Ecomade Mattresses Receive the German Ecodesign Award

(CONNECT) The Zurich-based start-up ecomade received the highest state award for ecological design in Germany at the beginning of December in Berlin with the German Ecodesign Award. According to a press release, it was the concept of recyclability that convinced the jury: The cover and core of the durable ecomade mattresses are recyclable; a take-back and recycling service is also offered. The basis for this is the idea of ecomade founder and product designer Joel Hügli, who published it as part of his master's thesis at Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts in 2022.

Specifically, according to ecomade, the two-part mattress cover is made from organic cotton and Swiss sheep's wool and can be replaced and washed using a zipper system. The mattress core has micro-pocket springs and an ergonomic 7-zone pocket spring core. In order to achieve dimensional stability, composite foam is used in the edge area. The mattresses are designed for a service life of up to 15 years.

This design is intended to help reduce mattress waste. The communication states that 1 million mattresses are disposed of as bulky waste and incinerated every year in Switzerland alone. Processing is problematic due to hardly separable material compounds or non-transparent material complexity.

"The ecomade mattress impresses with its holistic circular approach: extended service life, recyclable design and an integrated ecosystem for take-back and recycling," jury member Ina Bude is quoted as saying in her statement. In this way, the young company is tackling waste problems and their causes.

Around 380 applications were received for this year's German Ecodesign Award, from which 14 winners were ultimately selected. The aim is to raise public awareness of the potential of sustainable design principles and to support corresponding developments. The price is awarded to products, services, concepts and young talent. ce/yvh