Description of business

Abaca is the only Soil Association certified organic mattress manufacturer in the UK. We make mattresses in all sizes and shapes from the smallest Moses basket to the largest adult size.

All our materials are either recyclable or biodegradable and the wool we use is sourced from Wales.

Business vision

After spending 15 years in the mattress industry, I recognised a need for a product which had (a) a clear provenance and (b) responded to a growing need by consumers for materials which had been produced in an ethical way.

Organic was the clear route to follow since the Soil Association have such an excellent certification process. After three years of running trials and persuading other businesses to produce certified organic materials for me, Abaca was launched in 2004.

Business philosophies and beliefs

Much work has gone into ensuring that our staff and infrastructure grow at the same rate as our orders! So many companies come to grief because of rapid expansion and I am determined that Abaca will carry on growing year by year in an entirely sustainable way.

I have been selective about which companies sell our products and this has proven to be a key factor in our growth. Choosing other ethical companies as sales 'partners' has meant that the mattresses have been sold by people who understand the concept of organic textiles and fibres, and therefore understand why they make such a difference to one's home environment.

As the only certified organic mattress manufacturer in the UK, we make all standard sizes and bespoke sizes of:
mattresses
mattress pads
cots
Moses baskets.

All our products are covered in an organic herringbone twill cotton cover. Adult mattresses are usually either pocket sprung or natural latex; mattress pads are either made from layers of wool in a cotton cover or a 3cm deep piece of latex wrapped in wool, again in a cotton cover. Cot mattresses are made using coir and wool, while Moses basket mattresses are made from layers of wool. We also manufacture a children's mattress made from a layer of horsehair bonded to a layer of latex.

Abaca mattresses are both sold direct to the public and wholesale.
We now have several large customers for whom we produce an 'own label' range.

Abaca also produces divan bases and a range of wooden beds.

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Community Relations

Community Relations is about a business in a social and economic context. A business can strongly influence the quality of life not only for employees, but also for the wider community in which it operates. It is recognised that a sustainable community promotes sustainable business.

Corporate Governance

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This section provides an opportunity for a company to indicate how it remains honest, transparent, equitable and reputable in its conduct. These objectives are relevant to any business whether large or small.

Donations and Payments

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Environment

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Human Rights

This section is about how businesses ensure that their operations do not violate the fundamental rights of individuals and communities at home or abroad. Businesses have the opportunity to examine this issue with regards to their own practices, supply chains and business relationships.

Marketplace Ethics

This section is about how businesses handle consumer rights and wider welfare issues. Many of the questions cover areas where there is a fair amount of legislation and regulation: it is an opportunity for businesses to show how they go beyond a legal minimum to address ethical issues in the marketplace.

Workforce

It is widely acknowledged that people are the most valuable asset to any business. In this topic, the questions are addressing the treatment of workforce. It is quite diverse but the focus is on promoting a fair, equitable, honest and supportive work environment.