CUCLO™ MATERIALS

CUCLO™ MATERIALS

Hevea Natura® - Natural Rubber Foam

Frequently asked questions

What is Latex Foam Rubber?

Harvested from the protective sap of the Havea Brasiliensis or rubber tree, latex is a water desposed all-natural product. Air is infused into the latex compound to create latex’s open structure of interconnected air cells that make its sponge like quality. Latex Foam Rubber can be molded in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and sections with predetermined firmness or softness. It has been used for over fifty years to produce one of the finest materials ever used in bedding for both mattresses and pillows.

CUCLO HEVEA NATURA latex comes only from reputable suppliers. The production process is quality controlled from the tree right through to the final latex product and corresponds to the ecology requirements of the European Union, as defined in Directive 98/634/EG.

What are All Natural Latex and 100% Pure Latex?

All Natural Latex is very soft and elastic but is hard to process without increased risk of failure in the product due to the imperfections inherent in a natural product. Compounders (high-end manufacturers) tend to use blends of natural and laboratory controlled latex to get the best overall properties, and to achieve long lasting and consistent quality. Blended latex is also referred to as 100% Pure Latex to indicate there are no additives and fillers in it. (no additive filler components in it)

CUCLO promotes different proprietary blends 100% Pure Latex (as well as All Natural Latex) with the specially developed mattresses and pillows.

Why should I prefer Latex Foam Rubber over Polyurethane Foam?

Flexible Polyurethane Foam is а general name for synthetic products based on the potentially hazardous toluene diidocyanate (TDI). These include the so called Memory Foam. The natural inherent advantages of the Latex Foam Rubber used for the core of mattresses and pillows are still unmet by any synthetic foam. Refer to table for comparison.

CUCLO advises not to take unnecessary chances with synthetic products and do the best to provide your child with a healthy sleep environment.

Cost VS Value?

Unlike polyurethane foam, a synthetic and not expensive all chemical based product, latex foam relays on natural rubber hand harvesting and costly skilled processing. Because latex foam rubber lasts a lifetime, it isn’t really more expensive in the long run. It is actually cheaper and offers the best value for the consumer.

To provide best value, CUCLO promotes the quality and safety of its child care sleeping products through its choice of premium latex foam rubber blends.

Why Cuclo™?

Cuclo™ is a contemporary company to specialize exclusively in the design and manufacturing of child care products that promote natural materials, a non-toxic design and baby safety for a healthy sleep and refreshing daily rest. All infants and children`s mattresses and pillows have been designed after a throughout research of latest studies and with the help of pediatricians, orthopedic and child care specialists. Furthermore, they are manufactured to provide long lasting heirloom quality workmanship. 

Cuclo™ invites you to join our mission of improving the lives of our children through toxic free design. In doing so, you also promote sustainability and good stewardship.

Is Latex healthy to sleep on?

Latex is ideal for allergy sufferers. It is naturally hypoallergenic, dust mite resistant and antimicrobial, inhibiting the growth of bacteria, mould and mildew which are contributors to asthma and pulmonary function allergies. No artificial or synthetic materials are added to provide these benefits.

If you have a latex allergy, be assured that non-skin contact products such as mattresses and pillows that may contain some natural rubber latex, undergo a five stage washing process, which removes reaction-causing proteins.

Our natural latex is certified by Oeko-Tex (Europe’s highest environmental consumer product standard) to be safe ad free of harmful substances or chemicals.

Is Latex Foam Rubber eco-friendly?

Latex is ideal for allergy sufferers. It is naturally hypoallergenic, dust mite resistant and antimicrobial, inhibiting the growth of bacteria, mould and mildew which are contributors to asthma and pulmonary function allergies. No artificial or synthetic materials are added to provide these benefits.

If you have a latex allergy, be assured that non-skin contact products such as mattresses and pillows that may contain some natural rubber latex, undergo a five stage washing process, which removes reaction-causing proteins.

Our natural latex is certified by Oeko-Tex (Europe’s highest environmental consumer product standard) to be safe ad free of harmful substances or chemicals.

Natural Foam Rubber

by CUCLO™

Hevea Natura® Natural Foam Rubber

FACTS

CONTOURING AND SUPPORT

Latex foam rubber instantly yet gently conforms to the contour of your body while giving you an exceptional orthopedic support and pressure relief. This reduces tossing and turning and improves the flow of oxygen and nutrients to muscles.

