All businesses have an impact on the environment. No one is perfect and neither are we. As a new brand however, we are committed to following sustainable practices.
We wanted to offer an eco-friendly yoga mat produced with minimal environmental impact. Also, we wanted it to be durable, so it could last for years; harmless to human health and the planet; nonslip and comfortable, making practising easy; a mat that would be beautiful and could blend in with any home decor.
After months of research, finding the best materials and partners, the Noveme Natural Yoga Mat was born.
Read on to learn more about our choice of materials, the process, and commitment to sustainability.
NATURAL MATERIALS
We harnessed the power of nature to produce our eco-yoga mat.
We decided to craft our eco-yoga mat with sustainably sourced natural materials that are renewable, biodegradable, and free from hazardous and toxic substances.
WHY DID WE CHOOSE NATURAL MATERIALS?
Most yoga mats on the market are made of PVC, which is one of the commonly used types of plastic, because it is a versatile and low-cost material.
PVC is neither recyclable nor biodegradable. It can be harmful to the environment and human health due to the hazardous chemicals released throughout its life cycle.
To produce a nontoxic eco-yoga mat we chose natural materials, harmless to human health and environmentally sustainable.
During yoga practice, you are in direct contact with your mat. Therefore, we do not want you to be in direct contact with any toxic substances.
A yoga mat made from natural materials also provides an excellent sensory experience and a feeling of connection with nature, which has been proven to enhance your overall wellbeing and happiness.
OUR MATERIALS
Natural Cork: cork is a natural plant tissue that comes from the bark of the cork oak tree. It is one of the world’s most sustainable materials as it is reusable, recyclable, renewable, and completely biodegradable.
Natural Rubber: natural rubber is a plant-based material, made by extracting a liquid sap (latex) from the Havea tree, a process called tapping. It is 100% biodegradable and nontoxic. It is a durable material because it does not break or weaken easily.
Cork Oak and Hevea Trees
QUALITY OVER QUANTITY
An eco-yoga mat that will stand the test of time.
We aim to create premium exercise equipment that will stand the test of time by selecting high-quality natural materials that are resistant to wear and tear.
NATURAL CORK YOGA MAT - OUR DIFFERENCE
Most cork yoga mats available on the market today are made with agglomerated cork; a material derived from the granulated by-products of natural cork production.
We, however, decided to manufacture our yoga mats with natural cork—a high quality fabric produced from slices of cork, cut directly from the bark of the cork oak tree.
Natural Cork vs Agglomerated Cork
ADVANTAGES OF NATURAL CORK VS CORK AGGLOMERATE:
- More durable: Yoga mats made with cork agglomerate risk disintegrating over time. By using cork in its natural raw state, we benefit from its natural resistance to wear and tear, without the risk of disintegration.
- Softer to the touch: Natural cork is warm and smooth to the touch, combining a velvety texture with a pleasant, light, sweet fragrance—providing an amazing sensory experience.
- Easier to clean: Cork naturally repels bacteria and odours thanks to its antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antifungal properties. Wiping it down with a damp cloth with just water or a small amount of neutral soap is enough to keep our Natural Yoga Mat clean.
RESPONSIBLE PRODUCTION
We work exclusively with those who share our values.
Portugal is the largest producer of the best quality cork in the world. In Portugal, it is illegal to cut down a cork oak tree, and special permission from the authorities is needed to fell old and unproductive trees.
For these reasons, we chose to manufacture our eco-yoga mats in Portugal. We work with local family-owned businesses that share our core values and commitment to sustainability.
Our Natural Yoga Mats are produced in small batches to avoid overproduction, with minimal use of machinery—mainly powered by renewable energy—and packaged without any plastics.
Cork Oak Trees, Portugal
CONSCIENTIOUS PACKAGING
Avoiding plastic at all costs.
We deliver all our orders in plastic-free packaging made from recycled or recyclable materials. Plus, our eco-friendly thank you card is fully compostable and contains wildflower seeds. Plant it, and watch it grow into beautiful wildflowers!
