6 Minute read

Elevating Your Lifestyle: Why Studio Huske Mats Trump Vinyl

Being honest, vinyl was never a viable consideration for huske products. From the outset the intention was always to bring something new and innovative to the market, not just to produce a different version of the status quo, but this time with a different ice-cream print.

Part of that decision was about longevity, aesthetics and robustness. Huske products are intended to serve a long time, and look beautiful in the home, so the quality of the material was central. Beyond the environmental profile of PVC or equally of PU faux-leather, in both production and in the home, there are performance reasons why they would never have measured up. 

It's all about context. Vinyl is often used in waterproof products- blow up beach balls, pink pool flamingos, and so on. The difference between using PVC in a product that you use 6 times a year, compared to a play mat you use every day from an early age, which you can eat off of, is substantial. 

In pictures two white t-shirts can look the same. The same is true for splat mats. But we've all experienced the difference between the softness, fit and cut of a well considered premium t-shirt, and also the opposite, one which gives up after a few washes. It's often only in use that we discover the real difference an investment in quality can make. With that in mind, we will try an outline the long-term difference between our silicone leather mats and the vinyl alternative. As with clothing, products which fail early feel cheap or have a limited scope of use end up in landfill much quicker, this is what we are actively trying to work against. 

One decision, to last a long time, for a good time

In the realm of family life, we face daily battles, and the choice of a simple play mat shouldn't be one of them. Vinyl mats are an accessible, low-cost waterproof solution, especially as a splat mat under your high-chair.

Huske play mats are perfect as a splat mat, but also for baby changing, nappy-free time, sensory play, and everything in between. Which means they are designed to be the closest thing to your baby's newborn skin throughout the day. Vinyl mats have long been a staple, but it's time to delve deeper into the environmental narrative. 

We are product designers, but we are parents first. So let's talk about the real issues and why studio huske mats emerge as the design-led, practical play mat.

You spoke, and we listened. Via the chat function on the site we very often get questions from parents who have tried vinyl splat mats and are looking for a better alternative. They've learned the hard way, so let us pass on to you what they have reported to us....

4 vinyl woes to avoid

1. Discoloration 

Vinyl mats on wooden floors often leave a permanent unsightly mark over time. Your elegant hardwoods deserve better- as does your rental deposit! You mat is designed to protect you floor, first and foremost. With huske mats, made from silicone leather, there is no risk of this discoloration, which means your floor can maintain a pristine appearance no matter what.

2. Mould 

Underfloor heating combined with vinyl mats can result in secret mould growth underneath them. This may go undetected for a while. Studio huske mats are heat-proof, so they don't retain any of your floors heat. And they're your anti-microbial daily superhero- ensuring a clean, hygienic surface, and your child's health comes first.

3. Fading 

Ever had a vinyl mat fade away under the sun's gaze after being outside for most of the Summer, or in direct sunlight in the kitchen? Don't worry one bit, because studio Huske mats are fade-proof, and UV-resistant. This means they are ready to withstand the elements and keep your space vibrant. Use them on the balcony, by the pool or in the garden all summer long, and the colour will be the same as when you bought them!

4. Rigidity 

Vinyl mats are rigid and become brittle and can crack over time. They can't be folded or bent so they lack the flexibility and tactile pleasure found in Studio Huske mats. Your child deserves a sensory experience that goes beyond the ordinary.

 

4 reasons why huske mats are the better choice

1. Quality 

While vinyl mats might seem like a pocket-friendly choice, they are much lower quality. Studio Huske mats, crafted from premium silicone leather, offer a touch of luxury underfoot. Through a premium feel and robustness we offer sustainabliity through flexibility of use, longevity and joy!

2. Texture

Vinyl mats are flat, bland, and devoid of texture. Studio Huske mats invite your child to explore different surfaces with their textured design, fostering sensory development. 

3. Fold, Shake, Done

Cleaning up after mealtime can be a chore. Studio Huske mats, being foldable and easy to shake, save you from the floor-crawling cleanup dance. Say goodbye to bending over backward for cleanliness.

4. Versatility 

Vinyl mats have a one-track mind – splat protection. Studio Huske mats, on the other hand, have a versatile spirit. Long after the splat mat days, they become your go-to for countless other uses.

 

3. The Studio Huske Difference

Choosing a play mat isn't just about protection; it's about investing in your child's development and simplifying your daily life. Studio Huske mats go beyond expectations, addressing your pain points and transforming daily battles into victories. Make the switch, and experience the Studio Huske difference – a choice that elevates your lifestyle.

 

Shop your huske mat today!

 

Further Reading and Sources:

• Greenpeace. (n.d.). PVC: The Poison Plastic. Retrieved from Greenpeace

• Here is a compilation of reputable sources that collectively address the concerns associated with vinyl, particularly in the context of children's products:

  1. Phthalates Exposure:

     • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - Phthalates Fact Sheet

  2. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) Emission:

     • U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) - VOCs Impact on Indoor Air Quality

  3. Non-Biodegradability and Environmental Impact:

     • U.S. National Library of Medicine - National Institutes of Health - Environmental Impact of PVC

  4. Recycling Challenges:

     • Recycling Today - Vinyl Faces Recycling Challenges