What is ROCORK YOGA MAT ?
Our Mats are handmade of premium quality non-porous, solid cork layer. They are not made of glued cork granules, cork scrap or brittle cork powder leftovers. The fact that we use whole layers of cork on our Mats, makes them extra hygienic and durable. Yet, they are lightweight with much greater grip – one of its kind in the world.
Why we use SOLID CORK?
Is it because its ecological sustainability? Totally Yes, we only use harvest controlled Cork form the Cork Oak trees, which have been protected by law since 13th century in South Europe. But not only, there are many more reasons. It hugely outperforms its PVC, rubber and granulated cork mats with its quality, ethical philosophy and wholistic approach. Soft cushioning feel, better grip, durable, with always fresh, wood-like smell. Cork naturally contains an anti-microbial, allergy reducing hypoallergenic substance, called Suberin, very important for people who suffers from allergies, while using a regular pvc or rubber yoga mat.
Our Mats done with solid cork which contains a higher dose of Suberin substance than any granulated glued cork. Because of its high sealing capacity, it works as a waterproof repellent to mould forming, mites and other allergens found in dust and dirt build up of regular yoga mats. Suberin will keep your Mat in perfect condition and smelling fresh, auto-cleaning all body odours, wicking sweat away, neutralising bacteria & fungi. We found studies that show that average used yoga mat can contain more germs and bacteria than a toilet seat! Rocork mat provides clean healthy solution, each time you place your feet on the mat, keeping your practice closer to yourself and to the nature.
We combined our natural cork layer with high quality eco-friendly 100% recyclable & biodegradable material inserted in the fine fabric, called TPE (thermoplastic elastomer). Produced with less energy, this backing does not require PVC, Latex, or heavy metals, cadmium or rubber – causing so much pollution during its production. That’s why it gave birth to our original WHOLISTIC yoga mat, called ROCORK = Recycable + Organic cork.
This makes our cork yoga mats possibly one of the best healthy alternatives for eco-minded like people, who want to protect health and the planet, starting from here. Ideal for any Yoga practice, thanks to its unique properties, it provides extra cushioning, greater support for all body joints, better grip and a “second skin” feel. Each Mat is assembled manually with much care and love for every little detail. And because we love details, we added a handsewn organic cotton webbing all around the mat, we fire burned designed logo, instead of colour printing and we wrap it all in a recycled cardboard Kraft paper for shipping and packaging.
It is a part of the Rocork wholistic philosophy to completely refuse plastic, toxic or animal products. By combining natural beauty, aesthetics and quality together – it represents our true values. We wish you enjoy your practice with Rocork Yoga Mat, as much we do. Namaste!
TREE RUBBER: ECOLOGICAL ALTERNATIVE?
Yoga market today promotes the use of “gentle ecological” materials like natural rubber, and we originally wanted to use it. However, after making our research and gathered manufacturers’ opinions, we rejected it, taking a closer look behind the scenes of the rubber business. "The world market prices for rubber have decreased drastically in recent years, sometimes even falling below the cost of production. Consequently, many smallholders and rubber collectors are driven into poverty, while the rubber processing industries are making a fortune”. Rubber curing process can be highly polluting. Additionally, we find rubber is heavy, smells unpleasant and can trigger allergic reaction in some people. At the same time, 2 million hectares of rainforests worldwide, including Amazonia – have been transformed into rubber plantation in the past decade. This conversion results in decline in biodiversity and the extinction of many live species on our planet.