Polyurethane contours the body but does not provide any support. It does not assist in improving circulation by softening pressure points and tends to create a settled in or nested feeling.

Although both latex foam rubber and polyurethane foam provide ergonomic comfort, latex is proven to proide up to 33% more pressure relief and contouring support than any synthetic foam. Latex is elastic, buoyant and gives active support that keeps you on top of the bed, rather than a feeling that your mattress is consuming you.

Latex is an uplifting material and is bottomless while memory foam is a sinking material and has a maximum compression level. You sleep ON latex, you sleep IN memory foam.

HARDNESS/SOFTNESS

The specified, unique, pinhole cavitation construction with hundreds of small holes which penetrate through the entire surface allows for specific hardness or softness throughout, thus ensuring uniformity and making the material more pliable and softer.

Generally, Polyurethane Foam does not have cavitation to assure uniformity of hardness or softness pressure relief and does not give maximum comfort.

The predefined throughout hardness or softness of the latex foam rubber cannot be found in any synthetic alternative.

BUOYANCY

Latex Foam recovers in a very lively and quick manner and dampens the movements because of the inherent resilience of the open cell honeycomb structure. Latex is instantly responsive and resilient, providing a buoyant sensation that keeps you weightless. (floating on top of your bed).

Polyurethane Foam recovers very slowly and does not dampen the vibrations quickly because of its poor porosity and plastic cell structure. This creates a rather sinking sensation for a collapsed and “caved in” feel.

Because of its inherent resilience, not matched by any polyurethane foam, Latex Foam Rubber is a fast response material and dampens the movements without disturbing the sleep pattern.

BREATH-THROUGH

Latex is self ventilating as it has open cell structure and millions of tiny interconnecting cells. It basically breathes as you breathe because with every movement you make, the cells will let out the hot air and moisture transmitted from the body and take in fresh air from the surroundings. This also keeps the latex core damp free and ventilated even when not in use allowing the aerated interior to remain fresh and dry.

Polyurethane Foam has a very poor porosity and closed cell structure, it does not dissipate body heat and sweat. This lowers the comfort of the sleeper and allows bacteria, dust mite and mold to thrive.

Latex has the natural ability to effectively dissipate body heat and moisture to assure absolute thermal comfort and hygiene.

TEMPERATURE SENSIBILITY

Latex foam rubber is only slightly affected by wide changes in humidity and temperature which guarantees an all season continuous performance.

Since polyurethane foam  is temperature reactive because of its higher density, it takes time to respond to your body heat before it works. It aggressively responds to lower temperatures by becoming much stiffer, the colder it gets.

Unlike polyurethane foam, Latex Foam Rubber is highly elastic, even in cooler climes and gives instant pressure relief. Expect latex bedding to be more responsive, even during colder times of year, or if you prefer to keep your ambient room temperature a little lower around the recommended 18-20o C.

HEALTH, SAFETY AND ECOLOGY

Latex Foam Rubber is environmentally friendly, naturally derived, recyclable and bio-degradable. The manufacturing process features natural, biodegradable ingredients that come from renewable resources.

Polyurethane (memory) foam is a petroleum based product and is known to off-gass when new, giving off an unpleasant odor and detoriating breathing environment.

Unlike polyurethane foam, latex foam rubber is naturally safe and ecologically friendly material.

PROPERTIES HYGENE ANTI-MICROBIAL

Latex Foam Rubber is environmentally friendly, naturally derived, recyclable and bio-degradable. The manufacturing process features natural, biodegradable ingredients that come from renewable resources.

Polyurethane (memory) foam is a petroleum based product and is known to off-gass when new, giving off an unpleasant odor and detoriating breathing environment.

Unlike polyurethane foam, latex foam rubber is naturally safe and ecologically friendly material.

DURABILITY AND RESILIENCE

The inherent strong bonding of the Latex foam Rubber prevents the material from collapsing or creating dust. Its compound is chemically stable and doesn’t emit any elements whatsoever. Latex Foam Rubber is naturally durable, resists packing down and forming body impressions.

Polyurethane foam is a plastic. It doesn't have the longevity and resiliency of rubber and is subject to forming body impressions that significantly reduce the life span of your bedding. It does not have the capacity to withstand hard wear and tear without collapsing and losing its shape.

