From a global waste crisis to a purpose-driven push for sustainable sleep, the mattress industry is undergoing a pivotal shift. Across the United States and the United Kingdom, mountains of discarded mattresses highlight chronic challenges in recycling and waste management. Against this backdrop, Simba, a London-based sleep technology company founded in 2016, has emerged with a clear mission: to redefine mattresses as recyclable, non-toxic products engineered to minimize environmental impact while delivering healthier sleep. This article traces the scale of the problem, Simba’s innovative product design, governance and social initiatives, and the company’s broader pathway toward net zero by 2030.
Global mattress waste: the scale of the challenge and early reform efforts
The global landscape of mattress disposal paints a stark picture of a waste-intensive industry that contributes significant material and energy burdens to landfills and ecosystems. In the United States alone, annual disposal figures point to tens of millions of units. One cited reference from The Guardian notes that the United States disposes of about 18.2 million mattresses each year, a figure that underscores the complexity of managing end-of-life products in a consumer market saturated with old and new models. The scale is not merely about the volume of items but also about the disparate system for collection, processing, and recycling. The industry traditionally relies on a limited network of recycling facilities, which constrains efficient recovery and reuse and inadvertently propels a large share of discarded mattresses toward landfills.
Across the Atlantic, the UK presents a parallel yet distinct set of pressures. In 2017, the country reportedly discarded more than 7 million mattresses, with a substantial majority directed to landfill. This historical context reflects how policy, waste infrastructure, consumer behavior, and product design intersect to determine end-of-life outcomes for mattresses. The combined effect of high disposal rates and a relatively constrained recycling capacity generates significant environmental externalities. Landfill leakage, methane emissions, and resource depletion are all implicated in the lifecycle of traditional mattresses, which often rely on foam, synthetic fibers, and non-recoverable components that are challenging to reclaim at scale.
These factors have spurred a growing demand for sustainable alternatives and more circular business models in the sleep industry. Against this backdrop, Simba has positioned itself as a climate-conscious player focused on non-toxic materials, recyclability, and a closed-loop approach to sleep products. By emphasizing 100% recyclability, biodegradable materials where feasible, and supply chain transparency, Simba argues for a fundamentally different paradigm in mattress production. The company’s stance aligns with broader environmental, social, and governance (ESG) imperatives, including reductions in lifecycle emissions, higher recycling rates, and more sustainable logistics. In this context, Simba’s mission goes beyond product differentiation; it seeks to catalyze systemic changes in how mattresses are designed, manufactured, and repurposed.
The broader industry narrative suggests that a combination of innovation, regulatory alignment, and consumer demand for greener products could reshape waste outcomes over time. For Simba, this means not only delivering a high-performing mattress but also demonstrating a credible pathway to net zero through design choices, sourcing standards, and end-of-life solutions. The company’s strategy acknowledges that environmental progress requires multiple levers: material choices, manufacturing processes, transport emissions, product longevity, and a robust recycling ecosystem. Each of these elements plays a critical role in moving the mattress sector toward a lower-carbon, circular economy. In short, Simba’s entry into the market is framed by a global urgency to reduce waste, improve recyclability, and deliver healthier sleep without compromising the planet.
The conversation around environmental impact in sleep technology also touches on consumer expectations and corporate accountability. As more households adopt sustainable products, demand grows for brands that can demonstrate measurable environmental benefits. Simba’s public commitments—such as using biodegradable, organic latex, recyclable Aerocoil springs, and GRS-standard recycled hollow fibers—are positioned as tangible responses to this demand. These design choices reflect a broader shift toward greener materials and manufacturing practices in the industry. Moreover, the company’s emphasis on a short logistics chain and UK-based, zero-waste manufacturing facilities signals an integrated approach to reducing transport emissions and waste generation, further aligning business operations with environmental goals. This multi-faceted response illustrates how Simba is attempting to translate a broad global challenge into a concrete, scalable, and accountable business model.
In sum, the global waste challenge around mattresses is real, complex, and unevenly managed across regions. The US and UK examples illustrate persistent gaps between waste generation and recovery. Simba’s narrative suggests a proactive path forward, combining material science, design for recyclability, localized production, and an ambitious sustainability agenda. The company frames its work not merely as product innovation but as a comprehensive strategy to reduce the environmental footprint associated with sleep products, while expanding access to high-quality, non-toxic sleep solutions. This foundational context lays the groundwork for exploring Simba’s distinctive product architecture, its certification journey, and the broader social and environmental impact the company aspires to achieve.
