Eco-Friendly

"Eco-friendly" in yoga mats refers to materials, manufacturing processes, and end-of-life outcomes that minimize environmental harm. With yoga culture deeply connected to values of mindfulness and care for the planet, eco-friendly mats represent a growing segment of the market.

What Makes a Mat Eco-Friendly

Eco-friendliness is evaluated across several dimensions:

Materials: Are they natural, renewable, and/or biodegradable?

• Eco-positive: Natural rubber, cork, jute, cotton, hemp
• Eco-neutral: TPE (recyclable, non-toxic but synthetic)
• Eco-negative: PVC, conventional EVA foam (petroleum-based, difficult to recycle)

Manufacturing: Does production minimize toxic chemicals, water usage, and carbon emissions?

Packaging: Is packaging minimal, recycled, or recyclable?

Certifications: Legitimate eco claims are backed by third-party certifications (see below).

End of life: Can the mat be composted, recycled, or otherwise diverted from landfill?

Certifications to Look For

OEKO-TEX Standard 100: Tests for harmful substances — ensures no toxic chemicals in the final product.

Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS): Certifies organic natural rubber.

Rainforest Alliance: Certifies responsible forest management for rubber.

bluesign: Certifies responsible chemical use in textile manufacturing.

Greenwashing Warning

"Eco-friendly," "natural," and "sustainable" are unregulated marketing terms. Always look for specific certifications or material transparency rather than accepting marketing language at face value. A mat claiming to be "made from natural materials" may contain significant synthetic components.