Unlike polyurethane foams which tend to degrade and discolor over time, Latex Foam Rubber has a long lifespan with undue deterioration. One of the most durable materials available, Latex Foam Rubber is still unmatched.

Natural Foam Rubber

by CUCLO™

Organic cotton

Frequently asked questions

What is organic cotton?

Organic cotton is cotton that is produced, and certified, according to organic agricultural standards. Of most importance is the fact that organic practices prohibit the use of ‘agrichemicals’ (artificial pesticides and fertilizers) along with genetically modified (GM) seed.

Instead, organic cotton is grown as part of a production system that sustains the health of soils, ecosystems and people. It relies on ecological processes, biodiversity and locally adapted inputs in place of chemical inputs which can have an adverse effects on the farmer and the environment.

Organic cotton production combines tradition, innovation and science to benefit the shared environment and promote fair relationships and a good quality of life for all involved.

Is organic cotton better?

There is no evidence of a health benefit in wearing/using textiles made with organic cotton. However, there are significant differences between organic and conventional cotton when it comes to how the cotton is grown (without toxic or persistent chemicals) – which impacts our land, water and the farmers who grow the cotton.

Are there other types of sustainable cotton?

initiatives, each with a slightly different approach, geography and focus area. For example, Fairtrade prioritizes trade, organizational structures and community development; Cotton made in Africa (CmiA) focuses on livelihood improvement in Africa; and the Better Cotton Initiative aims to make the mainstream better. A more detailed description of some of the other cotton sustainability initiatives can be found in Textile Exchange’s annual Organic Cotton Market Report.

 

What is organic cotton farming?

In conventional cotton production, synthetic inputs (such as pesticides and fertilizers) are used to maximize yields and to manage pests, weeds and disease. These inputs are prohibited in organic production and, instead, farmers use a variety of natural techniques.

These most commonly include, but are by no means limited to; crop rotation, intercropping, minimum tillage, animal and green manures, composting, and biodynamic herbal or mineral powders.

How do I know if it`s organic?

Brands and retailers marketing products as organic should be willing and able to provide proof of any product claims. Standards, verified by an independent third-party, are often the best way to provide that proof. There are a number of standards to support a number of claims. The Organic Content Standard (OCS) can be used to support organic content claims, and the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is the most widely used standard to support comprehensive organic product claims from farm to finished garment.

Where is organic cotton grown?

Figures for 2014/15 reveal that over 92.16% of global organic cotton production stems from just five countries. India is by far the largest producer, accounting for 66.90% of global production. China is second largest global producer, accounting for 11.69% of production, followed by Turkey at 6.49%, Kyrgyzstan at 4.93% and the USA at 2.16%.

The remaining 7.84% is produced by Egypt (1.91%), Tanzania (1.91%), Burkina Faso (0.95%), Tajikistan (0.89%), Uganda (0.71%), Peru (0.49%), Mali (0.47%), Benin (0.34%), Ethiopia (0.13%), Brazil (0.02%), Israel (0.01%),  Senegal (0.01%), Madagascar (0.004%), Columbia (0.001%).

 

Why does organic cotton cost more?

It’s not that organic cotton “costs more” it’s that conventional cotton “costs too little” because it does not cover all its true costs. Health and environmental costs are often externalized meaning neither the consumer nor the retailer ‘pays’ for them, the farmer and the environment does. When a fair price is paid, it makes a huge difference to producers and only a small difference to the consumer.

Why Choose Organic Cotton?

Продуктите от органичен памук са от екологично чиста материя.

Конвенционалният памук е считан за една от най-зависимите от химикали култури в света, като използва 10 % от пестицидите и 25 % от инсектицидите в света. Средно продукт от конвенционален памук, етикетиран като "100% памук", всъщност съдържа само 73% памук. Останалите 27% се състоят от химикали, смоли и свързващи вещества, използвани в селското стопанство и промишлеността.

Децата са силно засегнати от химикалите и пестицидите около тях, а кожата като най-големият орган е атакувана най-много. Продуктите от органичен памук не предизвикват алергии, което ги прави изключително подходящи за нежната бебешка и детска кожа.

Отглеждането на конвенционален памук замърсява подпочвените води. Отглеждането на органичен памук е по-здравословно за нашата планета – не замърсява водите и почвата.

Производителите на органичен памук и работниците не работят с токсични материали. Тяхното здраве не е застрашено, техният живот не е подложен на риск, както е при конвенционалния памук.

