Devon-based natural bed and mattress company Naturalmat has become the UK’s first bed company to be awarded B-Corp status.

The B-Corp movement aims to recognise businesses that have committed to being a holistic force for good for people, communities and planet, with certified companies required to “demonstrate high social and environmental performance”. The recognition of Naturalmat as B-Corp certified comes following two years evaluating various parts of the business, including staff welfare, packaging, energy supply and wider relations with suppliers and the community.

Founded in 1999, Naturalmat led the production of natural, organic and sustainable beds in the UK, after identifying a gap in the market for non-synthetic mattresses. “From day one over 20 years ago, we’ve been at the forefront of making planet-friendly mattresses with organic, sustainable and renewable materials,” says founder Mark Tremlett. “Needless to say, it feels truly rewarding to be recognised as the ethical business we’ve always strived to be and join this powerful global community of organisations working together for a better tomorrow.

“We started off making mattresses for boats with natural and breathable materials, eventually expanding into organic, chemical-free mattresses for babies and adults, championing safe and healthy sleep for everyone. Over the next few years we made every effort to grow as a force for good. We pioneered sourcing organic wool directly from local farmers, installed solar panels on the roof of our workshop and moved to 100% renewable energy and developed innovative plastic-free packaging.

Naturalmat’s B-Corp certification comes after the release of its first Impact Resort in 2022, which set out its sustainability strategies and the targets it aims to meet by 2025. The company’s Devon showroom has been powered by 100% renewable energy since 2012, with 75% provided by solar panels on the workshop’s roof.