Natural latex foam is another sustainable alternative that is gaining popularity for upholstery applications. Made from the sap of rubber trees, it offers a biodegradable, renewable, and eco-friendly option compared to traditional polyurethane or memory foam.
Cruz Foam is revolutionary packaging foam made from repurposed food waste. This biobased material has been tested and verified as high performing protective packaging as well as for cold chain applications. Cruz Foam is made from 70% upcycled ingredients from food waste.
Egg albumen is the perfect foaming agent: compared to other plant or animal protein ingredients, it offers higher foaming properties.
FoamOrder's organic latex product line is certified 100% all natural foam rubber, which means there are no added toxins—just tree sap and additive-free soaps used in the manufacturing process. That means you can rest easy knowing that your furniture and other foam items are safe for you and your family.
Alternatives: I've had, not necessarily made myself, cushion inserts made from shredded coconuts, moss, straw, feathers, horse hair, pig hair, shredded foam, foam placed inside an enclosed envelope of feathers (my favorite!), polyester batting, unknown spongy plastic stuff.
Bio-foam is an emerging alternative to traditional polyurethane foam, made from plant-based materials such as soybean oil, castor oil, or corn starch. It offers a more sustainable option while maintaining the characteristics of conventional foam.
Which cushion filling should I go for? Well, this all depends on your preference for the feel and look of your furniture. If you prefer a slouchy look and a soft feel, we'd recommend feather. Maybe you're more concerned with the smart finish of the sofa and minimal care, in which case we'd recommend foam with a wrap.
Is polyurethane foam toxic to consumers? It can be. Polyurethane foam, once formed, is a stable, non-irritant material (learn more about how PU foam is made here). The potential trouble it brings in consumer products is actually off-gassing, or when the products release VOCs (volatile organic compounds) into the air.
Formaldehyde: Formaldehyde sometimes results as a by-product of the foam manufacturing process, though this is much less common nowadays. Formaldehyde fumes can irritate the eyes, nose and mouth, and it is known to be a human carcinogen.
The playfoam part can be tempting to put into mouth and eat. Make sure your kid is really good about not eating it. It is supposed to be nontoxic, but still.
Coco Glucoside
Natural ultra-mild and gentle surfactant derived from coconut and fruit sugars. It can be used as a foaming agent, conditioner or emulsifier, is gentle on the skin and gives a smooth silky feel to products, allowing them to glide over the skin.
Amphoteric surfactants are very mild cleansers, so they are usually used as co-surfactants in a surfactant blend. They're very gentle and help make the overall formulation gentler. They're also used to help stabilize lather and strengthen the micelles that help cleansing surfactants remove dirt and oil.
Weigh the glycerin and Geogard Ultra™ into a beaker. Whisk to combine. Add the coco glucoside and Cocamidopropyl Betaine; whisk to combine. Add the distilled water and gently stir to combine.
Polylactic Acid (PLA) lined paper is an excellent sustainable alternative to EPS food packaging. It's a plant-based resin made from corn starch used to create compostable containers and liners for cups or packaging to avoid water damage.
For a more eco-friendly packaging solution, consider our biodegradable packing foam, comprised of a fabricated panel made from corn starch. These are customized to fit your product and specifications include a shipping container.
Engineered to be compostable, Phoam Labs' floral foam is designed to break down naturally, reducing unnecessary waste in the floral industry. Made from natural sources, it degrades and returns to the earth, helping to create a more eco-friendly approach to floral design.
Latex-based foam
Unlike polyurethane, latex is less likely to emit high levels of VOCs. It is also highly resistant to mold and dust mites, and is more durable than petroleum-based foam. Look for a product that has 100 percent natural latex.
Retention of Heat
One of the most common complaints about memory foam mattresses is that they trap heat and become uncomfortably warm. Memory foam, particularly traditional memory foam, can become quite warm due to its design to respond to body heat and the density of the material.
Many bed sheets and blankets contain harmful ingredients like formaldehyde, AZO dyes, Alidicarb, and Parathion. These chemicals may be tolerable for the crops, but not for the body. Formaldehyde is typically in sheets labeled wrinkle-free and has been linked to several illnesses including cancer.
Choose furniture products that contain little or no formaldehyde, such as those made with solid wood or stainless steel. Look for furniture products with low formaldehyde gas emission labels with the following language: TSCA Title VI Compliant and California Air Resources Board (CARB) Phase 2 Compliant.
Lack of Durability
One of the main disadvantages of foam cushions is their relatively limited durability compared to other cushion materials. Over time, the foam can begin to lose its shape and resilience, resulting in decreased support and comfort.
Once cured, Great Stuff™ foam forms a nonhazardous solid and is nontoxic if ingested by pets. However, it could block the intestines. If signs of distress are exhibited, seek medical or veterinary care.
If you like to sit with a straight back, keeping your posture protected while you relax, then you should opt for foam filling. The cushions are much firmer, and spring back into place when not in use. However, for those who like to really sink into their sofa, we'd recommend either fibre or feather cushion filling.
Conclusion. Memory foam, latex, and cotton are some of the most popular options and they offer comfort and spine support while being affordable. If you are constrained by tight budgets, then feather pillow stuffing will do the job. If you can extend your budget, then down pillow stuffing can work well for you.
Bold patterns
You can expect geometric patterns, prints and retro-inspired designs popular in 2024. Cushions featuring oversized floral prints, animal motifs and vibrant colour combos are great choices for anyone who wants to make a statement.