This guide will break down the most crucial eco-bedding terms and certifications, simplifying the language so you can invest with confidence in your health and the planet.
Environment Friendly Certifications
These labels prove that a third party has audited the material and process. Look for these non-negotiable seals of approval when shopping for sustainable textiles.
| Term | What It Means & Why It Matters | Product Relevance (Puredown) |
|---|---|---|
| GOTS | Global Organic Textile Standard. The highest standard for fiber. Guarantees raw material is organic AND the entire supply chain, such as dyes, chemicals, and labor, meets strict ecological and social criteria. It also ensures the material is GMO-free. | Crucial for verifying true Organic Cotton products and ethical manufacturing. |
| RDS / DOWNPASS | Responsible Down Standard. Guarantees ethical sourcing and animal welfare. Ensures the down and feathers come from birds that were not subjected to live-plucking or force-feeding. | Essential for all high-quality Down and Feather products, ensuring peace of mind. |
| OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 | Guarantees the finished product is free from over 100 harmful, tested substances known to be detrimental to human health. | Applies to all textiles, such as covers, sheets, fills, ensuring safety against common toxic chemicals. |
| CertiPUR-US® | Certification for polyurethane foam. Guarantees the Memory Foam is made without heavy metals, formaldehyde, ozone depleters, and meets strict emission standards. | Key for Hybrid Toppers or Pillows containing foam components. |
Bedding Materials
These terms relate to the origin of the bedding material and inherent qualities, revealing its environmental footprint from the start.
Organic Cotton
Defined strictly by its cultivation process, no toxic pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, or GMO seeds are used in farming. Results in a purer fiber and supports healthier, living soil.
Flax / Linen
Derived from the flax plant. Known for its minimal ecological footprint, as it requires significantly less water and fewer pesticides than conventional cotton. It is also naturally durable.
TENCEL™ Lyocell
A regenerated cellulose fiber from wood pulp, typically eucalyptus. Produced using a sustainable, closed-loop system where water and solvents are recycled, minimizing waste and resource depletion.
Natural Fill
Refers to materials like down and feathers. They are inherently biodegradable and serve as high-value byproducts of the food industry.
Process & Ethics / The Manufacturing Cycle
These terms relate to the overall lifecycle and philosophy of the product, confirming a commitment to responsible production.
Sustainable Sourcing
A broad term that means choosing materials and production methods that consistently work to minimize environmental impact. For example, responsible water use and minimal waste generation.
Ethically Sourced
Refers primarily to the social component, ensuring fair wages, safe working conditions, and adherence to labor laws throughout the entire supply chain, often audited by GOTS or RDS. This concept is closely aligned with Fair Trade principles, ensuring that workers involved in the products have fairer standards of livelihood and treatment.
Biodegradable
A product like down or cotton that is capable of decomposing naturally and safely back into the earth at the end of its lifespan, avoiding landfill waste.
Upcycled / Recycled
Products that utilize materials saved from landfill or manufacturing waste, extending the life of existing resources. Post-Consumer Recycled Content (PCR) often comes from items like plastic bottles and is repurposed into new products, such as fiberfill for pillows, which is often recognized by the GRS (Global Recycled Standard) label.
Final Words
Navigating the world of eco friendly and organic shopping terms becomes easy when you know what to look for. Verifiable certifications, such as GOTS, RDS, and CertiPUR-US, are the strongest indicators of transparency when buying sustainable products. By demanding proof through these certifications, you ensure your bedding is not just comfortable, but genuinely conscious. You make every dollar spent on environmentally friendly shopping a vote for better health and a better planet.
Use this glossary on your next sustainable shopping trip for eco-friendly products! Explore Puredown’s certified organic and ethically sourced bedding collections today.
Leave a comment