Innovative product design and manufacturing: materials, recyclability, and scientific rigor
Simba’s product philosophy centers on sustainability without compromising sleep quality. The company asserts that its mattresses are built with materials selected for their environmental credentials and end-of-life performance. A cornerstone claim is the use of biodegradable, organic latex in combination with recyclable Aerocoil springs and GRS-standard recycled hollow fibers. This combination is designed to deliver durable comfort while maintaining a clear path to recycling and reuse at the end of the product’s life. The emphasis on 100% recyclability reflects Simba’s commitment to circular economy principles, where materials can be recovered and reintegrated into new products rather than being sent to landfills.
The materials and design choices reflect a broader strategy to reduce toxic exposures and minimize environmental harm. Biodegradable organic latex contributes to lower environmental risk in the product’s lifecycle, while Aerocoil springs offer a resilient support system that can be separated from other components for recycling. The GRS-standard recycled hollow fibers add cushioning and breathability while adhering to international standards for recycled content and traceability. By combining these materials, Simba aims to create a mattress that remains comfortable and durable while reducing the environmental footprint compared with conventional foam-heavy designs.
Simba’s manufacturing approach reinforces its sustainability commitments. The company operates within UK-based, zero-waste factories, a policy that reduces transport distances and minimizes waste sent to landfill. In this model, production waste is recycled or reprocessed into other products, and nothing is sent to landfill. This operating principle supports a lean logistics chain and lowers overall emissions associated with distribution. The zero-waste framework also underpins the broader aim of lowering resource consumption and ensuring that waste streams do not become environmental liabilities. The emphasis on closed-loop processes is a clear signal of how Simba envisions a manufacturing ecosystem that is both economically viable and ecologically responsible.
In terms of energy and standards, Simba’s facilities are aligned with renewable energy use and environmental management regimes. The company highlights that its eco-factories operate with energy drawn from certified renewable sources, and their operations are monitored under ISO 14001, the international standard for environmental management systems. ISO 14001 certification reflects a formal commitment to systematic environmental performance improvement, including energy efficiency, water conservation, waste reduction, and continual assessment of environmental risks and opportunities. Such certifications provide a framework for tracking progress, setting measurable targets, and making data-driven decisions to reduce environmental impact.
The product development trajectory also encompasses ongoing design refinements aimed at shrinking the environmental footprint further. Simba points to upcoming designs intended to reduce the foam content in mattress layers, addressing the substantial portion of emissions attributed to foam production and use. In addition, the company notes that its duvet fillings utilize Global Recycled Standard (GRS) materials, aligning with broader sustainability objectives across product lines. The Green Organic mattress is highlighted as a flagship example, employing GOTS-certified organic cotton and GOLS-certified organic latex. These certifications signal rigorous adherence to recognized standards for organic textile processing, including cotton cultivation and latex production, which reduces chemical inputs and enhances overall product sustainability.
Beyond components, Simba’s broader product ecosystem includes accessories manufactured in Eco Factories and powered by renewable energy. The company emphasizes that its accessories are designed and produced in settings that meet high environmental standards, reinforcing the overall sustainability profile of the Simba brand. This emphasis on sustainability across product categories suggests a holistic approach to responsible sleep solutions, where materials, manufacturing, and finished goods collectively contribute to a lower environmental impact profile.
Simba’s sustainability narrative also touches on product lifecycles and end-of-life considerations. The company has introduced a not-for-profit recycling service intended to accept mattresses of any brand, with no purchase required, signaling a shift toward system-wide recycling infrastructure. While the service’s operational details are not elaborated in depth, the intent is clear: to create a centralized platform for capturing end-of-life mattresses and reintegrating materials into the economy. The recycling initiative aligns with the broader objective of reducing landfill contributions and extending the life of valuable raw materials, thereby reducing the need for virgin resources in new product manufacturing.
