Why Natural Latex Mattresses Are So Expensive | So Expensive | Insider Business
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updated 23 Jun 2023
The video explores the process of harvesting natural latex from rubber trees in Guatemala and transforming it into expensive mattresses. It highlights the precision and expertise of the latex-tree tappers, the meticulous processing of the raw latex, and the certifications and sustainable practices that contribute to the high cost of these mattresses. The transcript also touches on the history of the natural latex industry, the challenges faced by plantation workers, and the increasing global demand for latex mattresses.
Natural latex cores, harvested from rubber trees in Guatemala, are used to make expensive mattresses that are hypoallergenic, biodegradable, and long-lasting.
Rubber tree tappers like Doroteo Blanco extract latex sap from over a million rubber trees on the Guatelinda Plantation, using precise techniques honed over years of experience.
The extracted latex sap is processed in a centrifuge to separate the rubber from the water and undergoes the Dunlop process to turn it into foam.
The processing facility produces around 40 tons of liquid-latex foam each week, which is used to make approximately 600 mattresses.
Grupo Fortaleza, the organization behind the facilities involved in latex production, holds certifications such as Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS) to ensure sustainable and organic practices.
The price tag of natural latex mattresses is influenced by certifications, such as GOLS, and the added value of sustainable production methods.
The natural rubber industry has experienced fluctuations in prices due to factors like global demand for automobiles, geopolitical events, and production issues in countries like China.
Certifications like GOLS aim to prevent exploitation and incentivize companies to maintain high standards in the production of latex mattresses.
Weather conditions, such as hurricanes and droughts, can significantly impact latex production and pose challenges to plantation workers.
The global latex-mattress market was valued at $9.7 billion in 2021 and is projected to reach around $20 billion by 2030.