What is an eco yoga mat?

An eco yoga mat is a mat that has been produced in an environmentally friendly way. This means that the environmental impact during production is minimized and the material is easily biodegradable or recyclable. The mat can be made entirely of natural materials, but that's not necessary. What matters is that the ecological footprint of the eco yoga mat is as small as possible and that the mat is made with sustainable, green energy. Naturally, an eco yoga mat does not contain harmful products such as plasticizers or toxic dyes. 

Materials for an eco yoga mat

Good materials for an eco-friendly yoga mat include PVC (naturally free from the plasticizer phthalate), natural rubber, TPE, cork, and cotton or another type of textile. Of course, your eco-friendly yoga mat shouldn't contain any toxic plasticizers or dyes. Otherwise, you risk inhaling these toxins during your asanas. So pay close attention to any additives. The manufacturer is required to disclose these.

Does an eco yoga mat consist only of natural materials?

No, that's not necessary. Using only natural materials can actually be more harmful to the environment because it depletes natural resources. With eco-mats, it's not just about the materials, but also the production process. The biodegradability and recyclability of the old mats are also important.

EU standards for quality and safety

EU standards regarding harmful substances are very strict. This applies to both EU-produced and imported products. Certified online stores, such as Yoga-Pilatesshop, must meet these strict requirements. A non-certified online store doesn't offer these guarantees.

Is a sustainable yoga mat the same as an eco yoga mat?

Sustainable yoga mats These are mats you'll enjoy for a very long time. PVC is a nearly indestructible, flexible, and durable material. A PVC yoga mat lasts for more than 10 years. This is also environmentally friendly, because you'll need a new mat less often. However, the material is less recyclable than, for example, TPE, which is 100% reusable. On the other hand, a TPE mat doesn't last as long and is therefore less sustainable. So, make your own decisions when buying an eco-friendly yoga mat.

What should I pay attention to when buying an eco yoga mat?

When buying an eco-friendly yoga mat, pay close attention to the material. The product description should indicate whether it's made of materials like natural latex, TPE, or PVC. Also consider what you'll be using the yoga mat for: at home, to the gym, or to the Bikram studio. The weight of your yoga mat can be important, for example: as light as possible if you're transporting it by bike. Consider a carrying strap for your eco-friendly yoga mat.

Buying an eco yoga mat

The Yoga-Mad and Samarali brands have beautiful and practical eco yoga mats. Check out the Yoga-Pilatesshop for this Yoga-Mad ecomat that PVC eco yoga mat according to Oeko-Tex standards This mat is extra wide (80 centimeters) and is ideal for intensive home use or if you're looking for eco-friendly mats for your studio. PVC is a flexible and durable material. Samarali offers mats with a beautiful eco-friendly look. The Samarali eco yoga mat with cork It is antibacterial and has a rubber backing, which provides excellent grip on the surface. These mats are particularly striking for their attractive design and will remain beautiful for at least 5 years Evolution lightweight ecomat Made of TPE, it has a carrying strap and is easy to carry. The Evolution mats are available in various thicknesses, namely 4 and 6 millimeters 6 millimeter Evolution ecomat is the more luxurious version. A thicker mat is very comfortable if you do a lot of exercises while lying down. You can also use it for your Pilates routine Sure-Grip yoga mat Made from natural latex, YogaMad's mat is non-slip and provides extra support during standing exercises where you need to maintain your balance.

Still unsure which mat to choose? Then quickly browse our collection of eco yoga mats!