodegradable, but the combustion process and the emissions associated with burning can have a negative environmental impact.
- Flammability: Wool, cashmere, and silk have natural flame-retardant properties, making them less hazardous in terms of fire risk compared to cotton and latex.
In summary, while burning any material can pose environmental and health risks, the degree of hazard varies significantly between different types of materials. Natural fibers like wool, cashmere, and silk tend to be less flammable and produce fewer toxic emissions when burned compared to natural rubber products like Talalay latex, which can release harmful gases.
-----
To calculate the number of mattresses disposed of annually in Europe we used the following facts:
1. Europe population is approximately 750 million.
2. Estimated an average household size of 2.5 people.
3. Number of Hotel Beds: This number can vary widely, but for the sake of this calculation, we assumed 10 million hotel beds in Europe.
4. Mattress Replacement Rates: Individuals replace their mattresses every 10 years, and hotels replace mattresses every 3-5 years.
The calculation for households was based on the assumption that each household has at least one mattress, and for hotels, we assumed each bed corresponds to one mattress.
