How is Organic Latex Foam Made?
The following video was produced by Insider Business as part of their "So Expensive" documentary series. Their video explains how GOLS-certified organic latex is made in Guatemala for Avocado.
The following video shows the social impact of natural latex production in India.
The Latex Production Process
The GOLS-certified organic latex (CU863367) rubber (CU 863637) used in our Avocado Green Mattresses is made from sap from our FSC®-certified farms and facilities (C156318) in India and Guatemala.
The GOLS-certified organic Dunlop Latex is lab tested and meets the standards set by STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX®: Class 1 (19.HIN.79546 HOHENSTEIN HTTI) and eco-INSTITUT® label (119-34212-001). It is made using only GOLS-certified organic latex rubber.
The latex production process is simple. Step one is obtaining the latex milk sap. This is done by scoring the tree's bark with a knife so the sap can flow freely into an attached receptacle. Next, a tiny amount of stabilizers are added to prevent clumping before being concentrated in a centrifuge. Finally, according to the Dunlop manufacturing process that we use, vulcanization is required — in which isoprene units, which chemically make up the naturally occurring main component of latex, cross-link with sulfur and zinc oxide with the addition of small amounts of auxiliary agents (including dispersants and antioxidants). This is a required step using approved agents. Then, the latex is baked and washed. This step reduces any residual chemicals and impurities from the latex. The final product is made with ≥95% certified organic latex, the highest possible standard, and certified by the Global Organic Latex Standard.
You can learn more about the latex production process on our website and explore our material and product certifications.