Silentnight has launched the Eco Comfort mattress collection – a high quality range, and a reflection of the bedmaker’s efforts to contribute towards a greener planet.
With 150 plastic bottles in each mattress, Silentnight has already prevented some 105 million plastic bottles from entering the sea or going into landfill.
MD Steve Freeman says: “Programmes such as Blue Planet are showing us the true cost plastic waste has on the environment. Footage of marine life living amongst plastic waste is extremely hard-hitting and difficult to watch. The world needs to change the way it deals with waste, and at Silentnight we are committed to doing our bit to lead the way, particularly with sustainability and recyclability.
“Sustainability has been ingrained within the business for a long time, but we are constantly researching new recycling technologies and investing in more ways to re-use recyclable materials.”
Silentnight’s revitalising Eco Comfort layer can be found across a wide range of mattresses for adults, children and teenagers.
Adults looking to experience Eco Comfort can find a range of mattresses in every size and comfort in Silentnight’s Signature Collection. Young children can enjoy all the benefits of Eco Comfort too, through the Healthy Growth range, while babies can enjoy a breathable, safe and supportive sleeping experience, thanks to the Safe Nights cot mattress range.
“Our eco range has proven a huge hit since its release,” Steve continues. “Both sustainable and extremely comfortable, the mattresses give customers two reasons to sleep soundly at night.
The range is also cost-effective, attracting praise from the likes of Which? – judges recently re-awarded the Eco Comfort Pocket 1200 mattress with Best Buy status for the fourth year running, describing it as “one of the best-value mattresses we’ve tested”.
In line with its efforts towards sustainable conduct, Silentnight has gone into partnership with the UK’s leading marine charity, the Marine Conservation Society (MCS), pledgeding financial support to the society to help ensure the seas around us are healthy, pollution-free and protected, while maintaining the beauty of Britain’s coastlines.
“As well as financial backing, our staff will be getting involved with the charity’s wider initiatives, such as beach cleans, to protect our seas and the fascinating creatures that live beneath them,” says Steve.
Sandy Luk, chief executive at MCS, says: “Here at MCS, we want to see a reduction in the number of single-use plastic bottles in circulation. That means ensuring that we avoid using them as much as possible. Recycling existing material into mattresses is another solution to the growing waste problem, and we’re delighted to partner with Silentnight. The funds received will contribute to our work to protect the marine environment.”
Last year alone, 568,000 pieces of litter were removed from British coasts as a result of MCS’ campaign – and Silentnight has already played a vital part in improving the local environment.
“In the past year alone,” says Steve, “we have prevented 105 million plastic bottles from ending up in landfill or the sea – this is enough plastic bottles that, if laid end to end, they would stretch from London to the South Pole and back again, and we are incredibly proud to be making a difference.
“We have also developed a new programme to improve our fuel efficiency and route planning in a bid to reduce carbon emissions.”
Last year, Silentnight was awarded The Furniture Makers’ Company Sustainability Award, in recognition of its commitment to sustainable manufacturing.
Dr Tony Smart MBE, master of The Furniture Makers’ Company, comments: “Silentnight successfully demonstrated how sustainability is ingrained in all business areas by highlighting specific achievements and changes.”
Steve is proud of every achievement. “We’re delighted that our commitment to social, economic and environmental sustainability has been recognised by this prestigious independent award,” he says. “Through eco-friendly product development, progressive work practices and our partnership with the MCS, we’re helping our world become a green and happier place to live and work.”
