In the next part of our ongoing sustainable series, we take a deeper look at online beds and mattresses retailer MattressNextDay and what they are doing in terms of sustainability.
The topic of sustainability continues to be of great importance. From product innovations such as bottle-filled mattresses to greener practices and initiatives, businesses are also adapting new ways of working to make their operations more sustainable. In the next instalment of our series, and off the back of their recent announcement to upgrade its packaging, moving from plastic to plant-based, we explore more of MattressNextDay’s green credentials.
MattressNextDay
As consumers become more environmentally conscious, many industries are looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint and minimise their impact on the planet. At MattressNextDay, they say they’re proud to be leading the way in sustainable practices, and have committed to taking action wherever possible to make a positive impact. “At MattressNextDay, sustainability is a core value, and we believe that all businesses have a responsibility to protect the environment,” Martin Seeley, CEO of MattressNextDay, said. “We are dedicated to becoming a net-zero company and are taking bold steps to combat climate change. That’s why we have launched the Sustainable Snooze campaign. It is dedicated to achieving three key goals to protect the planet and to promote a sustainable future.”
These goals are:
Reducing Landfill Waste: With over 8 million mattresses ending up in landfill each year, MattressNextDay aims to reduce this number by recycling old mattresses and giving them a new life.
Protecting The World’s Rainforests: MattressNextDay recognises the devastating effects of deforestation and are committed to planting more trees to provide shelter, food, and habitat for the rainforest’s diverse wildlife.
Reducing Our Carbon Footprint: By reducing carbon emissions, MattressNextDay aims to improve air and water quality, slow sea level rise, slow global temperature increase, and reduce ocean acidification.
“We’ve set ourselves some ambitious targets to help push us in the right direction,” Martin said. “One such ambitious target is planting one million trees by 2030. We’re already making significant progress towards this target, with over 50,000 trees planted to date. To help us achieve this, we partnered with Ecologi and, so far, have been able to support 19 international environmental projects in countries including Madagascar, Uganda, Kenya, Bolivia, Argentina, and Nicaragua, offsetting over 216 tons of carbon in the process. We’re also planting a tree with every single order placed by our customers, as well as five trees every month for each of our employees, which is equivalent to offsetting 150 tonnes of CO2 per year.”
On recycling, MattressNextDay has recycled over 31,000 mattresses so far, breaking down each mattress and recycling all of its components, so no part goes to landfill. The business has also recently partnered with a local charity called Necessary Furniture, who provide recycled furniture to those on a low income, receiving benefits, single parents or those who just need a helping hand.
“In addition to planting trees and recycling old mattresses, we’re taking other steps to reduce our carbon footprint,” Martin said, continuing: “We’ve swapped all lighting in our buildings to LED, installed four electric vehicle charging stations outside our main building, and only use eco-friendly ‘Marpak Green’ packaging in our warehouse. This innovative packaging is made from sugarcane, a fully renewable resource, is 100% recyclable, and its production process actually removes CO2 from the atmosphere.”
The move to upgrade its packaging from plastic to plant-based is in partnership with Marpak Extrusions Ltd, who are one of the first film producers in the UK to use Braskem’s revolutionary sustainable polymer, Green PE. “We hope this inspires other businesses to make the switch to greener alternatives too,” Martin adds.
Meanwhile, MattressNextDay’s Sustainable Snooze campaign is just one of the ways the business is taking its role in protecting the environment seriously, as Martin explains: “As part of exciting plans later this summer, we are opening a brand-new warehouse and showroom in Whitstable, Kent. Sustainability has been at the forefront of our minds throughout the design and planning stage. We’re planning to install solar panels on the roof of the new building, and we’ll have our first electric delivery vehicle in what will eventually be an all-electric delivery fleet. We’re also committed to offering electric vehicle charging stations for our customers and providing sustainable, reusable water bottles for all of our staff and visitors at our showroom.”
Alongside MattressNextDay’s operational achievements and initiatives, the business takes consideration on its product offering to customers and currently has around 37% of mattresses being labelled in the ‘natural’ category, made from materials such as cotton, wool, and latex that are renewable and sustainable. Martin concludes: “Looking forward we are being more discerning with prospective manufacturers we will work with. Our long-term goal is to be a net-zero company, and we’re committed to encouraging other manufacturers to take the same level of action. We believe that by working together, we can make a positive impact on the planet and create a better future for all.”
