The latest survey by the National Bed Federation (NBF) reveals that 73% of consumers would be prepared to pay more for a mattress designed to avoid landfill at the end of its life.
The consumer research undertaken by the NBF in July 2023 shows, that of the respondents who were prepared to pay more, 29% said they would pay up to an extra 5%, 38% said they would be prepared to pay between 6-10%, and 19% said they would pay an additional 11-15%.
According to the research, 20% of people disposed of their old mattress at their local tip and less than 7% paid for it to be collected by a mattress recycler. 76% of respondents said that if they knew their old mattress was being “properly” recycled and not sent to landfill, it would influence their route to disposal.
The NBF is also calling for the UK government to support its plans for a nationwide programme to fund a service that enables everyone in the UK to recycle their used mattresses.
It is encouraging to see such high levels of consumers prepared to pay more for an eco-designed mattress.
Simon Williams, the NBF’s head of marketing and membership, commented: “When consumers are made aware that around 75%, or 5.25 million, of old mattresses currently end up in landfill sites every year, they start to appreciate the scale of the problem.
“With many innovative British mattress manufacturers now developing products that have been designed so they can be completely deconstructed and fully recycled at their end of life, there are now more sustainable options available. It is encouraging to see such high levels of consumers prepared to pay more for an eco-designed mattress.”
Nick Oettinger, Circular Economist and CEO of The Furniture Recycling Group, said the findings signal a “profound shift” in consumer sentiment.
He said: “With 7.5 million mattresses going into landfill annually, it’s evident that the scale of the problem is colossal. The figures provided by the NBF emphasise the importance of adopting a circular economy approach.
An essential aspect of this approach is ensuring that materials used in mattress production can be locally recycled at their end of life.
“An essential aspect of this approach is ensuring that materials used in mattress production can be locally recycled at their end of life. Notably, by designing mattresses for disassembly and ease of recycling, we tackle two objectives: reducing landfill waste and offering consumers the greener options they’re actively seeking.
“I heartily support the NBF’s call for governmental backing of a national program that emphasises mattress recycling. It is a crucial step not only in reducing environmental impact but also in reflecting the evident demand from the consumer base.
“The findings provide a roadmap for the mattress industry. With informed and eco-conscious consumers ready to back sustainable choices, the onus is now on manufacturers, recyclers, and policymakers to step up, collaborate, and shape a more sustainable mattress ecosystem for the future.”
