Collaborating with internationally reputed manufacturers and trade associations, Control Union was able to fabricate the concept of certifying products made out of organically grown latex progressively over time, which ultimately made known to the world with the name “Global Organic Latex Standard - (GOLS)”.
Supported by manufacturers and various stakeholders of latex industry, GOLS became a globally recognized standard for products made out of organically grown natural rubber latex. Originally developed by Control Union, GOLS adds value to companies seeking more sustainable products.
The aim of the standard is to recognize products which may include, but not limited to, mattress & bedding products, gloves, bands, shoe soles, rubber toys, condoms and any other product made out of organically grown natural rubber latex. These products may contain not only certified natural rubber latex but also other approved additional materials and accessories. In order to label the final product as GOLS it is paramount that all the raw materials in the product (other than approved additional materials/accessories) comply with the requirements on organic origin.
The standard addresses criteria for natural rubber latex and any other agriculture ingredients from certified organic plantations (USDA NOP or EU) that is processed as GOLS certified manufacturing units. The GOLS standard features permissible limits for harmful substances, emission test requirements and polymer and filler percentages.
By using transaction certificates at every sale of a product in the supply chain, traceability from the plantation to the final retailer is ensured.
