Let's Talk Quality...
What do you consider as quality? Non-toxic? The materials used? Sustainability? Longevity?Preserving colours even if it does mean that harsh chemicals are used?
Playtime is a crucial aspect of a child's development, fostering creativity, imagination, and cognitive growth. As parents and caregivers, we're always on the lookout for products that enhance the safety and well-being of our children. In recent years, TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) play mats have gained significant popularity due to their remarkable features, making them the highest quality play mats on the market. In this blog, we'll delve into the reasons why TPU play mats are considered superior, focusing on their non-toxic composition, PVC-free nature, and impressive biodegradability.
Non-Toxic Composition: A Breath of Fresh Air
One of the primary concerns when choosing play mats is ensuring that they are free from harmful chemicals and toxins. TPU play mats excel in this aspect, as they are crafted using a material that is known for its non-toxic properties. Unlike some traditional play mats that may contain PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) and other harmful substances, TPU play mats are designed to provide a safe environment for children to play and explore.
Children have a natural tendency to explore their surroundings through touch and even taste, which is why it's essential to opt for play mats that won't pose any health risks. TPU is free from phthalates, lead, and other potentially harmful additives that could leach into the environment or come into contact with little hands and mouths. With TPU play mats, parents can rest easy, knowing that their children are playing on a surface that prioritizes safety.
PVC-Free: A Step Towards Sustainability
PVC has long been used in the production of various products, including play mats, due to its affordability and durability. TPU costs 30-40% more than PVC, however we have still priced our play mats lower than other PVC play mats in the industry in order to keep them affordable to parents. Yes, that does mean that we almost never have sales, and that we can't wholesale either - as wholesalers want a larger profit margin than what we make in the first place...
It's no secret that PVC poses environmental concerns due to its toxic manufacturing process, potential for release of harmful chemicals, and challenges associated with its disposal. TPU play mats offer an eco-friendly alternative by being entirely PVC-free.
Choosing PVC-free play mats, like TPU mats, contributes to reducing the demand for PVC production and minimizing its negative impact on the environment. This is a significant step towards fostering a more sustainable future for our children, where the products they use don't compromise the health of the planet.
Impressive Biodegradability: A Greener Tomorrow
In addition to being non-toxic and PVC-free, TPU play mats boast another noteworthy quality: they are fully biodegradable. Unlike many synthetic materials that linger in landfills for centuries, TPU can break down naturally over time. This attribute aligns with the growing emphasis on environmentally friendly products that have a reduced impact on the Earth's ecosystems.
The biodegradability of TPU play mats offers parents a responsible choice that not only benefits their children but also helps protect the planet for future generations. By choosing products that prioritize biodegradability, we can collectively contribute to a more sustainable world.
Lets Talk About Aging… Gracefully: The Yellowing Factor
While TPU play mats offer an array of benefits, it's important to acknowledge that they, like everything else, have their own quirks. Over time, TPU play mats might undergo a slight change in appearance, with the possibility of a yellowing effect. However, it's essential to note that this aesthetic change does not affect the functionality or safety of the play mat in any way. We would choose this one "con" over and over again if we had to choose between using dangerous chemicals to preserve the colour, or to let it age - like everything else that we have and we own. This does not mean the that quality isn't amazing - on the contrary..
In fact, this minor transformation can be likened to the natural aging process that we all go through. Just as wrinkles and gray hair are considered badges of experience, a slightly yellowed TPU play mat can be seen as a testament to the countless hours of joy, laughter, and learning that have taken place upon its surface. We offer an intensive play mat care guide for you to follow - just like we use different creams on our bodies, to prolong the beautiful colours on your play mats.
Also, did you know that Rugabub designs all of their play mats on a more yellow background so that they can see how they will look if and when they do discolour? Some of our play mats look even better when they do age - and we have had so many second time customers asking us if we have older play mats to sell, that have discoloured already (which we don't... We sell out every month).
To conclude, TPU play mats have emerged as a clear winner in the realm of playtime essentials, thanks to their non-toxic composition, PVC-free nature, and impressive biodegradability. As parents and caregivers, it's our responsibility to provide our children with the best possible products that promote their health and well-being. TPU play mats not only offer a safe and enjoyable play surface but also contribute to a greener and more sustainable future.
In a world where conscious consumer choices play a vital role in shaping the market and influencing manufacturers, opting for TPU play mats sets a positive example. By choosing products that align with our values of safety, sustainability, and environmental consciousness, we're not only nurturing our children's development but also making a powerful statement about the kind of world we want to create for them.