At South Bay International, our commitment to sustainable mattress manufacturing is a daily practice. We’re proud to announce that we have officially earned SP2 Certification from the Mattress Recycling Council (MRC), marking a major milestone in our journey toward responsible production and environmental leadership.
This certification places South Bay International among an elite group of mattress manufacturers recognized for advancing sustainability in the sleep products industry.
What Is SP2 Certification?
The Sleep Products Sustainability Program (SP2) is a voluntary certification created by the Mattress Recycling Council, a nonprofit dedicated to reducing the environmental impact of discarded mattresses through statewide recycling programs.
The SP2 program provides mattress manufacturers with free tools, training, and guidance to help them reduce:
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Waste
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Water usage
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Energy consumption
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Environmental impact during production
To qualify for SP2 certification, mattress manufacturers must form internal sustainability teams, set measurable goals, track progress, and undergo a comprehensive third-party audit of their manufacturing operations.
At South Bay International, we embraced the SP2 process fully and the results speak for themselves.
South Bay’s Commitment to Sustainable Mattress Manufacturing
Our Rancho Cucamonga, CA facility has been ground zero for some of our most impactful sustainability initiatives. Here’s how we’ve gone above and beyond the SP2 requirements to reduce our environmental footprint.
1. Eco-Friendly Materials
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80% recycled metal used in mattress springs and adjustable bed bases
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20% increase in recycled textile materials
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Natural foam substitutes now make up 10% of our foam composition
These changes have reduced our reliance on virgin resources while maintaining product quality and comfort.
2. Smarter, Sustainable Design
We’ve redesigned many of our products using durable, replaceable components. This means longer product life spans and less waste sent to landfills.
3. Energy and Resource Efficiency
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Achieved a 9.8% reduction in carbon emissions per unit produced
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Use of 100% green-certified materials
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Zero-waste assembly processes, including recycling all foam, plastic, and cardboard waste
4. Greener Facility Operations
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Installed motion-sensor lighting to cut electricity usage
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Deployed automated energy systems
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Promoted eco-friendly staff habits and training
5. Sustainable Sleep Products
We’ve introduced eco-conscious product lines, including our EcoCore collection, which uses:
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Soy-based foams
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Bamboo charcoal-infused materials
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Advanced cooling technology
These products deliver exceptional sleep while reducing the environmental cost of comfort.
6. Community Engagement
Sustainability also means supporting our neighbors. South Bay International has:
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Donated mattress covers to shelters
Provided blankets to local churches -
Contributed to youth programs and food drives
We’re proud to serve not just our customers, but the communities we’re part of.
Why SP2 Certification Matters
According to the Mattress Recycling Council, SP2 certification helps manufacturers:
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Lower production costs through material optimization
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Boost brand credibility in an increasingly eco-conscious market
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Reduce environmental impact by cutting waste, water, and energy usage
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Inspire innovation in product design and supply chain strategy
At South Bay International, achieving SP2 certification ensures we are living our values and leading by example in the sustainable mattress industry.
A Word from Our CEO
“Earning the SP2 certification reflects our unwavering commitment to sustainability—not just in our products, but across every aspect of our operation,” said Toby Konetzny, CEO of South Bay International.
“We view it as our responsibility to deliver sleep products that support both better rest and a healthier planet.”
SP2's Role in a Circular Mattress Economy
The SP2 program plays a critical role in building a circular economy for mattresses. Funded by California’s mattress recycling surcharge, the program provides up to $200,000 annually for:
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Manufacturer training
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Facility audits
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Circular materials research
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Program awareness campaigns
By participating, companies like South Bay International are helping shift the industry from a linear to a sustainable, circular business model.
And SP2 doesn’t stop at certification. The MRC also promotes certified companies publicly, helping sustainability leaders gain visibility, trust, and influence within the industry.
Gratitude for Our Rancho Cucamonga Team
We couldn’t have achieved this milestone without the vision, dedication, and collaboration of our Rancho Cucamonga team. From product designers and engineers to warehouse staff and sustainability champions, this certification is a shared success.
“Achieving SP2 certification speaks volumes about our team’s dedication,” added Konetzny. “From warehouse operations to R&D, every department played a role in shaping our sustainable future. We’re proud to be a California-based manufacturer leading the way in responsible production.”
What’s Next for Sustainability at South Bay?
Earning SP2 certification is just the beginning. We’re continuing to innovate and invest in new ways to lower our footprint while delivering high-quality, sustainable sleep solutions. Our future goals include:
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Increasing use of plant-based foams and recycled materials
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Launching additional eco-friendly product collections
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Sharing SP2 best practices with industry partners
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Maintaining SP2 recertification and pushing the bar even higher
We believe sustainability is a journey, and we’re committed to continuous progress.
Want to Partner with a Certified Sustainable Manufacturer?
Whether you’re a retailer, supplier, or customer looking to support eco-friendly mattress brands, we invite you to connect with South Bay International. Let’s build a more sustainable sleep industry together.
