Why PVC?

Thanks for your interest in the raw materials used for our yoga mats, such as PVC. Opinions on PVC have been extremely varied, right from when it became popular in the seventies to now.

Although all customers prefer sustainable products today, the discerning ones examine a product within the context of its use and lifetime. We consider all aspects of our products’ lifetime seriously and give due importance to environmental aspects, possible toxic effects, performance characteristics as well as cost-benefit ratios.

In short, facts in favour of using PVC for yoga mats are:

• Many environmentalists agree that the energy expenditure during production is the most important factor to determine whether a product is really environment-friendly or not. During production, PVC requires less energy per kilo produced than all other materials. In comparison with polyethylene tubes, PVC requires 25% less energy for production.
  
  
• The energy ratio becomes even better when the longer lifetime of PVC products is compared to other alternative materials.
  
  
• Until recently we made intensive experiments to produce high-quality and appropriate yoga mats based on alternative raw materials but had to stop these activities due to poor results even at very high costs.
  
  
• Although latex allergies are common, no such reaction is known for PVC.
  
  
• PAK and Dioxin emission in PVC-production is lower compared to other materials such as wood which is about twice as emittant and even aluminium, which was about 6 to 7 times higher than PVC, as revealed in a study of window profiles from 2002.
  
  
• Considering the renewability of raw materials for PVC production, these are chlorine present in sea water in ample quantities and ethylene from fossil materials i.e. oil or coal or from organic sources i.e. alcohol by dehydration.
  
  Though the cultivation of raw materials seems environmentally sound, the circumstances i.e. competition to food production, intensive cultivation and problems of monocultures, the intensive application of biocides, fertilizer, water and waste of ground (rain forests etc.) are problematic.
  
  Since the basic material is cultivated mostly in poor countries, social problems could be triggered. Basic studies from churches and different non-government organisations throw light on sometimes disastrous production standards in such countries. This applies to all other materials grown agriculturally or alternative raw material base such as bamboo, rubber, cork etc.
  
  
• PVC is not toxic at all. If produced correctly, heavy metals, critical Plasticizers (BBP, DOP, DBP) , PAK content, PCP and other pollutants can not be found in critical concentration in PVC. Critical concentration means that though nearly every substance can be found anywhere depending on the method of analysis, levels have been set at which the substance can become harmful.
  
  
• Our products conform to the Öko-TexStandard 100, so that users can feel safe when using our mats.
  
  
• The method of production determines pollution during production more than the basic plastic component (e.g. PVC, PE, PP, polyacryl). We ensure that the highest standards possible are applied as well as the choice of uncritical additives, methods to keep energy consumption low and so on.
  
  
• PVC is easy to recycle alone, the problem is the recycling of composite materials i.e. yoga mats. Here the textile part has to be separated from the plastic which is usually not cost-efficient though in theory it is possible – this applies to all plastic components, PVC or others.
  
  

As far as using TPE versus PVC for Yoga mats is concerned:

The discussion in the market at present is not based on relevant scientific tests or statistics since these simply do not exist, in particular concerning the environmental-friendly decomposition characteristics of TPE yoga mats.

This is because „TPE“ is an aggregate of different polymers that differ greatly in chemical composition as well as in chemical and physical characteristics – any statement without determining a specific material is false and misleading. PVC too is a thermoplast with elastic characteristics, these are general terms for synthetic plastics.

Whether a substance decomposes harmlessly or not for the environment depends solely on the means of decomposition whereby both, harmless PVC decomposition as well as harmful decomposition of chlorine-free material are possible. Even highly critical substances can be decomposed by micro-organisms, provided enough time and the right conditions as seen in biological ground restoration today. Slow-degrading substances are particularly suited for this method.

However, the underlying assumption, in this case the means of biodegradation, is essential to evaluate results i.e. the residual waste. As you see, thorough and serious discussion of this subject is difficult whereas marketing claims and populistic aims use baseless and superficial arguments to influence opinion.

The above points are merely a brief outline of the facts whereas thorough discussion would probably fill books.

Nevertheless, to further demonstrate why we choose PVC:

• Our yoga mats perform excellently in terms of durability and practical use
• They lie smoothly when rolled-out
• “Planet Sadhana” mats have outstanding abrasion resistance
• The damping behaviour is superior to all other materials that we know of
• The stickiness, which is in high demand, sets the market standard
• The appearance, structure and colour is superior to all other materials, even rubber. Cork cannot be rolled out the way yoga mats need to be.
  
  

Considering these aspects, we are absolutely sure that the use of PVC for yoga mats is a good choice, proven by the fact that PVC use is increasing worldwide.

Our choice is supported by our clients, though the above questions do arise and are discussed. We hope to have informed you well and answered your questions to your satisfaction.

Considering these aspects, we are absolutely sure that the use of PVC for yoga mats is a good choice, proven by the fact that PVC use is increasing worldwide.

Our choice is supported by our clients, though the above questions do arise and are discussed. We hope to have informed you well and answered your questions to your satisfaction.