There are tons of options for supposedly eco-friendly duvets these days, but many of those marketing claims are pure greenwashing. Find out which companies are making truly sustainable, non-toxic, planet-friendly duvets for a cozy, restful night’s sleep.
Table of Contents
- Recycle or upcycle the old duvet
- The best organic cotton comforters
- Rawganique Handmade 100% Organic Cotton Comforter
- Coyuchi Organic Diamond Stitch Cotton Comforter
- The best wool comforters
- Savvy Rest Organic Wool Duvet Insert
- Rawganique Virginia Organic Wool and Cotton Comforter
- PlushBeds Handmade EcoWool Comforter
- Holy Lamb Organics All Season / Dual-Weight Wool Comforter
- Sleep & Beyond Four Seasons 5 Piece All Season Comforter Set
- How we chose our top picks for eco-friendly duvets
Sustainable cotton comforter
Ethical wool comforter
Wool comforter made with EcoWool
As the parent of a tiny toddler, I can attest that a good night’s rest is essential for optimal mental and physical health.
Few things in life are better than curling up under a cozy duvet and getting a good night’s sleep. But what if your duvet is off-gassing toxic chemicals and/or contributing to pollution and animal cruelty? Sadly, most duvets are the stuff of environmental and ethical nightmares, filled with petroleum-based polyester or forcibly plucked feathers sterilized with formaldehyde.
If you’re looking for a new duvet, it’s smart to ask the following questions:
- What is the duvet made from?
- Are the materials recycled and/or recyclable?
- Has the duvet been treated with toxic chemicals?
- Does the manufacturing of the duvet harm humans, other animals, and/or the environment?
When it comes to the warmth and heaviness of a duvet, a lot depends on the fill. The fill also determines whether the duvet is naturally flame retardant, machine washable, cruelty-free, or hypoallergenic (or if you need a hypoallergenic duvet cover).
First things first, though. Chances are that if you’re buying a new duvet, there’s something awry with the one you currently have. So, what can you do with an old duvet or comforter?
Recycle or upcycle the old duvet
As with every household product, before you even consider sending a worn-out comforter to landfill, think about ways to repurpose, upcycle, or recycle it.
You could donate lightly used duvets to a nearby retirement home, shelter, or social housing for those in need. A duvet can be folded and sewn into a new cover to make a comfy bed for your cat and/or dog or donated to an animal shelter. You might also remove the filling and use it to stuff a cushion or for crafting purposes. Or, if you brew beer at home, like I do, use your old duvet as a carboy cozy during fermentation.
If you like to camp (or should I say, ‘glamp’), consider cutting up an old duvet into strips and resewing the edges to make plush camping mats. Or, if you’re car camping and sleeping in the car, use your old duvet as a base layer to cushion those bumps and such where seatbelt attachments and so forth stick out. Speaking of cars, you may even want to use an old, worn, thin, comforter as an emergency blanket to stow in your trunk in winter, just in case you ever get stuck in the snow and need to stay warm. Or, use it as a blanket for your car windscreen, to make it really easy to deice and get going first thing in the morning.
Once you’ve figured out what to do with your old duvet, it’s time to choose a new one.
The best organic cotton comforters
Rawganique Handmade 100% Organic Cotton Comforter
Highlights: A 4-season, warm, cozy, and breathable organic cotton comforter handmade by a super sustainable company. Ideal for year-round use in most places in the US and Canada.
Rawganique is a perennial favorite at Leaf Score and offers a fantastic handmade organic cotton comforter that is perfectly suited for year-round use. It’s a little pricier than Coyuchi’s comforter but it is made in the U.S. from U.S.-grown cotton, making it slightly more sustainable and eco-friendly.
That said, we’ve given Coyuchi the top spot because Rawganique doesn’t carry a GOTS or Made Safe certification for this comforter. There’s only organic cotton here, though. This includes the organic cotton cover, wadding, and the thread used to sew it together.
The fill is a single layer of hand-carded organic cotton batting quilted to a soft, smooth, organic cotton fabric casing. It is warm, cozy, and breathable and easy to pair with a blanket for especially cold nights.
Rawganique’s Organic Cotton Comforter is available in Toddler, Twin, Twin XL, Double, Queen, King, and Cal King sizes. It’s deliberately sized to fit snugly in a duvet cover, helping to prevent it from moving around and bunching. Unfortunately, you can’t wash this organic cotton duvet in a machine. Instead, you’ll want to air out your duvet for a few hours every month or so.