Fair trade или справедлив труд за заетите в производството на органичен памук

Производителите на органичен памук са отговорни не само за еко равновесието, но и за стандарта на живот на всички заети в тази сфера. Обикновено производството е съсредоточено в по-бедни райони и отглеждането на органичен памук е свързано с повече ръчен труд. Продуктите са произведени съгласно принципите на справедливия труд.

Organic cotton

by CUCLO™

Органичен памук

Facts

Organic cotton and pests

Organic farmers use their knowledge of the local ecology to carefully plan their natural pest management strategy. For instance, this might involve the planting of ‘trap’ crops that attract pests away from the main crop, or the application of natural pesticides such as neem. Another method is to promote natural enemies of cotton pests (such as birds, ladybirds, beetles, spiders, parasitic wasps, bugs and ants) by providing suitable habitats for them. Building a healthy soil also helps avoid outbreaks of pests or disease.

 

Organic cotton and weeds

Crop rotation and intercropping are important practices in organic cotton production for many reasons, including the reduction of weeds. Changing the crop grown in each field annually to a crop with a different growing pattern, as well as planting weed-suppressive cover crops instead of leaving land bare, all helps to сminimize the build-up of weeds.

Organic cotton and soil fertility

There are a number of methods used by organic cotton farmers to improve and maintain soil fertility, including: crop rotation, intercropping, vermiculture & liquid manure, cover cropping, animal manure, composting, green (plant) manure, mineral powders, and reduced tillage.

Organic cotton and water

Results of a recent Life Cycle Assessment of organic cotton reveal that water consumption of organic cotton is 91% lower than that of conventional cotton (182m3/1000kg fiber as opposed to 2,120m3 ) . This is because organic cotton receives relatively little irrigation, relying predominantly on natural rainfall. Organic cotton can also be a more efficient user of water since farmers focus on building higher levels of organic matter in their soils. Research shows that soils with high organic content can hold up to 30% more water.

 

Organic cotton and climate change

Organic cotton production uses significantly less fossil fuels than conventional production. The results of a recent Life Cycle Assessment of organic cotton revealed that its carbon dioxide equivalence (CO2 equiv.) emissions are an average of 46% less than the CO2 equivalent emissions of conventional cotton production. This is primarily the result of the restricted use of chemical inputs in organic production, along with the fact that the vast majority of organic cotton is produced by small-scale farmers in developing countries who farm by hand instead of using fuel-hungry machinery and irrigation systems.

Organic cotton and farmers` livelihoods

When organic cotton production and markets are working well there is a positive impact on livelihoods:

  • It improves the food security of farmers – in order to improve soil health and deter pests, organic cotton farmers grow an average of 6-8 food crops alongside cotton, providing a direct source of fresh, organic food.
  • It improves the food security of local communities – organic cotton farmers often sell their surplus food produce at local markets, improving the quantity, quality and variety of food available to the local community.
  • It improves farmers’ net profit – despite yields sometimes being lower in organic farming, the dramatic reduction in farmers’ outgoings (from no longer having to buy expensive farm chemicals and seed), in addition to the higher price they usually receive for organic cotton, mean that small-scale organic cotton farmers’ net profits are comparable and often higher than in conventional systems. If farmers can manage without borrowing from moneylenders, or taking out loans at the beginning of the season, they are much better off.
  • It improves farmers’ financial security – organic cotton farmers produce a variety of crops alongside cotton, spreading financial risk by providing multiple income streams. The higher resilience of organic crops in extreme weather events (such as drought and floods) also contributes to food or financial security.
  • It gives power back to the farmer – organic cotton farmers usually produce their own organic inputs, meaning they are no longer tied into contracts with large corporations that often lead farmers into debt.
  • It improves the health and safety of farmers and their families, since they are no longer exposed to the toxic chemicals usually applied to conventional cotton fields. This also reduces healthcare bills, allowing this money to be spent on other needs.

Organic cotton and food security

Organic cotton promotes the food security of both farmer households and their communities. It improves food security for households since its production requires farmers to grow a number of food crops alongside cotton (to improve the soil and deter pests), providing them with a direct source of fresh, organic food. It also improves the food security of local communities since organic cotton farmers usually sell their surplus food crops on local markets – improving local food availability, quality and variety.

Organic Cotton

by CUCLO™