In parallel with material innovations, Simba’s product strategy includes consumer-oriented features that aim to improve sleep quality while supporting environmental priorities. The company maintains a stance that good sleep is foundational to personal well-being and societal outcomes. In this vein, Simba highlights the role of sleep in reducing strain on personal lives, businesses, and public health infrastructure such as the national health service (NHS). The company frames its mission as enabling better sleep for more people through a combination of advanced technology, accessibility to products at various price points, and a mix of new and refurbished options. By presenting a tiered approach to affordability and access, Simba seeks to broaden its reach while maintaining environmental standards across the lineup.
From a supply-chain perspective, Simba’s product strategy reflects a careful balance between performance, sustainability, and scale. The organization describes its supply chain as a comprehensive system that underwent a rigorous review as part of its B Corp certification process, including a deep dive into supplier relationships and governance. The emphasis on ethical innovation in product development signals a commitment to responsible R&D that weighs environmental and social factors alongside market performance. This approach signals an integrated view of product design, where sustainability considerations influence every stage of development—from concept to consumer use.
In sum, Simba’s product design and manufacturing strategy is characterized by a multi-faceted commitment to sustainability that touches materials, production practices, energy sources, and end-of-life solutions. The collaboration of biodegradable organics, recyclable components, and a closed-loop manufacturing approach positions Simba as a test case for how mattress design can align with circular economy principles. The focus on GOTS and GOLS certifications, ISO 14001 adherence, and a strong emphasis on not-for-profit recycling demonstrates a coherent, design-to-disposal strategy. Taken together, these elements reflect a long-term vision for sleep technology that prioritizes human health, environmental stewardship, and responsible business practices, while continually seeking ways to refine and improve the product spectrum to meet evolving consumer expectations and climate targets.
Governance, social impact, and community engagement: B Corp certification and beyond
Simba’s pursuit of rigorous governance standards and its commitment to social impact are central to its public narrative and strategic direction. The company’s landmark achievement—the attainment of B Corp certification—marks a transformation in how Simba positions itself within the global business landscape. Simba is described as the first British-born sleep brand to be granted the internationally recognized B Corp status, a milestone that signals a comprehensive assessment of environmental and social performance across the organization. The B Corp evaluation process is known for its rigor, and Simba’s score—reported as 97.5—signals a strong performance in environmental stewardship, governance, worker well-being, diversity, customer stewardship, and community engagement. This score exceeded the threshold of 80 points required for certification, reflecting a systematic and transparent approach to measuring impact.
CEO and founder Steve Reid has elaborated on the significance of this achievement. He notes that B Corp certification involves a rigorous process in which the entire business model is scrutinized—ranging from supply chain diligence to ethical product development. The high score attests to Simba’s success in aligning business operations with environmental and social objectives, while also underscoring the ongoing nature of such work. Reid emphasizes that the certification process is not a final endpoint but a milestone along a broader journey toward continuous improvement. He underscores that, although substantial progress has been made, there remains ongoing work to further strengthen governance, worker wellness, development, and community initiatives.
Reid’s comments also highlight the broader scope of B Corp considerations beyond environmental metrics. He notes that accreditation examines governance structures and domains such as worker wellness and development, diversity, customer stewardship, and community-related charitable activities. The implication is that Simba’s management has embedded a culture of accountability and transparency, with internal teams created to oversee these areas. The process has prompted the organization to implement significant changes across the enterprise, including areas of governance, policy, and culture. Yet the CEO acknowledges that more progress is needed, signaling an ongoing commitment to continuous improvement in both internal and external dimensions of the business.
The social dimension of Simba’s strategy includes a focus on reducing sleep deprivation’s broader societal impacts. The company asserts that sleep deprivation imposes considerable strain on personal lives, businesses, and critical infrastructure, including the NHS. Simba frames its mission as enabling healthier sleep while minimizing planet-wide impact. This dual objective encompasses not only product design and manufacturing but also accessibility considerations. The company emphasizes its aim to extend sleep solutions to a broader audience, including the provision of refurbished products and technological innovations that enhance sleep quality. By combining affordability with durability and recyclability, Simba seeks to broaden social access to quality sleep as a foundational element of well-being.
In terms of community engagement, Simba articulates a robust approach to giving back. The company highlights partnerships and charitable initiatives that extend its reach beyond the business. One notable collaboration centers on End Youth Homelessness, where Simba’s contributions reflect a commitment to supporting vulnerable populations during periods of transition. The organization indicates that its efforts in this area have included significant donations of mattresses and bedding, underscoring a tangible application of corporate social responsibility. The company notes that, within a year of this partnership, it had donated nearly £300,000 worth of products to newly rehoused individuals across the United Kingdom. Such activities underscore the social value embedded in Simba’s business model, aligning corporate success with meaningful community outcomes.
