Mattresses made from “Zeeflex” expanded polyethylene foam technology have an improved carbon footprint compared with “ordinary” versions, according to a three-year study carried out by Brazilian petrochemicals and plastics producer Braskem (São Paulo; www.braskem.com), solutions developer Innovak and mattress manufacturer Flex do Brasil (São Paulo; www.flex.com.br).

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The results showed that mattresses made from the expanded PE foam have a 12% lower environmental impact compared to ordinary mattresses, considering product development and durability, use 36% less water in the production process and generate 19% less CO₂ during their life cycle. The expanded PE is also fully recyclable.

Olga Fonseca, marketing director at Flex do Brasil, said 90% of the company’s products already use Zeeflex technology for the mattress bottom. “Last year, we launched a few products using Zeeflex around the edge, and we have currently expanded the offering to ten types of mattresses with this technology, for the bottom and around the edges, adding more sustainability. These products are experiencing growth and Flex do Brasil expects that about thirty models will use Zeeflex in their composition by 2022.”

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Braskem, which supplies the PE resin to make the mattresses, said it aims to increase its participation in the expanded PE foam mattress market.