Why we like Rawganique
Rawganique is a market leader in eco-friendly organic bedding. It was founded in 1997 by off-grid homesteaders on Denman Island off the west coast of Canada. By deliberately staying (somewhat) small-scale over the last two decades, Rawganique has maintained the integrity of its sustainable approach.
This is one of the few companies we include at Leaf Score that doesn’t carry formally recognized certifications for its products. Why? Because Rawganique has consistently maintained a fantastic stance on fair working conditions, material sourcing, and non-toxic manufacturing practices. It produces exceptionally high quality products without using hazardous chemicals, meaning you won’t be exposed to pesticides, PVC, BPA, formaldehyde, dioxins, or heavy metals by buying from Rawganique. The company’s products are also often vegan, are not tested on animals, and are free of GMOs.
Coyuchi Organic Diamond Stitch Cotton Comforter
Highlights: A quilt-weight comforter (360 GSM), this is a cozy bedding option that is natural, breathable and hypoallergenic. Can be used alone and has handy loops for duvet cover attachment. The diamond-stitching helps keep the batting in place for even warmth distribution.
Coyuchi is one of my favorite companies at Leaf Score and its Diamond-Stitched Organic Cotton Comforter is a top pick for the most sustainable, eco-friendly, non-toxic duvet. Coyuchi makes the comforter in India using 100% GOTS certified organic cotton. The comforter is available in alpine white, undyed, and a steel blue and in three sizes: Twin, Full/Queen, and King size.
This comforter features 360 GSM organic cotton batting for year-round use. The comforter is encased in Coyuchi’s signature Crinkled Percale fabric and has a half-inch binding all around, keeping the comforter tidy but with a relaxed drape. We love that it has corner loops to anchor to a duvet cover, but it also works well as a stand-alone comforter.
Coyuchi sends the comforter plastic-free in a reusable organic cotton bag. The organic cotton is grown and woven in India and is GOTS and Fair Trade Certified. Coyuchi is also a 1% for the Planet member.
You can wash this comforter in the machine, assuming the drum is big enough, and it can be tumble dried too (on low). Because the colors are solid, the comforter is also reversible. It’s also easy to spot clean with a little water and mild soap as needed. Coyuchi offers a 1-year warranty on this comforter for manufacturing defects.
Why we like Coyuchi
Coyuchi has been in business for more than two decades and continues to help push the entire bedding industry to do better. The company makes beautiful, high quality products using safer, more sustainable materials. And the range is impressive! Coyuchi offers sustainable duvets, pillows, towels, sheets, and more. Coyuchi was even our top pick for sustainably made chill wear for women.
We love Coyuchi because of its commitment to sustainable manufacturing. This includes a zero-waste water recycling method and involvement in the Fibershed program that supports local, sustainable production of natural fibers for textile production in the U.S.
The best wool comforters
Savvy Rest Organic Wool Duvet Insert
Highlights: A GOTS certified organic wool comforter with an organic cotton sateen cover. Made in the U.S. by an employee-owned B Corp!
Savvy Rest’s Organic Wool Duvet Insert is a top choice for an American-made wool comforter carrying a ton of eco-certifications. The wool comes from New Zealand and is certified organic and the insert is encased in a GOTS certified organic cotton sateen cover.
Savvy Rest makes its comforters in the U.S. in a GOTS certified facility under fair working conditions. Each comforter contains around six pounds of organic wool for a thickness of 1.5 inches. The comforter is available in Twin/TXL, Full/Queen, King/CA King sizes and typically ships within 7 days.
The one downside to Savvy Rest is that it doesn’t accept returns on many products.
Why we like Savvy Rest
Savvy Rest is a Benefit Corporation (B Corp) and has been owned by its employees since 2012. Employee-owned companies tend to offer better working conditions and a superior customer service experience too, with greater investment in sustainable growth and customer satisfaction.
Savvy Rest also donates a portion of profits to American Forests, is a member of the Carbon Fund, supporting reforestation along the Mississippi River, and has a Safe Sleep Pillows Program, where it donates new pillows for women and children who arrive at domestic violence shelters across the US.
Rawganique Virginia Organic Wool and Cotton Comforter
Highlight: Handmade in the U.S., this 3-season wool comforter features 100% organic wool and organic cotton and is totally free of hazardous chemicals and plastic.