Simba’s recognition as a Best Retail Company to work for reflects an internal culture that prioritizes employee satisfaction and organizational health. In 2022, the company was named the third-best retail employer in a ranking compiled by Best Companies, a citation that reinforces the importance of workplace well-being and employee engagement as part of the broader ESG strategy. This accolade complements the B Corp certification by signaling that governance and people-centric practices are integral to-day operations and long-term strategy.
The governance and social impact lens extends to partnerships across healthcare and wellness sectors. Simba maintains an NHS program offering discounts on select products, aimed at providing healthcare workers with improved sleep options. The program’s reach is notable, with thousands of NHS staff benefiting from the discount and reporting improved sleep quality. Additionally, Simba has demonstrated a capacity for collaboration with medical and health-focused organizations, including GenM, a menopause-focused initiative for brands. Through GenM, Simba aims to better serve menopausal women with products and services that address night-time symptoms, highlighting a targeted approach to addressing specific sleep-related health needs.
From a philanthropic perspective, Simba’s partnerships extend to charitable causes that address housing instability and youth support. The End Youth Homelessness initiative, in particular, has carried a one-year milestone, during which Simba’s contributions have included significant product donations intended to aid newly rehomed individuals. This program aligns with the company’s broader ethos of using sleep as a foundation for stability, health, and resilience, a narrative that resonates with stakeholders across the social spectrum. The combination of employee-focused culture, responsible governance, and community-oriented philanthropy reinforces Simba’s positioning as a values-driven enterprise aligned with broader societal goals.
Simba’s sustainability and governance commitments feed into concrete, measurable targets that frame its strategic roadmap. The company has set ambitious aims for the near term and the longer term, including a goal that by the end of 2023 at least 50% of materials used in products be sourced from recycled materials. This target reflects a decisive step toward increasing circular material flows and reducing reliance on virgin inputs. In addition, Simba articulates a long-term aspiration to reduce the carbon footprint of foam used in mattresses by 25% by 2050, signaling a clear decarbonization trajectory within core product components. These targets demonstrate a long-range plan to align product innovation and material choices with climate objectives while maintaining performance and comfort for sleepers. The combination of these goals with B Corp governance signals a holistic approach to sustainability—integrating environmental stewardship with social responsibility, ethical governance, and community impact.
Simba’s governance and social impact narrative also encompasses workforce development and diversity. By pursuing a rigorous standard of governance and implementing programs that foster worker wellness, development opportunities, and inclusive practices, Simba positions itself to attract and retain talent while delivering consistent value to customers and communities. The company’s internal team structure supports ongoing monitoring and improvement of these areas. It also enables a disciplined approach to integrating stakeholder feedback into product design, customer relations, and community engagements. In this context, the B Corp certification serves not only as a badge of achievement but as an ongoing mechanism for accountability and future improvements, ensuring that governance remains aligned with evolving social expectations.
In addition to the internal governance elements, Simba’s public communications emphasize the relationship between sleep and public health. The company argues that better sleep can reduce societal strains, including pressure on healthcare systems and productivity impacts on businesses. By providing advanced sleep technology and accessible products—sometimes via refurbished options—Simba frames itself as part of a broader health and well-being ecosystem. The NHS discount program, GenM partnership, and End Youth Homelessness collaboration collectively illustrate a multi-stakeholder approach to social impact. This approach broadens the scope of what a mattress brand can contribute to society beyond comfort and aesthetics, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to a healthier, more equitable society through better sleep.
Social impact and partnerships: healthcare, youth, and workforce well-being
Simba’s social impact strategy extends across healthcare, youth support, and workforce well-being, with concrete programs designed to deliver tangible benefits. The NHS discount program demonstrates a direct link between product accessibility and public health outcomes, enabling healthcare workers to access better sleep options. The program’s reach, which has extended to thousands of healthcare professionals since its inception, signals a practical approach to improving sleep quality for individuals who experience demanding and irregular work schedules. This initiative also aligns with broader public health goals by supporting improved rest, cognitive function, and overall well-being among frontline workers who play critical roles in health systems.
