Sleeping In a Eucalyptus Tree

July 8, 2009

A while back I blogged about Valley Forge, a supplier of decorative upholstery fabrics for the hospitality industry and its introduction of the FRESH sustainable bedding program.

Now comes LIVING FRESH TENCEL+PLUS, bedding made from an exotic blend of fiber from eucalyptus and cotton. I’ve had a test drive – err sleep - and can report the linens are yummy - luxurious and sensual, made with the high thread counts demanded by the high end of the lodging industry. Most important – the eucalyptus fibers come from protected, sustainably managed forests and are processed with highly responsible standards of care.

Valley Forge harvests eucalyptus trees from natural forests that require no pesticides or other chemicals, only sunlight and rain to survive. In fact, all eucalyptus fiber for TENCEL+PLUS products are harvested from Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and/or Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification schemes (PEFC) managed forests. The trees known for their quick growth will reach full maturity within just five to eight years. Once a tree has been initially harvested up to fifteen generations of re-growth can be cultivated.

Equally impressive is the 99.6% recovery and re-use of the solvent used to convert eucalyptus pulp to fiber; the remaining solvent is broken down in biological water treatment plants. The European Union recognized this truly sustainable model of production with the "European Award for the Environment."

Eucalyptus is a natural healer that has long been valued for its medicinal properties – the ability to clear congestion as well as relieve muscle tension. It naturally wicks away moisture, which reduces bacteria created by moisture trapped in polyester or cotton fabrics during sleep, keeping your body cool, dry and relaxed.