ABOUT - eKO® Yoga Mats
Overview
The eKO Mat provides a naturally grippy surface that catches if you start to slip. Eco-friendly and made of natural materials, this non-Amazon harvested tree rubber mat firmly supports both your practice and our planet.
Features
• Developed by yoga teachers over 4 years.
• Most durable natural rubber yoga mat on the market.
• No PVC or harmful plasticizers.
• Made from biodegradable, non-Amazon harvested, natural tree rubber with non-toxic foaming agents and non-AZO dyes.
• 99% latex free.
• All post-industrial scrap is thoughtfully collected and utilized in the production of other materials creating a zero waste manufacturing process.
Use & Care
To Clean: All eKO series mats can be cleaned by wiping down the mat with Manduka’s Mat Restore Spray (a vinegar based solution) or a 50/50 mixture of water and organic apple cider vinegar. It is recommended that you DO NOT put your eKO mat in the washing machine, as it will encourage the material to break down. DO NOT soak or submerge in water and DO NOT use any type of soap for cleaning, as it will compromise the performance and integrity of the mat.
To Store: Do not leave the mat exposed to direct sunlight. If wet, allow the mat to dry before rolling up.
Sustainability
The eKO Mat is a natural yoga mat made from sustainably harvested tree rubber. Unlike other rubber mats available today, the foaming agents used to create the eKO are non-toxic. What this means is that no toxic chemicals have gone into the manufacturing process to soften the rubber. Additionally, instead of using synthetic polyester for reinforcement, we have chosen to use a blend of polyester and natural cotton. According to both customer feedback and published yoga mat reviews, the eKO Mat is a high performance mat that is also good for the environment.
THE STORY - eKO® Yoga Mats
The eKO Mat represents a bright future for the eco-friendly yoga mat. It leaves behind no footprint in landfills, but will definitely make a lasting impression in the studio. These natural rubber mats use a toxic-free softening process and are completely free of harmful foaming agents and plasticizers found in other mats.
Tri-Layer Technology offers an optimal combination of grip, durability, comfort, and performance:
Top Layer: Natural sealed-cell surface keeps out moisture and sweat from seeping into the mat and breeding bacteria.
Center Layer: Stretch-resistant scrim binds the unique layers together using a heating process which eliminates the need for toxic glues.
Bottom Layer: Thicker, bottom layer provides lightweight cushion and excellent loft for your practice! Discoloration can be a by-product of natural rubber products.
FAQ - eKO® Yoga Mats
Regularly cleaning the eKO® mat with our Natural Rubber Mat Wash will keep it in the cleanest and grippiest condition. Natural tree rubber often gets “thirsty” and a good cleaning can make a world of difference in appearance and grip.
If you sweat a lot, there still might be a slight amount of slip in some standing poses and poses like down dog, but if you keep your awareness and energy moving towards, instead of away, from your center of gravity, the “slippage” stops and one can stay firm in the pose. Actually, a little slippage comes in handy in some poses. For instance, during shoulder stand or plow pose, when it’s nice to allow the head to slide and the neck to lengthen.
Oxidation, or changes in color and texture, is a byproduct of all natural rubber products. Storing your eKO® mat in a dry environment out of sunlight, will prolong the life of the mat. For optimum care, wipe down your mat with water before each use and clean as needed with Manduka’s Natural Rubber Mat Wash.
The top of the mat has a slip-resistant rippled water texture and frog label in the top right-hand corner. The bottom is a sponge-like texture that provides a soft cushion and support.
Without soaking or submerging, use a generous amount of Manduka’s Natural Rubber Mat Wash to clean the mat. Allow the cleaner to sit for a few minutes and then gently wipe around with a damp cloth and let the mat dry in a shaded area.
We do not recommend cleaning your mat with a garden hose, putting it in the bathtub, shower, washing machine, or using a vacuum cleaner, as any of these will likely damage the mat beyond repair. Do not leave the mat exposed to excessive amounts of sunlight. Do not use any type of soap for cleaning, as it will compromise the performance and integrity of the mat. The salt method is not intended for eKO® mats.
Through Manduka’s manufacturing process, the eKO® mat is 99% latex free. If you know you are sensitive to even traces of latex, we recommend you purchase from our PRO Series or OEKO-TEX®.
The thick support of the eKO® Mat 5mm makes it heavier than other mats on the market. However, those who use the 5mm size say it’s worth the weight for its superior cushion and longevity. For customers who want a lighter option, we offer the eKO® Lite mats!
Yes, Manduka is proud to currently offer the eKO® mat in distinct sizes:
All natural rubber yoga mats have a scent that can be especially strong when the mat is new. The smell is not a result of off-gassing chemicals, as no toxic chemicals have gone into the manufacturing process. Your eKO® mat’s natural rubber smell will fade, but not completely vanish due to its eco-friendly composition.
To make the smell fade more quickly, leave your mat unrolled in an airy, shaded area and wipe the mat down with Manduka’s Natural Rubber Mat Wash, a vinegar-based cleaning solution with essential oils.
Durability and Performance:
Typical rubber eco-friendly yoga mats can be spongy and have an open-cell surface, due to the process that natural tree rubber goes through. Because they are open-cell, the durability of the mat is compromised and most rubber eco-friendly yoga mats break down fairly quickly, especially when exposed to humidity and/or sunlight.
In order to solve these problems, Manduka created the eKO® mat with dual layers, each having unique material properties to provide superior durability and the ultimate combination of cushion and grip. The top layer is sealed-cell and imprinted with a slip resistant pattern, making it more durable than typical rubber mats and also grippy. The bottom layer is thick and spongy to provide comfort and cushion on any surface.
Eco-responsible Manufacturing:
The eKO mat is made from natural, non-Amazon forested tree rubber. Unlike typical rubber eco-friendly mats available today, no toxic chemicals have gone into the manufacturing process to make the rubber spongy. Therefore, when the eKO mat is disposed of and biodegrades, it will leave behind no toxic residue.
Both the eKO® Series and the PRO® Series have been designed and engineered by yoga teachers to provide the ultimate surface to practice yoga. However, due to the different properties of the materials, they offer a different experience when practicing!
The PRO Series offers the ultimate durability, comfort and performance. In terms of thickness, the PRO mat (6mm) is a bit thicker than the eKO mat (5mm). All PRO Series mats offer strong and dense support, ideal for sensitive knees and joints.
The eKO mat has two layers of different densities to simultaneously provide comfort and durability. The eKO Series offers a soft, spongy support, ideal for yogis who like a grounding experience.
Durability
This is our estimation and not a guarantee
6 months - Minimum Durability
24 months - Expected Durability
