Innovation

Naturepedic got its start making mattresses for babies and children. All of their mattresses are made from GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certified organic materials and contain no fire retardant chemicals such as polybrominated diphenyl ethers or boric acid which have been linked to birth defects and certain types of cancer. On top of that, baby mattresses have another aspect to consider. As any parent knows, sometimes accidents happen and waterproofing can be an important part of a baby’s mattress. Many traditional mattress companies use vinyl or polyurethane to provide waterproofing qualities. Unfortunately, vinyl and polyurethane are processed using harmful chemicals like vinyl chloride and dioxans that can have an similar effects to the fire retardant chemicals mentioned above. Some research even indicates that these chemicals may have had an effect on the rising number of childhood developmental disorders.

The company has developed a waterproof surface for their baby mattresses that uses cotton fused with food-grade polyethylene in place of the toxic alternatives. This is the same plastic that is used in many food packages and thus is held to a higher regulatory standard and doesn’t contain the toxins found in other materials. The coating is heat sealed as well as stitched around the outside of the mattress to provide extra liquid protection. Now parents can get a comfortable waterproof mattress for their child that is also free of potentially harmful chemicals.

Inspiration

The company was founded in 2003 by Barry A. Cik. He was inspired when he went out to buy a crib mattress in anticipation of his first grandchild and was appalled by what he found. Mr. Cik is an environmental engineer and knows from his work how harmful certain chemicals can be. When he found that some of these chemicals were used in the manufacture of the mattresses that he saw in the store he was shocked at what infants were being exposed to and he thought that there had to be a better way. He and his sons made the first mattress out of natural and organic materials and the business evolved from there.

He says that he did not set out to make a point with this endeavor or to make money. He wanted to “Just do the right thing.” He is pleased that people are beginning to wake up to these issues and is a staunch supporter of higher standards in production industries.

Overall impact

More and more people are realizing exactly how many harmful chemicals we surround ourselves with on a daily basis. Naturepedic is helping to further that conversation and provides an excellent example of how practical design thinking and creative engineering can help to remove dangerous substances from manufacturing processes and our environment. Since the company began in 2003 Naturepedic has sold around 350,000 of their safe, non-toxic crib mattresses. Their success has had a visible effect on the industry. Dale Luckwitz, the communications manager at Naturepedic, says he has seen several other companies in the mattress industry begin to switch their language in promotional materials to focus more on health and safety after Naturepedic came onto the scene.

Business benefit

Naturepedic has been growing for the last 13 years. They focused primarily on baby and children’s mattresses at first but are now producing adult products as well. People love the quality that they provide. Naturepedic benefits from their simple and handcrafted production. Since the mattresses are handmade, they don’t need to buy expensive heavy machinery or pay for any repairs that machinery might require. People know that Naturepedic does not use toxic chemicals and that is incredibly appealing. Dale Luckwitz, Naturepedic’s communications manager, says, “We sell an absence of materials.” in reference to the chemicals and additives in traditional waterproof mattresses.

Social and environmental benefit

Naturepedic seeks to have a positive human impact by protecting and promoting children’s health and preventing potential causes of birth defects. This is a key aspect of the 3rd UN Global Goal of "Good Health." The innovative design and material of their waterproof children’s mattresses is getting other companies to look at their manufacturing process and materials and make changes in their own priorities. While Naturepedic cares deeply about health issues, environmental issues are also a concern. “It’s all tied together.” Says Carolyn Robare, the marketing and event specialist for the company. Carolyn has started programs to recycle leftover materials to use in making dog beds as well as donating any damaged merchandise that might get returned to the factory. Nothing is wasted. Naturepedic is not just making a difference with their products. They are making a difference with the way they do business.

Interview

Dale Luckwitz, Carolyn Robare, Barry Cik, Communications Manager, Marketing and Events Specialist, Founder