Are Birch Mattresses Certified Organic?
Why GOTS Certification Matters
The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) requires that a finished product—such as a mattress—be independently certified and listed in the official GOTS database in order to be marketed as “GOTS-certified.” This ensures the entire mattress, not just certain parts, meets strict organic and processing standards.
Birch’s Certifications
No GOTS Certification: Birch mattresses do not hold or display a GOTS certification or license for the finished mattress.
GOLS Certification (Latex Only): Birch claims to use GOLS-certified latex, but GOLS (Global Organic Latex Standard) differs from GOTS. GOLS applies only to latex foam, not to an entire finished mattress.
Other Materials: Birch may use natural or organic inputs; however, without finished-product certification, the mattress itself cannot be described as “GOTS-certified” or “organic.”
What Regulators Say
USDA National Organic Program (NOP): Only products certified to USDA or GOTS standards may be marketed as “organic” in the U.S. Mattresses not certified under either program may accurately state they contain organic materials, but they cannot be marketed as fully organic.
FTC Green Guides: Marketing a product as “organic” without finished-product certification may mislead consumers. Claims must be truthful, clear, and not suggest certification where none exists.
Natural vs. Organic
It’s important to understand the difference between “natural” and “organic.”
Natural is an unregulated term in the U.S. Manufacturers may use “natural” without independent certification. It does not guarantee that materials are free from harmful chemicals, pesticides, or synthetic additives.
Organic is a regulated term. To market a product as “organic,” the finished product must be certified to an accredited organic standard (such as USDA Organic or GOTS) and listed in the relevant public database.
Bottom line: Natural is a marketing claim, while organic is a verified certification.
Disclaimer: This article is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific compliance guidance, please consult the relevant regulatory authorities or seek the advice of legal counsel.