Which yoga mats and props contain no plastic, top layer and adhesive included?
This category is being vetted. Nothing here is a recommendation yet.
Where plastic hides in yoga mats and props
Most yoga mats are PVC, TPE or polyurethane over foam, which is plastic from edge to edge. The plastic-free ones are natural rubber, cork over rubber, cotton and jute, and each has its own catch. Rubber mats can carry a polyurethane top layer for grip, or a synthetic blend. Cork is bonded to its backing with an adhesive, and "cork leather" is a cork veneer on a fabric backing that can be coated. Straps carry plastic buckles, bolsters are filled with foam, and blocks are EVA foam unless they are solid cork or wood.
What to check before you buy
- The mat: natural rubber, cork or cotton, or PVC, TPE or polyurethane?
- The top layer on a rubber mat: none, or polyurethane?
- The rubber: 100% natural, or blended with synthetic?
- Cork: bonded with what adhesive, and onto what backing?
- Blocks: solid cork or wood, or EVA foam?
- Straps: cotton webbing and a metal D-ring, or nylon and a plastic buckle?
- Bolsters: filled with cotton, buckwheat, kapok or wool, or foam?