Rawganique’s Virginia 100% Organic Wool Comforter with Organic Cotton Casing is made by hand in the U.S. and is as pure as a comforter gets. This comforter contains no chemical flame retardants or pesticides, no plastics, dioxins, or other hazardous chemicals. Instead, it is untreated, pure wool and organic cotton.
Rawganique doesn’t typically carry third-party certifications for its products, so we love that this one is GOTS certified organic through and through. The comforter is a 3-season weight, offering temperature regulation for a less sweaty, cozy sleep. It is beautifully made with careful quilting to help prevent bunching, making for even warmth distribution and no cold spots or lumps. The comforter has serged edges and carded pure wool quilted to the cover. It’s soft and fluffy, light but warm, offering the comfort of down without the downsides.
The comforter is available in Twin, Twin XL, Full/Double, Queen, King, and Cali King. You can choose to buy the comforter only or add an organic twill or sateen duvet cover or organic cotton sateen cover. Each comforter is made to order, taking 7-10 days to ship.
Note that you can’t wash this comforter in a machine. Instead, it’s best to use this one with a washable duvet cover and periodically shake out and air the wool comforter in the sun to freshen it up. You can spot clean as needed, using warm water, mild soap, and a soft brush. Let it dry fully.
PlushBeds Handmade EcoWool Comforter
Highlights: Features Premium EcoWool fill encased in organic cotton sateen. Marketed as 100% chemical and cruelty-free. Wool comforter naturally wicks away moisture and easily spot cleans.
PlushBeds is offering LeafScore readers $100 off their purchase using coupon code LEAF100 at checkout.
PlushBeds Natural Luxury Handmade Wool Comforter features Premium EcoWool® fill encased in organic cotton sateen. This comforter is lightweight and cozy, helping you stay warm in winter, cool in summer, and comfortable all year round. It comes with OEKO-TEX, GOTS, GreenGuard Gold, and USDA Organic certifications and PlushBeds is a Green America Certified Business.
This comforter is made using only chemical-free, 100% virgin wool processed without harsh scouring agents, dyes, and other hazardous chemicals. The wool comes from select farmers that practice gentle flock management, humane wool shearing methods, and sustainable land use.
Plushbeds uses the cleanest parts of the fleece, which it washes in a gentle, biodegradable detergent to maintain the wool’s natural curly and bounce. The wool is hand-tufted to help it stay in place and the edges are carefully sewn. The organic cotton cover has a 344-thread-count, making for a silky soft feel. Still, it’s best to use a removable and washable duvet cover with this one as it’s not machine washable. To clean the duvet, spot clean with mild soap and a clean cloth. Don’t dry it with a hair dryer or in a machine.
Plushbeds uses the cleanest parts of the fleece, which it washes in a gentle, biodegradable detergent to maintain the wool’s natural curly and bounce. The wool is hand-tufted to help it stay in place and the edges are carefully sewn. The organic cotton cover has a 344-thread-count, making for a silky soft feel.
It’s best to use a removable and washable duvet cover with this duvet, though it is is technically machine washable cold on soak and spin cycles only. To dry, drape your comforter in the sun or a warm, dry place. To spot-clean the duvet, use mild soap and a clean cloth. Don’t dry it with a hair dryer or in a machine.
Because these wool comforters are handmade to order in California, they’re not returnable unless there is a manufacturing defect (30-day warranty period only, though).
The comforter is available in Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, and Cali King sizes ranging from $359-$549.
Holy Lamb Organics All Season / Dual-Weight Wool Comforter
Highlights: The best all-season wool comforter, available in a variety of sizes, including a dual-weight option. This organic wool and cotton comforter is eco-friendly, affordable, and luxurious – and it’s made in the U.S.!
If you’re looking for a locally made, eco-friendly, durable, and delightful wool comforter for all seasons, Holy Lamb Organics is a top choice. If you’re veganish and deliberating over whether to invest in a wool comforter, this is also a great option.
The Holy Lamb Organics Wool Comforter is affordable and smartly designed: Available in Twin, Queen, and King sizes, the comforter actually comprises two comforters snapped together. This means you can use just one layer in summer and then snap the second one on once the weather turns cool. There’s also a dual-weight option that’s perfect if you and your bedfellow sleep hot and cold.
Holy Lamb hand tufts its comforters across the middle and hand-stitches the edge to prevent the wool batting sliding and clumping. Thanks to the quality craftsmanship, you can wash the comforter without worry it will become misshapen.
