The Avocado Way

We believe in transparency, trust, and accountability. That’s why we back up every claim we make with rigorous third-party certifications. They validate what we do with inspections and tests, so you can trust that what we say about our finished products is actually true.  

Organic Claims

When it comes to the term “organic,” the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) suggests buyers rely on third-party certifications to verify the claim. According to the FTC, making organic claims in reference to materials and finished products without facts and certifications is a false and unsubstantiated claim. Here’s how we validate our organic mattress:

Avocado is a Global Organic Textile Standard certified mattress, made with certified organic materials, in our certified organic factory in Los Angeles. Certified organic mattress brands are listed on the GOTS public database, which is the standard endorsed by the USDA’s National Organic Program.

 

NON-TOXIC CLAIMS

If a product uses natural materials — like latex — that doesn’t mean it doesn’t also contain toxic ingredients. According to the FTC, companies who say a product is “non-toxic” should have proof that all the materials are safe for humans and the environment. Here’s how Avocado supports its non-toxic claims:

In addition to our organic certifications, Avocado’s organic latex, wool, and cotton are each STANDARD 100 by OKEO-TEX® certified (19.0.79546, 19.HIN.68466 & 15.HIN.75800, Hohenstein HTTI), and the finished mattress is MADE SAFE® certified. All Avocado certifications are listed on our certifications page.

 

VOC-FREE CLAIMS

The EPA estimates that thousands of products release invisible gasses, known as volatile organic compounds (or VOCs), which can cause all sorts of nasty ailments. Most VOCs associated with mattresses are found in synthetic layers, adhesives, and flame retardants. According to the FTC, “when marketers say a product is ‘free of’ an ingredient, such as VOCs, they should be able to prove that the product doesn’t have any more than a harmless trace amount of it — and that the product is free of any other ingredient that poses the same kind of risk.”

At Avocado, we do not make VOC-free claims. Instead, we certify our mattress and products for low emissions and safety standards. Avocado mattresses are GREENGUARD Gold certified by UL Environment for low-emissions. Our latex is also eco-INSTITUT® certified.

 

FORMALDEHYDE-FREE CLAIMS

To hold mattresses together, some companies use adhesives that contain formaldehyde, a particularly nasty VOC that is a known carcinogen. When brands say a product is “free of” an ingredient, such as formaldehyde, they should prove with third-party certifications that the product doesn’t have a dangerous amount of the chemical. Here’s our proof:

Avocado mattresses are formaldehyde-free verified by UL Environment, meeting their Gold Standard for Building Materials, Finishes, and Furnishings (you can view our certificates here). These certifications, along with all our others, help Avocado customers shop with confidence knowing our products are as safe and healthy as we say they are.