Avocado
brand rating & evaluation
overall rating:
Top Choice
Our ratings are based on a scale from 1 (Avoid) to 5 (Top Choice). See How We Rate
The Shifting Gaia rating evaluates brands based on sustainable practices, ingredients and materials, and social responsibility, among others. Below are a few factors influencing this brand's score:
certifications:
learn more about these certifications*
overview
sustainability
non-toxic
social responsibility
8.9 out of 10
10 out of 10
10 out of 10
about
Avocado makes mattresses and bedding from highly sustainable textiles and inputs, with emphasis on circularity and zero-waste production.
highlights
Certified B Corp
Industry leading sustainability measures
Fair Trade
Zero-waste production model
Toxin-free
sustainability
score:
8.9 out of 10
details:
Packaging
Mattresses are compressed and vacuum-sealed in recyclable #4 LDPE plastic, then wrapped in upcycled corrugated paper. Avocado is notably the only U.S. mattress maker to use a paper outer wrap, drastically cutting single-use plastic. All products ship in cardboard boxes, many of which use recycled fiber content, and Avocado opts for FSC-certified, post-consumer recycled cardboard wherever possible.
All products ship in cardboard boxes, many of which use recycled fiber content, and Avocado opts for FSC-certified, post-consumer recycled cardboard wherever possible.
Material Sustainability
Avocado’s products are made almost entirely from natural, plant- or animal-based renewable resources. For example, its mattresses (flagship Green and Eco Organic models) contain GOLS-certified organic latex rubber (harvested from rubber tree sap), GOTS-certified organic wool, and GOTS-certified organic cotton. In pillows and toppers, Avocado uses materials like organic kapok fiber (from kapok trees) and organic latex foam instead of synthetic fills. Avocado notably avoids polyurethane foams or other fossil-derived foams entirely. The steel innerspring coils inside Avocado mattresses are made from recycled steel. Wood elements (in furniture or bed frames) and latex farms are FSC® certified, ensuring sustainable forestry.
Avocado’s raw materials carry leading sustainability certifications that verify their low-impact and ethical sourcing. These include Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) for fibers like cotton and wool, Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS) for its latex foam, and Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification for latex farms and any wood used.
Energy Use and Footprint
The company’s own Los Angeles mattress factory and woodshop are powered entirely by renewable energy (100% renewable electricity). In fact, Avocado became the first Climate Neutral Certified mattress brand in 2019 and has maintained carbon-neutral operations each year since. The brand’s 2024 Impact Report shows a 48% reduction in absolute emissions since 2021.
Avocado minimizes distances and modes with higher footprints. Its products are made domestically in California, avoiding the need for energy-intensive overseas shipping of finished mattresses. Distribution is streamlined from their factory, and Avocado even operates its own last-mile delivery team (in Southern California) to increase efficiency.
Avocado’s transparency on its footprint is notable as well. The company publishes detailed annual sustainability/impact reports following GRI standards, disclosing energy usage and scope 1–3 emissions.
Waste Management
In 2024 the company achieved an estimated 89% landfill diversion rate, meaning almost all manufacturing waste is recycled or composted instead of discarded. Avocado is on track to attain UL Zero Waste to Landfill Silver certification, reflecting this >90% diversion goal. In practical terms, Avocado meticulously upcycles or recycles its factory scraps: for example, organic cotton and wool quilting scraps are bundled and repurposed into carpet padding and construction materials rather than thrown away.
Crucially, Avocado addresses product waste as well. The company’s 1-year sleep trial could generate significant returns waste, but Avocado avoids this by donating over 99% of returned mattresses and bedding to nonprofit organizations and charities (homeless shelters, disaster relief, etc.).
Business Model
Avocado’s business model balances commerce with conscious consumerism. Unlike “fast fashion” home goods brands that churn out new models constantly, Avocado focuses on a limited lineup of durable products. New product launches are infrequent and well-considered. In terms of resale or repair, Avocado doesn’t yet have a formal buy-back or refurbishing program (mattress resale is limited for safety reasons).
non-toxic
score:
10 out of 10
details:
The entire product line is made without the toxic chemicals commonly found in conventional mattresses and bedding. Flame retardant chemicals are completely avoided. Avocado meets fire safety standards naturally (using wool and hydrated silica) instead of using any chemical flame retardants. Both the EWG Verified® and MADE SAFE® certifications earned by Avocado’s mattresses strictly prohibit substances like halogenated flame retardants, fiberglass, formaldehyde, and PFAS “forever chemicals.”
Looking at specific materials, Avocado’s latex foam is organic and natural, with no synthetic latex or toxic additives. It’s also certified by OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 to contain no harmful residues. All textiles (cotton covers, etc.) are GOTS organic, which means they were processed without toxic dyes or finishes. The finished products have ultra-low VOC emissions. Avocado mattresses and pillows are GREENGUARD Gold certified for indoor air quality, ensuring they don’t off-gas problematic chemicals.
social responsibility
score:
10 out of 10
details:
The company is unusual in that it owns its own factories in the U.S. and even owns farms abroad (for latex and wool), giving it control to ensure excellent working conditions and wages throughout its supply chain. This commitment was recognized by Fast Company, which named Avocado one of the Best Workplaces for Innovators in 2024. This commitment was recognized by Fast Company, which named Avocado one of the Best Workplaces for Innovators in 2024 – reflecting how it supports its employees and fosters a fair, inclusive environment. Notably, its factory in Los Angeles is the only GOTS-certified mattress factory in the West, and GOTS certification includes social criteria (e.g. no child labor, fair labor practices) which Avocado meets. Furthermore, Avocado’s status as a Certified B Corporation speaks to its overall social accountability.
The primary animal product used is wool, and Avocado ensures its wool is sourced to the highest welfare standards. In fact, Avocado owns around 200,000 sheep that roam freely in the Himalayas on its own farms. Avocado’s wool supply chain is certified to the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS).
For customers who prefer absolutely no animal products, Avocado provides vegan options. The Avocado Vegan Mattress is made with cotton in place of wool and has been PETA Approved Vegan, certifying that no animal materials are included.
A cornerstone of Avocado’s community engagement is its membership in 1% for the Planet. Since 2017, Avocado has donated 1% of all revenue (not just profit) to environmental nonprofits. Beyond environmental giving, Avocado demonstrates social philanthropy and local community support. As noted, the company donates virtually all returned products to charities. In 2024, 99% of returned mattresses and bedding were given to nonprofits serving people in need.
