The problem….

When we began our research in 2000 we discovered almost all Yoga mats currently on sale around the world are made of PVC (polyvinyl chloride: commonly known as "vinyl"). Up until the 1930s this plastic was considered a useless toxic by-product of the oil industry. As chemists explored the applications of PVC the versatility and economic gains at that time were more exciting than any environmental consideration. The benefits of vinyl seemed endless during the 20th century but soon health and environmental drawbacks came to light and the controversial PVC debate began.

In order to make PVC soft and 'sticky', as is required for yoga mats, many chemicals are added. The most significant is a plasticiser called DHEP (Di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate). Unfortunately these chemical softeners are extremely toxic to humans and to the environment. Scientists and campaigners are promoting a worldwide reduction in the amount of phthalates used in plastics. In 2000 the European Commission brought out a Green Paper and later held a public hearing on the environmental issues of PVC.

See
http://www.greenpeace.org/international_en/
campaigns/intro?campaign_id=3988
for more information about PVC.

As the demand for yoga mats increased so did the amount of suppliers. Apart from Germany almost all production shifted out to China and Taiwan to keep costs down. Yoga was becoming Big Business.

Retailers of yoga mats are being faced with this reality.

When we first introduced our mats many practitioners were relieved that there was finally an alternative. Many had been waiting, many searching. As students ourselves we had only listened to our own practice and those around us. Plastic mats just did not seem appropriate anymore.

The solution….

In response we stepped back and off our mats. We began researching possible alternatives. Inspired by Henryk Skolomovski's book "EcoYoga: Practice & meditations for walking in beauty on the Earth" we formed ecoYoga Ltd and created a natural rubber yoga mat with jute scrim. (The scrim is the material used in the inner section of the mats. In plastic mats it is usually polyester).

Rubber/ latex comes from a tree called Hevea Brasiliensis and is a lectin from the bark. The Indians of the Amazon rain forest called this rubber tree Catchou or the tree that weeps as the latex drips through channels scored into the bark. Trees can be tapped for up to 30 years after which they can be used for building or furniture construction.

In 1839 Charles Goodyear accidentally spilled a rubber/sulphur compound onto a hot stove. He discovered that the resulting mixture did not turn stiff when cold or smelly and gooey when hot - major problems for those trying to make rubber boots or raincoats before then! This was revolutionary in the natural rubber industry.

See http://treetap.amazonlife.com.br/ingles/indicei.htm for more background to the rubber tree.

Jute is a sustainanable plant that is grown in regions of India and Bangladesh in a 4 month period just prior to the rainy season. It is fast growing and uses land that would otherwise be dormant at that time so increasing revenue for farmers.

Made with specially formulated rubber and natural jute fibre the ecoYoga mats are the first of their kind. The compound used is environmentally neutral. As far as possible we aim to reduce packaging and to use recycled or sustainable materials in all our products. Composting trials are underway. The raw rubber is currently from the international market. The jute is plant based and supplied by a Scottish company who have long term family relations with the producers in Bangladesh and India. The mats themselves are made in the UK.

Some suppliers now offer PVC mats tested for levels of toxicity (safe for the skin). Alternative plastics are also being introduced to avoid the PVC controversy. Since the launch of ecoYoga Ltd in 2003 the movement away from plastic mats has become more public and widespread.