Looking for a yoga mat that's both kind to your body and the planet? The Nature PRO Cork Yoga Mat from Union Yoga might be the perfect fit. This eco-friendly mat is crafted from sustainably harvested cork, minimizing its environmental impact from production to disposal. Its unique construction offers a comfortable, supportive surface ideal for various yoga styles, and its natural materials contribute to a non-toxic and biodegradable product. Discover the benefits of this sustainable choice and learn how it compares to traditional PVC mats in terms of grip, durability, and overall performance.This in-depth review explores the Nature PRO's features, including its surprisingly good grip, lightweight design, and ease of cleaning. We'll delve into the pros and cons, examining its performance in different yoga poses and assessing its suitability for various practice environments. We'll also discuss its durability and long-term performance after extended use, providing you with the information you need to decide if the Nature PRO Cork Yoga Mat is the right choice for your yoga journey.
Pros And Cons
- Made from eco-friendly, antimicrobial cork (harvested sustainably)
- Biodegradable
- Good cushioning (4mm thick bottom layer) for joints
- Good insulation for cold surfaces
- Lightweight (around 1.3 kilos)
- Good dry grip (better than PVC mats)
- Easy to clean (impermeable to water, sweat, and dirt)
- Minimalist design
- Cork texture looks good
- Bottom layer is fragile and not suitable for outdoor use or heat
- Doesn't stay rolled up stably without a strap or special bag
- Grip isn't perfect, occasional slippage
Read more: 5 Best Yoga Mats for Meditation
Eco-Friendly Material and Production
The Nature PRO yoga mat from Union Yoga is made from cork, a sustainable and eco-friendly material. Cork harvesting doesn't involve cutting down trees; the bark is harvested from cork oak trees every nine years and regenerates naturally. This process also contributes to the tree's continued absorption of CO2, making it an environmentally responsible choice.
The cork used in this mat is sourced from Portugal, a relatively close location to Union Yoga's base in Spain, minimizing transportation emissions and its carbon footprint. The mat itself is also 100% non-toxic and biodegradable, adding to its overall sustainability credentials. This makes it a fantastic option for environmentally conscious yogis.
Performance and Comfort
The Nature PRO mat's top layer is made of Portuguese cork, providing a pleasant texture and subtle grip. The bottom layer is made of recycled natural rubber mixed with ground cork, creating a 4mm thick cushion that's surprisingly supportive, particularly beneficial for those with knee issues.
The mat offers good cushioning without compromising stability. While initially I was concerned that 4mm might be too thick for balancing poses, it proved comfortable and supportive even for these. Its insulation properties also make it suitable for practicing on cold surfaces such as tile or wood floors.
Grip, Portability, and Cleaning
Cork mats generally require dampening for optimal grip; however, the Nature PRO mat exhibits surprisingly good dry grip, though not perfect. Occasional slippage may occur, especially in poses like downward-facing dog. Compared to traditional PVC mats, though, the grip is significantly better.
The mat is lightweight (around 1.3 kilos), making it easy to transport. However, it doesn't roll up and stay put easily, requiring a strap or specialized yoga mat bag for secure portability. Cleaning is surprisingly easy – its inherent properties make it resistant to sweat and dirt, requiring only occasional wiping with a damp cloth.
Durability and Limitations
After over a month of use, the cork top layer showed no signs of flaking or creasing, even with repeated folding (though this isn't recommended). The bottom rubber layer, however, is more delicate, showing scratches and minor breaks after outdoor use.
This mat is best suited for indoor use only. The rubber bottom layer isn’t designed for outdoor environments or exposure to heat and direct sunlight. This limits its versatility but is important to consider if you are looking for an all-terrain mat.
Overall Conclusion
The Nature PRO Cork Yoga Mat is a great option for those prioritizing sustainability and comfort. Its eco-friendly materials, excellent cushioning for joints, and surprisingly good grip are strong points. However, the sensitivity of the bottom layer to outdoor use and heat is a significant drawback.
Its lightweight design and ease of cleaning are also appealing. While not perfect for every scenario, it is a solid choice for indoor yoga practice, particularly for individuals with joint sensitivity or a preference for thicker mats. The sustainable aspects make it an excellent choice for environmentally conscious yoga enthusiasts.