Rubber Mats
Natural and Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) Rubber have it all; comfort, grip, and the ability to biodegrade. Mats made from rubber are perfect for yoga because they have excellent grip and cushioning. The traction given by rubber will also help with the confidence of the practitioner to hold a challenging asana.
It may be wise to check whether the rubber mat (or any mat) is latex-free, if you have an allergy to this material or prefer to avoid it, as TPE will often be free from latex but natural rubber may not be.
Nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) foam is non-toxic and free from PVC, phthalates, and latex, making it another choice for a Yoga mat. Its closed-cell structure locks out moisture, dirt and germs for hygienic reassurance, and its high density provides a firm base. Generally, being heat and water resistant, they’re also ideal for sweaty Hot Yoga and other dynamic Yoga classes.
Cork Mats
Another option for your Yoga mat is cork, which is warm under foot during early morning winter practice, but in the summer will regulate heat to keep you cool. These mats are also durable and can be repaired, if they are damaged. They naturally tend to repel dust, hair and other unhygienic surface particles, whilst becoming gripper the sweatier you get.
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is another popular mat material, as it is known to create a stickier surface which can make a big difference when it comes to grip. However, PVC is not the best choice for the environment because it is a form of plastic, which releases chemicals at each point of the production cycle. It will also have to be thrown away, not recycled at the end of its life, so overall, may not align with many yogis’ values. Although do think of others uses, e.g. a mat for the pets, or underlay for a rug. The options are only limited by your imagination.
Fibre Mats
Microfibre, polyester and linen are several fabric-based mats to consider, some of which will be stitched atop another material as an upper layer, and others that are more of a yoga towel, to be used either alone or as a cover for your main mat.
Microfibre is a soft, absorbent fabric used to make such yoga towels, with a texture that repels dirt, dust and sweat. However, microfibre is synthetic and it won’t be able to biodegrade. Polyester yarn, is another resilient, sweat-wicking material often used to make mats and towels. But, once again, it often requires heavy processing and is not biodegradable. On the other hand, linen is a superior choice for comfort, wear, and the environment. Linen is a textile made from the fibres of the flax plant, which leaves no waste footprint during its manufacture, and is itself biodegradable and recyclable.