Yoga is a practice that is focused on balance, alignment, and mindfulness, and having the right yoga mat can greatly enhance your experience. With so many different types of yoga mats available on the market, it can be challenging to know which one is right for you. In this blog post, we will compare six different types of yoga mats: PVC, TPE, cotton, jute, rubber, and cork+rubber yoga mats.

Recommendation: Zenful Yoga Cork+Rubber Yoga Mats

1. PVC Yoga Mats: PVC yoga mats are one of the most popular types of yoga mats. They are made from a synthetic material that is lightweight and provides a good amount of cushioning. However, PVC mats are not environmentally friendly as they are made from non-renewable resources, and they can also release harmful chemicals. These mats are not biodegradable, and they do start to wear out and fall apart over time. 

2. TPE Yoga Mats: TPE yoga mats are a newer type of yoga mat that is made from a blend of thermoplastic elastomers, which are synthetic materials that are more environmentally friendly than PVC but still omit harmful toxins. TPE mats provide good cushioning and are lightweight and easy to carry. They are also easy to clean. However, TPE mats may be less durable than PVC mats and can be more expensive.
   

3. Cotton Yoga Mats: Cotton yoga mats are made from natural cotton fibers and are a great choice for those who prefer a more traditional, natural yoga mat. They are soft, comfortable, and provide excellent traction, making them ideal for those who practice yoga in hot and humid conditions. Cotton mats are also machine washable and easy to clean. However, cotton mats can be heavy and do not provide as much cushioning as PVC/TPE/Rubber mats, and they can feel scratchy/itchy. The production of cotton also has a large carbon footprint. 

4. Jute Yoga Mats: Jute yoga mats are made from natural jute fibers and provide good grip and traction, making them ideal for those who practice yoga in hot and sweaty conditions. Jute mats are also eco-friendly as they are biodegradable and made from renewable resources. However, jute mats can be rough on the skin and may not provide as much cushioning as PVC/TPE/Rubber mats.
   

5. Rubber Yoga Mats: Rubber yoga mats are made from natural rubber and provide excellent grip and traction. They are eco-friendly and biodegradable, making them a great choice for those who are environmentally conscious. Rubber mats also provide good cushioning and support. However, rubber mats can be heavy and may have a strong odor when first purchased.

6. Cork+Rubber Yoga Mats: Cork+rubber yoga mats are made from a blend of natural cork and rubber and provide excellent grip and traction. They are eco-friendly and biodegradable, making them a great choice for those who are environmentally conscious. Cork+rubber mats also provide good cushioning and support. Cork+rubber mats can be more expensive than other types of yoga mats, however they last substantially longer and are much higher quality. 

Recommendation: Get a Cork+Rubber Yoga Mat

Cork and rubber yoga mats are a great option for yogis looking for a mat that is eco-friendly, durable, and provides excellent grip. These mats combine the benefits of two popular materials and are a great investment for anyone looking to enhance their yoga practice.

Check out Zenful Yoga Cork+Rubber Yoga Mats and learn more here about the mats.

What to Look For: Forest Stewardship Council Certification

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification is a global certification system that promotes responsible forest management. The FSC is an international non-profit organization that sets standards for forest products and verifies that they are sourced from responsibly managed forests.

The FSC certification process involves an assessment of the forest management practices used in the forest, including the protection of biodiversity, the rights of indigenous peoples and workers, and the management of the forest's ecological functions. In addition, the certification process verifies that the forest products are tracked from the forest to the end user, ensuring that they come from a responsibly managed source.

What do you think?

What are your thoughts on the differences in mat materials? Do you think more about the environmental impact of the products you buy, or are you more worried about quality and longevity? (Possibly both??) Let us know what you think in the comments below: