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With the launch of organic mattresses, Latex Green (PVT) Ltd has introduced the "world's first certified organic latex product" in the bedding industry.

The mattress products are manufactured according to the Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS) standard. Introduced in January 2012, the standard refers to the sustainable processing of latex from organic raw material.

"For many years, we have been manufacturing & promoting 100% natural latex bedding products adding value to Sri Lankan rubber in an environment-friendly way. The Organic latex project was a great accomplishment and a new measurement of our R&D capabilities "says Chairman / MD Ana Jayatilleka.

The products are made from latex that is sourced from organic rubber plantations. Such plantations are maintained for a minimum of four years free of pesticides and chemical mixed fertilizers in order to get organic certification.

"What is unique and interesting to us in Sri Lanka is the fact that the standard was developed in Sri Lanka by Control Union's Sri Lankan office and the fact that the world's first organically certified Company is a Sri Lankan company, Latex Green Pvt. Ltd. We would like to congratulate Latex Green for their achievement as being the world's first GOLS certified company," says the CEO of Control Union, Sanjaya K.Pathirage.

According to the Mithra Weerasinghe, this was a trial launch of a well designed project with three phases to be added over the next three years. "With the growing demand for nature friendly natural products, we are determined to initiate programs that are essential to providing solutions to such requirements," says Mithra Weerasingha.

The products are currently exported to USA and Australia. Latex Green has plans to expand into other markets in the future.

OM Comment
Latex Green is applauded for launching the first organic latex bedding products in the world. As one of the first companies to adopt the GOLS standard, it could carve out a niche in the bedding products market. Expect more companies to follow its lead as retailers expand their green product ranges.

Source: News Release
 

Thai organic products are expected to flourish in both domestic and export markets despite looming threats from the strong baht and the sluggish global economy.

Vitoon Panyakul, president of the Thailand Organic Trade Association (Tota), said exports are expected to grow by 10-15% this year to about 2 billion baht. Europe remains the key market, accounting for up to 80% of shipments, followed by the US (10%) and Australia/New Zealand. Major products are organic rice, which accounts for half the products, with fruit, vegetables, processed food and coconut milk making up the remainder.

Mr Vitoon said the domestic market for organic products is also strong, as more consumers become health-conscious. The Thai market will reach an estimated value of 2 billion baht this year, a rise of 10% from last year.

However, Mr Vitoon said the domestic market's growth is relatively slow, as many people have shifted to consume more health foods even though they are not organic. Organic products are mostly now available only in supermarkets.

Expansion into standalone outlets remains difficult due to stiff competition from discount stores that can sell products at much cheaper prices.

Tota's latest survey showed the farming area of organic products expanded from 192,220 to 212,995 rai in 2010. Most was slated for growing rice, covering 138,326 rai.

Despite an increase in the number of consumers of organic produce, the expansion of farm areas is relatively slow, as farmers are growing older and their children are shying away from farming, Mr Vitoon said. He said the government's rice pledging scheme, which offers farmers above-market prices, has been a big blow to organic product development.

Deputy commerce permanent secretary Nuntawan Sakuntanaga said the outlook for organic products remains bright despite the challenge of the strong baht.

Source: News Release
 

Demand for organic clothes is increasing in Mysore, especially among the youth. Available in various options, men prefer cool and comfy organic shirts, T-shirts, kurtas, and women shop for stylish organic tops and bags. The list doesn’t end there. The organic outlets in the city also sell shampoos, soaps, towels and gift articles.

Mohan Kumar, who started an organic outlet recently, told TOI: “These all-season clothes are free from pesticide, chemicals and synthetic ingredients. Clothes made from hemp plants protect you from UV rays and are anti-bacterial. Such clothes popular among tourists.”

Buoyed by the response, Mohan is planning to start an exclusive organic hotel in Mysore. “By using organic clothes, we can preserve our indigenous culture. These products are manufactured by self-income groups without any machines and artificial colours,” another organic shop owner said.

Engineering student Tanvi, who gifted an organic shirt to her friend, says: “My friend had never used organic clothes and it was the best gift. These clothes can also be used with a pair of denims.”

“Wearing organic clothes makes you look stylish and unique as they are different from machine-made clothes,” Madhu Patel, a businessman, said.

OM Comment
Demand for organic products is rising in India because of growing consumer knowledge about organic agricultural methods. Apart from the environmental benefits of organic agriculture, there is a positive social impact if products are hand-made. Organic garments and textiles can also preserve traditional working practices and indigenous culture. Demand for organic products is expected to increase as Indian consumers become more affluent.

Source: Times of India / Organic Monitor