Latex Green; world’s first GOLS certified company to export organic mattresses from SL

A BOI company, with expertise R&D leadership, Latex Green (PVT) Ltd., embarked on a mission to introduce the ‘World’s first certified organic Latex product’ to the global bedding industry. The products are manufactured in accordance with GOLS standard (Global Organic Latex Standard). Despite Latex Green products being all natural, the introduction of a certified organic Latex product was yet another nature friendly step forward by the company and for the bedding industry as a whole.

“For many years, we have been manufacturing and promoting 100% natural Latex bedding products adding value to Sri Lankan rubber in an environment-friendly way. The organic Latex project was a great accomplishment and a new measurement of our R&D capabilities,” Chairman/MD Ana Jayatilleka said.

The process starts from plantations. The organic rubber plantations need to be free of pesticides and chemical fertilisers at all times. Such plantations should be maintained for a minimum of four years free of pesticides and chemical mixed fertilisers in order for the soil to be analysed and tested by the Control Union (CU) for its true status. Control Union is a Netherlands based company, the authoritative body for performing organic certifications for USDA/ NOP (Natural Organic Program of the US Agriculture department) and for European Union Organic production certification.

The Introduction of GOLS by CU has open new doors, globally, for products made using organically grown rubber latex. The GOLS program recognises the efforts of green manufacturing and promotes a genuine eco friendly product to discerning customers.  

CU CEO Sanjaya K. Pathirage said: “What is unique and interesting to us in Sri Lanka is the fact that the standard was developed in Sri Lanka by Control Union’s Sri Lankan office and the fact that the world’s first organically certified company is a Sri Lankan company, Latex Green Pvt. Ltd., we would like to congratulate Latex green for their achievement as being the world’s first GOLS certified company.”

Furthermore, Latex Green (Pvt) Ltd., has taken the initiative to introduce non-poly packaging material for their new organic Latex products, ensuring that the total product offering is more eco-friendly. According to the COO/ Marketing Director Mithra Weerasinghe, this was a trial launch of a well designed project with three phases to be added over the next three years. A soft announcement of a certified organic Latex product through their distributor associate, Latexco West/Sleep Comp West in the USA, brought an overwhelming distinction to the project.

Weerasingha said: “With the growing demand for nature friendly natural products, we are determined to initiate programs that are essential to providing solutions to such requirements.”  The products currently being shipped to USA and Australia, Latex Green has plans to expand into other markets in the future.