Silicone

Silicone is a synthetic polymer based on silicon that has become common in kitchen products, medical devices, and increasingly in yoga accessories. In yoga mats, silicone primarily appears as a functional component rather than the primary mat material.

Uses in Yoga Products

Non-slip grip dots: Many yoga socks, gloves, and mat overlays use silicone grip dots on their surfaces. These tiny raised dots of silicone provide excellent friction against the mat surface.

Silicone mat backing: Some thin travel mats and mat accessories use a silicone coating or dots on the bottom surface to grip flooring without adhesives.

Yoga accessories: Water bottle grips, strap buckles, and jewelry for yoga are often made from silicone.

Why Silicone Is Valued

Silicone has properties particularly useful for grip applications:

• High friction coefficient even when wet
• Does not absorb moisture or bacteria
• Inert and non-toxic (food-grade silicone is used in cookware)
• Temperature stable across a wide range
• Does not degrade from UV exposure like rubber

Environmental Considerations

Silicone occupies a middle ground environmentally:

• Not biodegradable (but neither are most yoga mat materials)
• Can be recycled by specialty facilities (not curbside)
• Does not leach chemicals like some plastics
• Derived from silicon dioxide (abundant mineral), not petroleum

Silicone is generally considered safer and more environmentally neutral than PVC but less eco-friendly than natural materials.