The GenM partnership with menopause-focused initiatives underscores Simba’s commitment to addressing specific sleep-related health needs. Menopause can bring night-time symptoms that disrupt sleep for many individuals, and Simba’s collaboration aims to tailor products and services to alleviate these challenges. Such targeted partnerships illustrate how the company leverages its sleep technology expertise to meet nuanced consumer demands and contribute to broader health outcomes for aging populations. By aligning product features and service offerings with the needs of menopausal women, Simba demonstrates an ability to adapt to demographic shifts and health considerations within the sleep market.
End Youth Homelessness represents a significant philanthropic pillar within Simba’s social impact framework. The company reports a milestone of contributing nearly £300,000 worth of mattresses and bedding to newly rehoused individuals across the United Kingdom within a year of the partnership. This donation reflects a strong alignment between Simba’s core product domain and its social mission, leveraging sleep-related products to support vulnerable populations during critical transition periods. The impact of such contributions extends beyond immediate material aid, reinforcing the social value of stable sleep environments in facilitating housing stability and improved well-being for young people facing homelessness or displacement.
Within the workplace, Simba’s recognition as a Best Retail Company to work for in 2022 signals a robust internal culture that emphasizes employee satisfaction, professional development, and organizational health. The Best Companies ranking is widely used as a barometer of workplace quality, reflecting the extent to which a company cultivates an engaging and supportive environment for its staff. Achieving a high ranking in this arena complements the external ESG credentials demonstrated by B Corp certification, providing a more holistic view of how Simba practices what it preaches in terms of people-centric governance and culture.
The company’s social impact story also encompasses a commitment to fair labor practices across the supply chain and transparent governance. By embedding social metrics into performance evaluations and decision-making processes, Simba illustrates how accountability mechanisms can translate into better outcomes for workers, communities, and customers. This approach aligns with the broader B Corp ethos, which emphasizes the interconnectedness of environmental, social, and governance performance as essential to long-term value creation.
In pursuing social impact and partnerships, Simba has also highlighted the importance of education and community outreach. Engaging with charitable organizations and community groups helps translate corporate capabilities into broader societal benefits. While the specifics of every partnership may vary, the underlying objective remains consistent: to use the company’s resources and expertise to improve sleep health, support vulnerable communities, and foster a culture of well-being and resilience. The cumulative effect of these efforts contributes to a more equitable and healthier society, while reinforcing Simba’s identity as a mission-driven enterprise.
Recycling, offsets, and a forward-looking sustainability roadmap
A central pillar of Simba’s environmental strategy is a robust focus on material circularity and an intent to minimize reliance on offsets by reducing emissions at the source. The company has already established a range of initiatives designed to curb environmental impact throughout the product lifecycle. One notable initiative is the development of a not-for-profit recycling service launched in March 2023, designed to accept mattresses from any brand with no purchase necessary. This program embodies a systemic approach to recycling, aiming to broaden the reach of end-of-life mattress collection and improve the recovery of materials across the market. By providing a no-cost option for recycling, Simba seeks to lower barriers to responsible disposal and encourage broader participation in circular economy practices.
Simba’s environmental program also includes the use of carbon offsets for logistics as a transitional measure while continuing to drive reductions at the source. The company acknowledges that product-related emissions constitute the primary driver of the carbon footprint and has prioritized innovations to reduce these emissions directly. In the short term, Simba has introduced products such as the Green Organic mattress, which uses GOTS-certified organic cotton and GOLS-certified organic latex. This line illustrates how material choices can align with climate goals by reducing reliance on synthetic inputs and improving sustainability credentials across the supply chain.
In the longer term, Simba’s product development strategy envisages further reductions in foam usage without compromising comfort or support. This emphasis on minimizing foam content is tied to efforts to lower embodied carbon associated with foam production and additives. In addition to foam reductions, Simba notes that duvet fillings use Global Recycled Standard materials, and the entire product range incorporates Better Cotton practices, reinforcing the commitment to sustainable textile sourcing across the portfolio. This integrated approach demonstrates how a sleep brand can pursue lower emissions, higher recycled content, and responsible farming practices as part of a comprehensive sustainability agenda.
