Lexi Webster
Koala mattresses are designed in Australia, but manufactured in China. The company, Koala, is a self-described Aussie brand that aims to support local jobs and design furniture in Australia. However, in 2019, the company decided to move some of its manufacturing offshore to China, which was met with some disappointment from customers who valued the brand's Australian origins. Despite this, Koala maintains its commitment to environmental and social responsibility, with partnerships with WWF-Australia and Soft Landing, and its mattresses are the first fully certified GECA mattresses in Australia.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Place of manufacture | Koala mattresses are manufactured in China. |
| Previous place of manufacture | Australia |
| Design location | Australia |
| Design headquarters | Sydney, Australia |
| Environmental impact | Increased carbon footprint |
| Australian Made license | Not renewed in 2019 |
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What You'll Learn
Koala mattresses are designed in Australia
The company's Sydney-based design team creates thoughtfully designed products efficiently, so customers can get them at the best price. Koala mattresses are the first fully certified GECA (Good Environmental Choice Australia) mattresses in Australia, meaning they are environmentally preferable for production and consumption. The Kloudcell foam in the core of the Koala mattress has a density of 50kg/m3, and the foam is certified by GECA, which shows that it is ethically made, safe for human health, and better for the environment.
In addition to its environmental initiatives, Koala also supports local jobs in Australia and aims to build a strong Aussie company that continues to hire more Australians. The company also donates money to WWF-Australia to help support endangered species like koalas, turtles, and glossy black cockatoos.
While the mattresses are designed in Australia, the decision to move manufacturing offshore was driven by a desire to meet customer expectations and maintain strong values of thoughtful design, sustainability, and simple sales. The company prioritised finding manufacturing partners who could bring their designs to life while upholding environmental and ethical standards. Despite the offshore manufacturing, Koala remains committed to its Australian roots and continues to support local communities and conservation efforts.
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They are manufactured in China
Koala mattresses are manufactured in China. The company has moved some of its manufacturing offshore, despite being a self-proclaimed "Aussie brand" with a mission to support local jobs. The company's design headquarters are in Sydney, and it continues to manufacture some furniture pieces in Australia, but the mattresses themselves are made in China.
The decision to move manufacturing overseas was driven by a desire to meet customer expectations and maintain high environmental and ethical standards. Koala mattresses are the first fully certified GECA (Good Environmental Choice Australia) mattresses in Australia, indicating that they are safe for human health and environmentally friendly.
While some customers were disappointed by the move away from Australian manufacturing, Koala maintains that it was not driven by labour costs but by the capability of its manufacturing partners to bring their designs to life while upholding their values. The company has a strong commitment to social and environmental responsibility and contributes 1% to the planet through its B-Corp certification.
In addition to environmental considerations, Koala's mattresses are designed to be efficiently delivered to customers. The mattress-in-a-box solution simplifies the purchase and delivery process, eliminating the need for showroom expenses and middlemen upcharges. This direct-to-consumer approach ensures customers pay the best price for a high-quality product.
Despite being manufactured in China, Koala mattresses remain popular in Australia, with many customers praising their comfort and support. The company also actively contributes to conservation and charity initiatives, including donating money to WWF-Australia to support endangered species.
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The company prioritises sustainability and ethical practices
Koala is an Australian brand that designs furniture with sustainability and ethical practices in mind. The company was founded on the belief that a business can only thrive if society and nature also thrive. Koala is committed to creating high-quality, sustainably sourced, and ethically made furniture with good value.
The company's commitment to sustainability is evident in its partnership with the WWF to protect wildlife and support endangered species such as koalas, turtles, and glossy black cockatoos. Koala also contributes 1% of its profits to environmental causes through its membership with 1% for the Planet.
In addition to its environmental efforts, Koala prioritises social and economic capital. The company values its Australian roots and aims to support local jobs and hire more Australians. Koala also has a strong business model that ensures its social, economic, and environmental impact is positive and contributes to the thriving of humanity and the planet.
