EWG Introduces EWG VERIFIED®: Mattresses in Partnership with Naturepedic

Furniture World News Desk on 2/9/2024

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has introduced a series of 26 Naturepedic mattresses that have met its stringent criteria for health, ingredient disclosure, and transparency, granting them the EWG VERIFIED® mark. This initiative aims to establish a new standard for health and safety in mattress manufacturing.

Naturepedic has become the first mattress brand to fulfill EWG's rigorous requirements, indicating its dedication to health and transparency.

EWG President Ken Cook said, "This is an important milestone for EWG, Naturepedic and the mattress industry. We're setting a new standard for mattresses. This new category of EWG VERIFIED products represents a new era in mattress safety, giving consumers peace of mind and empowering individuals and families to make informed purchasing decisions. Earning the EWG VERIFIED mark isn't easy. The criteria for our mark are demanding, as anyone familiar with our exacting standards can attest. We're excited to bring the same level of scrutiny to mattresses that we've already done with personal care products, cleaners and diapers."

The initiative reflects concerns over the average adult's significant amount of time spent in bed, as well as infants, who are particularly vulnerable to harmful chemicals often found in crib mattresses.

Barry Cik, founder and technical director of Naturepedic, stated, "Naturepedic is proud to debut the world's first EWG VERIFIED mattress. Today's consumers are discerning and seek more from the products they purchase. They want assurances about product ingredients and how they're manufactured. Naturepedic is at the forefront, understanding and meeting the evolving demands of consumers by offering mattresses that meet the highest standards for health."

Highlighting potential risks, EWG points out that many mattresses on the market contain chemicals that can affect indoor air quality and pose health risks, with manufacturers not always required to fully disclose all materials used. Issues such as respiratory irritation, asthma symptoms, and long-term health risks can arise from volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in polyurethane foam, while undisclosed flame retardants could contribute to hormonal disruption and cancer.

Homer Swei, Ph.D., EWG senior vice president of Healthy Living Science, commented, "The EWG VERIFIED mark on mattresses reflects our commitment to empower consumers with a comprehensive way to identify healthier mattresses that meet EWG's highest standards. At EWG, we're striving to make clean and healthy consumer products the norm. And I'm hopeful other companies will follow Naturepedic's lead to clean up the mattress market."

The EWG VERIFIED: Mattresses program requires products to adhere to the following:

• Complete transparency in disclosing all ingredients and materials.
• Use of safer materials and lower-emitting VOCs.
• A ban on harmful chemical flame retardants, fiberglass, PVCs, and PFAS.

The launch is timely as California, with the support of EWG, has recently banned the sale of mattresses with fiberglass, reflecting a broader trend towards consumer protection and safer products.

For over two decades, EWG has been a resource for chemical hazard evaluations and consumer guidance. The EWG VERIFIED mark is a signal of a brand's commitment to surpass basic regulatory demands, emphasizing ingredient transparency and safety. With this new mattress standard, EWG aims to fill a significant void in the market, offering consumers trusted options in the absence of modernized safety standards.

About EWG
For over two decades, EWG has been a resource for chemical hazard evaluations and consumer guidance. The EWG VERIFIED mark is a signal of a brand's commitment to surpass basic regulatory demands, emphasizing ingredient transparency and safety. With this new mattress standard, EWG aims to fill a significant void in the market, offering consumers trusted options in the absence of modernized safety standards.

The Environmental Working Group is a nonprofit, non-partisan organization that empowers people to live healthier lives in a healthier environment. Through research, advocacy and unique education tools, EWG drives consumer choice and civic action. 

About Naturepedic
Naturepedic has been the leading certified organic and non-toxic mattress and bedding company for over 20 years that supports an organic, holistic lifestyle by protecting families through safer, healthier, and certified organic products. By eliminating materials like flame retardants and polyurethane foam from their line of organic mattresses, Naturepedic is dedicated to protecting consumers and the environment. The brand is a proud member of the Organic Trade Association and 1% for the Planet, supporting approved nonprofits dedicated to environmental causes. All Naturepedic products, including mattresses, pillows, cushions, and more can be found online at Naturepedic.com, in over 20 Naturepedic stores, and over 150 retailers nationwide