Simba’s manufacturing and supply chain commitments extend to energy sourcing and environmental management systems. The company states that accessories and products are produced in Eco Factories and powered by energy from certified renewable sources. This aligns with ISO 14001 certification, which indicates ongoing monitoring, benchmarking, and control of environmental impacts, including energy and water use. The combination of renewable energy utilization, waste reduction, and formal environmental management frameworks helps to anchor Simba’s environmental performance in measurable, auditable practices.
Looking ahead, Simba’s sustainability roadmap includes ambitious material and design targets. By the end of 2023, the company aimed to ensure at least half of its materials were sourced from recycled inputs. While this milestone sits in the recent past, it signals the company’s intent to increase recycled content across product lines. The longer-term goal of reducing the carbon footprint of foam by 25% by 2050 further demonstrates a commitment to decarbonization across core product components. These targets suggest a strategy that combines immediate actions with long-range planning, acknowledging both the opportunities and challenges of transitioning a mass-market sleep products brand toward a circular economy. The recycling program, renewable energy use, and adherence to recognized environmental standards collectively illustrate a forward-looking framework for sustainable growth.
In addition to product and manufacturing initiatives, Simba emphasizes the importance of transparent governance and stakeholder engagement in its sustainability journey. The B Corp status provides a rigorous, third-party benchmark for evaluating environmental and social performance. The company’s ongoing commitment to governance, ethics, and accountability is designed to ensure that sustainability remains embedded in daily operations, strategy development, and performance measurement. The not-for-profit recycling program represents another dimension of this approach, signaling a willingness to experiment with new models that can unlock value for customers, communities, and the environment while expanding the practical recycling ecosystem beyond traditional boundaries.
The overarching narrative is that Simba seeks to harmonize business growth with environmental stewardship and social responsibility. By combining recyclable materials, energy-efficient production, circular economy practices, and community-oriented programs, Simba aims to demonstrate that sustainable sleep products can deliver comfort, performance, and health benefits without compromising planetary boundaries. The company’s approach to environmental strategy is multifaceted, balancing immediate product innovations with systemic, long-term change across supply chains, consumer behavior, and end-of-life management. If the goal is to transform the mattress industry toward a more sustainable trajectory, Simba presents a compelling case for how a sleep brand can integrate design excellence, ethical governance, and community impact into a cohesive, future-oriented business model.
Conclusion
Simba’s journey—from addressing a global waste crisis to advancing a comprehensive, sustainability-centered product ecosystem—illustrates how a sleep-focused company can blend innovation, responsibility, and social impact. By combining biodegradable materials with recyclable components, UK-based zero-waste manufacturing, and a running program of not-for-profit recycling, Simba is taking concrete steps to lower the environmental footprint of sleep products. The B Corp certification, a high score of 97.5, and governance that emphasizes worker well-being, diversity, customer stewardship, and community engagement underscore a broader commitment to ethical business practice. Partnerships with NHS, GenM, and End Youth Homelessness reflect a systemic approach to social impact that extends beyond the bedroom, reinforcing the company’s belief that better sleep underpins healthier lives and stronger communities.
Simba’s forward-looking targets—such as ensuring 50% of materials come from recycled sources by the end of 2023 and reducing foam carbon by 25% by 2050—signal a credible, long-term path toward net zero. The not-for-profit recycling program embodies a practical instrument to scale recycling across brands and products, while ongoing material innovations like Green Organic and broader adoption of organic and recycled components demonstrate a disciplined commitment to continuous improvement. The company’s emphasis on renewable energy, ISO 14001 alignment, and an ecosystem of suppliers committed to sustainable practices reinforces the idea that true environmental stewardship requires coordinated action across design, manufacturing, logistics, and end-of-life management.
In a world where the climate agenda increasingly intersects with consumer choices, Simba’s model offers a blueprint for integrating health, planet, and people into a single, coherent strategy. The company’s narrative makes clear that sleep is not only a personal health concern but a societal issue with broad implications for productivity, healthcare demand, and community resilience. By delivering high-quality, non-toxic sleep solutions while actively addressing waste, emissions, and social responsibility, Simba positions itself at the intersection of innovation and stewardship. The ongoing work to refine materials, expand recycling, and strengthen accountability will determine how effectively Simba translates its ambitious aims into durable, measurable outcomes that benefit sleepers, workers, communities, and the environment for years to come.