While Koala's mattresses are manufactured in China, the company ensures that its manufacturing partners uphold the environmental and ethical standards it has set. Koala uses third-party social audits to ensure that its factories comply with these standards. The company's decision to move some of its manufacturing offshore was driven by its desire to meet customer expectations and find the best solution for bringing its designs to life while maintaining its strong values.
Koala's furniture is designed to be sustainable and ethical. For example, the cover of the Koala mattress is made with a blend of Tencel Lyocell and polyester. Tencel is a sustainable and environmentally friendly material that is soft, breathable, and comfortable. The blend of Tencel and polyester creates a durable, soft, and breathable fabric that dries quickly.
Overall, Koala prioritises sustainability and ethical practices throughout its business model and product design. The company is committed to making a positive impact socially, economically, and environmentally.
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The company donates to WWF-Australia
The company Koala is an Australian brand that aims to support local jobs and hire more Australians. They are committed to ensuring that their social, economic, and environmental impact is positive and contributes to society, the economy, and the planet thriving.
Koala donates money to WWF-Australia to help support endangered species like koalas, turtles, and glossy black cockatoos. They have been working with WWF-Australia to protect biodiversity since 2017. To date, Koala has donated over $1.9 million to WWF-Australia for the conservation and preservation of wildlife.
Koala's partnership with WWF-Australia began with a mission to help support the iconic but threatened Australian icon, the koala. With every mattress sold, a portion of the proceeds goes to WWF-Australia to sustain their habitats, including planting trees and helping sick and injured koalas. The partnership has since expanded to include other conservation efforts, such as working on nest cooling solutions for green sea turtles, whose future survival is impacted by climate change.
In addition to their work with WWF-Australia, Koala is also the first Australian mattress and furniture retailer to join the 1% for the Planet movement, donating one percent of sales annually to environmental causes. They have also partnered with other organizations to contribute over $6.5 million in cash and products to certified environmental partners.
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The mattresses are reasonably priced
Koala mattresses are reasonably priced, starting at $650 AUD. The company has cut out hidden costs and inefficiencies, such as middlemen upcharges, warehousing, and showroom expenses, to offer high-quality products at affordable prices. This direct-to-consumer approach ensures customers only pay for the product, eliminating unnecessary costs associated with traditional retail.
The mattresses are designed in Australia, with a Sydney-based design team, and the company is committed to supporting local jobs and communities. However, some manufacturing has moved offshore to China, a decision driven by the capability of manufacturing partners to bring designs to life while maintaining environmental and ethical standards.
Despite this shift, Koala remains dedicated to sustainability and social responsibility. They have partnered with Soft Landing to offer free removal of old beds, and as a B-Corp business, they uphold high standards of environmental and social performance and transparency. Additionally, their mattresses are GECA-approved, ensuring they are safe for human health, environmentally friendly, and ethically made.
Koala mattresses offer a seamless purchase and delivery process, with same-day delivery available in most capital cities. The mattresses are highly rated for their comfort and support, providing a magical hotel-like experience, according to some users. The adjustable firmness levels cater to individual preferences, making them perfect for couples with different needs.
With their reasonably priced range, Koala mattresses offer a cost-effective solution for those seeking a comfortable and supportive sleeping experience, delivered directly to their door.
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Frequently asked questions
Koala mattresses are designed in Australia, but manufactured in China.
The decision to manufacture in China was driven by a desire to meet customer expectations and uphold high environmental and ethical standards.
Yes, Koala mattresses were previously made in Australia and had an Australian Made license. However, in 2019, they did not renew this license and moved manufacturing operations to China.
Koala is a proudly Aussie brand that aims to support local jobs and create high-quality, sustainably sourced, and ethically made furniture. Their Sydney-based design team creates thoughtfully designed products that are efficient and affordable.
Some customers have expressed disappointment in Koala's decision to move manufacturing operations to China, particularly given the company's name. Additionally, manufacturing in China may increase the carbon footprint of the product.