Holy Lamb rigorously scours its wool to remove vegetable matter and makes its products in a scent-free and chemical-free facility. This means a Holy Lamb Organics Comforter is a top choice for anyone with allergies (except to wool) or Multiple Chemical Sensitivity. The company also tests all its wool for heavy metals through fiber sample analysis at UC Davis, California Animal Health & Food Safety Laboratory.
Despite not being certified organic, the wool used in the Holy Lamb Organics Wool Comforters likely exceeds organic standards and is better quality, in addition to supporting US farmers. Holy Lamb specializes in using Premium Eco-Wool™, which it sources from small, local, sustainable farms in the Pacific Northwest. EcoWool is not certified organic, but often exceeds the requirements for organic certification. In some cases, the company uses organic (GOTS) imported wool from New Zealand.
You can choose which type of wool you’d like in your comforter (or a mix of both), so be aware that the single origin wool from New Zealand does not have the same resilience or bounce as Premium Eco Wool which is a blend of seven types of wool with varying degrees of coarseness.
Why we like Holy Lamb Organics
Holy Lamb Organics carries copious green credentials, easily beating Rawganique, Savvy Rest, and others for top spot for wool comforters and many other products. It’s also the better choice if animal ethics are top of mind.
Holy Lamb Organics makes its products by hand at its zero-waste facility in Olympia, Washington. It uses green building practices and plastic-free packaging and diverts scrap materials to local artisans to create accessories and toys.
Holy Lamb Organics products don’t contain synthetic dyes, chemicals, or fills. Most products are GOTS certified and certified organic by Oregon Tilth. The company has been a Green America Gold Certified Business since 2007 and only uses cotton certified by IOAS. It is also Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Certified.
Holy Lamb Organic comforters come in a variety of sizes and weights, and there’s even a Crib Comforter (view on Ultimate Green Store), so the whole family can sleep in sustainable style and comfort.
Sleep & Beyond Four Seasons 5 Piece All Season Comforter Set
Highlights: All-in-one, eco-friendly, organic wool and organic cotton bedding set made with zero-waste practices in Fair Trade factories powered by wind!
For all your bedding needs, check out the Sleep & Beyond Four Seasons 5 Piece All Season Comforter Set. Perfect for making the switch to eco-friendly everything, this set comprises: Organic wool comforter, Organic wool mattress topper, Organic wool pillow, Organic 400 thread count sheet set with fitted sheet, flat sheet and pillowcase(s), and Organic duvet cover.
Sleep & Beyond makes this set in Kyrgyzstan without any pesticides or hazardous chemicals. While the set is advertised as all-season, it’s really a better bet for fall and spring, unless you add a cozy blanket in winter and tend to still need a comforter in summer.
The organic comforter comprises 100% organic merino which the company box-stitches to keep it in place and prevent clumping. It’s best to periodically air out the comforter and spot clean as needed.
Via email, Sleep and Beyond confirmed it sources the wool from humanely managed flocks in Kyrgyzstan. There’s no mulesing allowed and the sheep have plenty of room to graze, with priority given to natural veterinary treatments rather than problematic antibiotics. The sheep are professionally sheared once a year and the wool undergoes a five-stage washing process using only biodegradable natural soaps and no harsh chemicals. This does mean the wool smells woolly at first, but this typically dissipates within a couple of weeks.
The Sleep & Beyond bedding set has a 5-year warranty and is certified to OEKO-TEX Standard 100. It is free from azo dyes and is made in ISO and Fair Trade Certified facilities powered with wind energy. It comes in eco-friendly and reusable packaging (although this might differ if buying through a third-party) and the company has a zero-waste initiative in place.
A great choice for a sustainable sleep, Sleep and Beyond organic merino wool and organic cotton bedding set has everything you need and is made by a company using environmentally friendly manufacturing practices. Aside from buying individuals items from Holy Lamb Organics or PlushBeds, this set has no competition.
How we chose our top picks for eco-friendly duvets
As far as possible, the companies included on Leaf Score make the cut because they not only produce safe and sustainable products from natural materials, but also show a commitment to environmentally friendly manufacturing practices and charitable enterprise. We look for companies with credible certifications, favoring Benefit Corporations (B Corps), those that are Fair Trade Certified™, adhere to Nest standards, and take part in other third-party certification programs, and those whose entire product range is sustainable (not just a single item).
The best companies for an eco-friendly duvet differ depending on the type of material you want your duvet to be made from. If you haven’t yet decided which material is right for you, take a look at my round-up of the pros and cons of different duvet materials. And, if you’re still considering a polyester duvet, make sure to read all about what to watch out for in duvets.