Different Types of Yoga Mats
Before read below introduction, please keep in mind. There is neither have “made of 100% nature material nor 100% ECO”. All are comparative.
Wi Yoga Mat ( Plant based material)
(The Vegan Yoga Mat)
Plants come from nature.
with latest innovated technique,
We can use them to make a Yoga Mat recently.
(“This exclusive plant yoga mat” You only can find here. “WIWORLDANDI”)
Natural Rubber Yoga Mat
Nature rubber mats are made sustainably with natural rubber tapped from rubber trees, a renewable resource and unlike other mats contains EVA, PVC, or other synthetic rubber. In a sense, natural rubber mat is everything a yogi want in a yoga mat – Eco-Friendly | Grip | Comfort
But not friendly with latex allergy.
(But if we go into it: the rubber mats also have big difference from one to another. That is a part reason, you can find nature rubber mats with different price. The rubber price is transparence in global market, no doubt, low price rubber mats mix with kinds of chemicals. )
PU Yoga Mat
PU – polyurethane, Dry painting or Wet coating.
WIWORLDANDI SOULMAT is kind of Polyurethane(PU) Leathers Wet Coating technique mats. ( The technique was invented in 2003, and we developed the technique to produce for Yoga Mat since 2012. But the performance of PU mats finally become stable in 2016. Our SOULMAT is definitely world’s Best PU Yoga Mats.)
"Wet Coating PU"
The fact is the chemical makeup of polyurethane, combined with the increased lifetime of individual parts, means you can lower your commercial ecological footprint. Polyurethanes are non-toxic to the environment as they break down, and do not contain BPA’s or other chemicals which can interfere with endocrine systems.
The minimal effects on the environment will make this polymer even more desirable as we become increasingly environmentally conscious. So polyurethane is inherently more Eco-friendly. You can buy Yoga mats online from Wiworldandi.
But "Dry Painting PU" is different producing way. Which is harmful for health.
Regarding the PU Yoga Mat, it usually combine with Rubber base.
(There are kinds of PU Yoga Mats in market, but the cost is big difference due to quality. In addition, the different cost of rubber. Both factors make final PU Yoga Mats with big difference in Price and Quality.)
NBR Yoga Mat
NBR is a synthetic rubber commonly used in the automotive and aeronautical industry. It has become popular among yoga mats as it provides good cushioning.
NBR manufacturing isn’t ECO-friendly. Due to the toxic substances used to produce it, such as butadiene, Europe, USA and Canada have banned produce it.
So yoga mats made of NBR is not from nature rubber. However, NBR can be degrade with additives added to accelerate the process.
PVC Yoga Mat
PVC yoga mat is made of PVC resin powder. PVC mats are usually produced with low quality and cost. There is also some high density and higher cost PVC material yoga mats are advertised as resistance | thick cushion | easy clean. But they are not ECO, lots of chemicals etc. In Fact, they are just kinds of plastic.
TPE Yoga Mat
TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomers) yoga mats are made of polymers, a type of plastic with thermic and elastic properties. TPE materials can be extruded and reused. but, they are not recyclable.
TPE doesn’t require reinforcing agents, stabilizers or even cure systems making it less reactive and polluting than PVC.
TPE is often used in yoga mats which combine materials like cork or textile fabric. Disadvantages to TPE include the fact that while it contains no PVC or latex, it’s still manufactured with all chemical processes.
Cork Yoga Mat
Cork is a natural material made from the cortex of the oak tree. It is a renewable resource that doesn’t damage the trees during its harvesting.
But Cork yoga mats are different. They use glue to make upper cork layer which usually combine with bottom layer which is often made of TPE or Rubber Material.
(So far, there is no 100% safe glue to finish Cork layer, Cork Yoga mat is not good for health rather PVC yoga mats.)
EVA Yoga Mat
EVA yoga mat is made by Ethylene-vinyl. It’s a synthetic material that’s both lightweight and resistant to cracking. Thinner versions may tend to stretch a bit, however, as you work out.
EVA contains chemicals and odors that can be undesirable. Widely used in the construction of flip flops, EVA is also used in many types of floor mats, including those used in gyms and schools. If you’ve ever used them…you will notice after short time, they become flat and less serviceable.
The production of cotton has a high environmental impact due to the use of pesticides, fertilizers, and the use of huge amounts of water. Some cotton crops are genetically modified. These crops require herbicide glyphosate, which poses risks to our health and the environment.
As an alternative, we can choose organic cotton. The production of organic cotton does not use pesticides, chemical fertilizers and relies on rainfall.
Microfiber Yoga Mat
Microfiber is a blend of polyester and polyamide (nylon), making it great for cleaning and super absorbent. The producing way is not 100% ECO-Friendly same normal cotton. But they are used in a Green way nowadays.
Despite microfiber’s environmental drawbacks which include what it’s made from and the fact that it’s not biodegradable; there are a variety of environmental benefits of using microfiber (as opposed to using cotton or paper) making it a green cleaning tool. Its drawbacks are far outweighed by the benefits of microfiber which include its incredible durability and the fact that you can clean effectively without chemical cleaners. The eco-friendly benefits of microfiber are:
- No Pesticide Sprays or Synthetic Fertilizers Used in Manufacturing
- Less Water Used in Cleaning & Manufacturing
- No Deforestation
- Fewer Chemicals Used When Cleaning
- Most Durable and Reusable
- Recyclable
Microfiber Yoga Mats usually combine with rubber layer/TPE layer/, there are plenty of different design with printing on it. But ink is harmful for health. Don’t believe in any ADs mention about how ECO ink they use. If there is Non-harmful ink, then it not stay on the mats.
(the different cost is still key reason to impact quality. )
