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When we set out to create a natural yoga mat, we wanted to use a material that was both sustainable and high in performance. During our extensive research, we landed upon cork and natural rubber as the perfect combination for the ideal yoga mat. Cork especially, is more than just a natural material—cork provides an array of environmental and user benefits that make it an ideal choice for our yoga mats and props. Cork yoga mats have been gaining popularity among yoga enthusiasts for numerous reasons. As we explore the benefits of this eco-friendly yoga mat, you'll discover why they are an excellent choice for your yoga journey.
Cork stands out not just for its natural properties and environmental benefits, but also as a sustainable alternative to synthetic yoga mats made from PVC, TPE, or other plastics. Many synthetic yoga mats are produced using chemicals that are not only harmful to the environment but can also expose users to toxins over time. By choosing cork for our yoga range, we’re ensuring that our products are safe, eco-friendly, and aligned with our commitment to sustainability.
The Downsides of Synthetic Yoga Mats
Most conventional yoga mats are made from PVC (polyvinyl chloride), which is known for its durability and flexibility. However, PVC production is highly toxic, releasing harmful dioxins into the air and water, and its disposal is problematic as it does not biodegrade. Over time, discarded PVC mats contribute to landfill waste, leaching chemicals into the soil and water systems. Additionally, PVC can release phthalates, which are chemicals added to make plastics more flexible but are linked to various health concerns, including endocrine disruption.
Other synthetic mats made from TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) or EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) are marketed as more environmentally friendly than PVC yoga mats, but these materials still rely on petroleum-based sources and lack biodegradability. Although they may not release as many harmful chemicals as PVC, they do not provide the same renewable, low-impact qualities as natural cork. We go into more detail on this in our article on What Are The Best and Most Sustainable Materials for Yoga Mats?
The Benefits of Cork for Users
Cork offers a natural, comfortable feel underfoot and has unique physical properties that enhance your yoga experience. One standout feature of cork is its ability to compress and expand easily due to its cellular structure. This characteristic provides exceptional shock absorption, helping to cushion your joints and improve overall comfort during your yoga practice.
What sets cork apart from synthetic alternatives is a substance called suberin. This waxy compound is released when cork becomes moist, significantly increasing grip. So, if you have sweaty hands or feet, or practicing hot yoga, cork provides excellent grip even when you're sweaty which is essential for maintaining stability in challenging poses. To get the most out of this property, we recommend lightly moistening the cork surface with our signature yoga mat sprays before practice. This not only enhances grip but also infuses your mat with natural Australian essential oils for an added sensory experience.
Cork is also contains natural antimicrobial properties, which means it resists the growth of bacteria, mould and other microorganisms. This helps keep your cork yoga mat fresh and clean without the need for harsh chemicals. You can simply wipe your mat down with a damp cloth after practice. Because cork doesn’t absorb dust and dirt, it’s also hypoallergenic—a great benefit for people with allergies or sensitivities.
Why Cork Is a Sustainable Choice
From an environmental perspective, cork is an exemplary sustainable material. The cork used in our products comes from the cork oak tree (Quercus suber), which is unique in that its bark can be harvested without harming the tree. The bark regenerates over time, making cork a truly renewable resource. This harvest cycle can be repeated every 7 to 10 years, and each time the bark is removed, it stimulates the tree to absorb even more carbon dioxide. In fact, cork oak forests absorb an estimated 14 million tonnes of CO₂ every year, contributing significantly to carbon sequestration.
Cork trees are also highly resilient. Their deep root systems allow them to retain water and prevent soil erosion, supporting local ecosystems and sustaining the trees even in dry climates. This reduces the need for irrigation or other interventions, making cork production naturally sustainable and low-impact.
From Cork Bark to Product
Our cork is sourced from Portugal, the world’s largest cork producer, which supplies around 70% of the world’s cork products. After the outer bark is harvested, it undergoes a meticulous process. The cork planks are stacked, boiled, and cleaned before being transformed into various forms such as cork leather or compressed cork. This versatile material is then shaped into our cork yoga blocks, cork massage balls, and cork yoga mats. Cork and natural rubber are also biodegradable materials and gives us peace of mind that they won't contribute to unnecessary landfill at the end of their life cycle.
The yoga mats themselves are made by fusing cork leather with natural rubber through a high-temperature process, eliminating the need for synthetic adhesives or harsh chemicals or glues. This ensures our cork yoga mats are not only kind to the environment but also durable and free of toxic materials. For extra grip, we recommend practicing on the natural rubber side of the yoga mat.
At ZONE by Lydia, we are proud to choose cork and natural rubber because they are both renewable, sustainable materials. Our cork yoga mats offer a perfect balance between practicality and environmental consciousness. With their numerous benefits—such as excellent grip, durability, and absence of toxic chemicals—they stand as a leading contender among yoga mat materials.
Beyond our products, our commitment to sustainable practices extends to our packaging. We utilise minimal and environmentally friendly materials, such as recycled cardboard and biodegradable plastics. This ensures that every aspect of our product lifecycle, from production to disposal, reflects our dedication to sustainability.
Join us in making a positive impact—opt for a cork yoga mat, cork yoga block or cork massage balls and experience the difference for yourself!
Shop our Cork Yoga Range Today.
