Natural Rubber (FSC Latex)
Tapped tree latex — renewable and biodegradable, with deforestation risk to check.
What it is
Natural rubber is latex tapped from Hevea trees, coagulated and processed into foam, soles and sheets. FSC-certified rubber verifies the plantation didn't come from converted natural forest.
Why it matters
Unlike synthetic rubber it is renewable and biodegradable, and mature plantations store carbon. The problem is expansion: rubber has driven significant forest loss in Southeast Asia and West Africa, and smallholder labour conditions vary widely.
Upsides
- Renewable, tapped without felling the tree
- Biodegradable in unblended form
- Excellent durability and resilience in soles and mattresses
- FSC and Fair Rubber schemes cover forest and labour criteria
Trade-offs
- Plantation expansion drives deforestation without certification
- Latex proteins trigger allergies in some users
- Often blended with synthetic rubber, hurting biodegradability
What to look for on the label
FSC-certified or Fair Rubber marks, '100% natural latex' rather than 'latex blend', and GOLS certification for mattresses.
Better or comparable alternatives
Frequently asked
Is natural latex better than memory foam?+
For durability and end-of-life, yes — latex lasts longer and biodegrades, while polyurethane memory foam is fossil-derived and landfill-bound.
What does GOLS certify?+
The Global Organic Latex Standard verifies organic latex content (95%+ for 'organic') plus chemical and social criteria in processing.