News & Stories
Aboriginal Design Recycled Plastic Mats by Christine Slabb
Indigenous Art - A New Collaboration Christine Slabb is a Gold Coast based Aboriginal Artist and Graphic Designer whose work can be seen locally in hotels, cabins, and campgrounds. She is also the proud designer behind the Gold Coast Titans jerseys, and created the life-size letter banners for the 2017 Bleach Festival in Tugun. She prides herself on creating Contemporary Aboriginal Design across a multitude of materials and platforms including clothing, wall art, canvases, and photography. Aboriginal Design by Indigenous Artist Christine Slabb A happily married mother of two boys, Christine lives with extended family in the seaside town of Fingal, and spends a lot of her spare time in or near the water with her people. She lives and breathes community, and sharing the stories of her people. Aboriginal Art on Sustainable Picnic Mats A few years ago, Christine was interested in designing a sustainable picnic mat and reached out to JJ Stranan, owner of Recycled Mats, for some hot tips on how to go about it. But something much bigger than that happened... Watch our short clip of Christine and JJ to find out more. Purchase your Recycled Mat today Christine has collaborated with JJ on many other designs too, one of which featured prominently at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games in 2018. View her entire range here. Graphic Designer Christine Slabb Christine is also currently available for graphic design and art work. Her "Christine Slabb Designs" website can be found here. If you are interested in hiring Christine, please contact her via this link.
Learn moreCelebrating Torres Strait Island Culture
Named after a Spanish Navigator and Captain, the Torres Strait Islands boast of unique and rich culture. The Torres Strait Islands are made up of 18 inhabited islands, around 100 uninhabited islands and two mainland communities located off the northern tip of Australia. Celebrate, embrace and share this rich heritage in a fun and engaging way with our selection of vibrant, authentic Torres Strait Island design mats. Celebrating Torres Strait Island Culture Our collection of Torres Strait Island Mats are a celebration of the Torres Strait culture and also a comfortable and functional addition to any space. All our mats are authentically designed by Indigenous artists with firsthand experience and understanding of the Torres Strait Island culture. This makes our Torres Strait Island Mats designs a true depiction of this plenteous culture we love. Our Torres Strait Island Mats are incredibly functional - They are ideal for the classroom, playroom or any other space where people gather to share food, conversations or for group time. Thought Provoking Indigenous Designs Our Torres Strait Island Mats feature culturally inspired designs that strike curiosity and encourage imagination. Featuring intriguing colours and unique Indigenous designs, these mats are something to admire. These designs provoke creativity, imagination and exploration making them ideal for young children with developing minds. By exposing children to different cultures, the Torres Strait Island Mats help students to learn to appreciate, celebrate and embrace diversity. All this learning can be accomplished while they eat or play on the recycled plastic mat. Caring for Mother Earth with Torres Strait Island Culture Mats Like with all our products, the Torres Strait Island Mats are made from recycled polypropylene, keeping in line with our business ideals of integrity and sustainability. Our innovative recycled plastic is incredibly comfortable and soft for walking and sitting on, cool in the summer and warm in the colder months. Our Torres Strait Island Mats are lightweight, reversible, beautiful, culturally inspiring and can easily be hosed down if dirty. Browse our collection and grab one (or a few!) of Torres Strait Island Mats for use in the classroom, at home or in the office, as well as in picnics, boats and caravans. Fit for use in both outdoor and indoor spaces.
Learn moreWhat is Indigenous Art?
Indigenous Art is the artwork created by the Indigenous people (the traditional people) who come from the land. Indigenous Art can be found throughout the Southern Hemisphere region in Australia (Aboriginal Art), in New Zealand (Maori designs), the Pacific Islands, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, and the Torres Strait Islands. What is Indigenous Art - the types of media used Indigenous Australian Art encompasses many forms of media. It can be found as: painting on leaves wood carving rock carving or painting sand (ochre) painting body painting sculpture ceremonial clothing weaponry design - artistic pieces Indigenous Artwork includes both pre-European finds, and contemporary art also. A common theme can be found across Indigenous art, that is, connection to the four elements of wind, water, fire and air in nature, and references to the physical, spiritual, and intellectual realms. Supporting Indigenous Artwork and Artists Recycled Mats stocks a range of recycled plastic mats made from discarded plastic shopping bags and recycled PET plastic water bottles, featuring Aboriginal designs. All these Aboriginal mats showcase Indigenous Art and feature Aboriginal designs by local artists from Queensland, NSW, Victoria, and South Australia. All of the Aboriginal designs tells a story – artists are encouraged to voice the stories from their heritage and cultural connections in a way that is educational and meaningful, as well as aesthetically pleasing to the eye. Aboriginal Designs When the idea of recycled plastic mats was born, JJ's (the founder of Recycled Mats) ultimate aim was to marry the concept of sustainability with the practical support of First Australians to provide a brand-new product featuring authentic Indigenous art designs. She wanted to find a way to promote the work of Indigenous Australians, New Zealand Maori, and Pacific Islander artists in a new way on merchandise that would appeal to ALL customers, not just tourists looking for a souvenir. Artist Designed Floor Mats The Indigenous artists commissioned by Recycled Mats for projects have a variety of backgrounds and professional careers, and come from locations as diverse as cities and rural townships. Their upbringing, their connection to country and spiritual beliefs, and their ancestry informs the designs they create for our Aboriginal mats – no design is the same. We also stock a range of gorgeous Maori designs by our New Zealand artists, and yet others by artists from Bali, the Torres Strait Islands, and the Pacific Islands too. Recycled Mats has a growing dominance in the marketplace as the “go-to” place to buy recycled plastic picnic and camping mats and we love that. This means more work opportunities, which means more dollars, for more artists, from more communities. JJ and her team are so proud of that. Ethical Principles Naturally, on occasion, some of our customers want to confirm the claim that our products are ‘ethically manufactured’. Sometimes our customers want assurance that we pay our Indigenous artists award rates. Others enquire why our Aboriginal Mats are manufactured in overseas factories, instead of in Australian ones, using the skill and labour of Australian workers. As an ethical business working alongside Indigenous Artists, we walk our talk and are transparent with our customers at all times. Artists who work with Recycled Mats to design Aboriginal Mats are paid upfront, or via royalties at their request. When a particular design from the collective of Aboriginal Mats is highly popular, JJ may renegotiate to alter the Artist's original contract to ensure a fair outcome for the artist in question. Recycled Mats also offers bulk discounts on a number of recycled mats to help disperse the artist’s message to a wider audience. The company creates opportunities for a number of Indigenous community groups too. Community groups buy mats at wholesale prices and then resell these Aboriginal Mats at a profit, creating an income for themselves, their families and enabling them to contribute to their communities too. Aboriginal Designs Invoke Stories to be Told Our Aboriginal Artist-designed Recycled Plastic Mat Collection started back in 2008. We hired Indigenous Australian visual artists to create one-off designs that are eye-catching and beautiful, but also culturally sensitive. The design brief was simple - JJ and the team wanted the Aboriginal mats to tell a story, and tell a story they do. Our Indigenous artists are encouraged to market their own mat designs thorough their business or community channels also, which helps lift their profile further and provides a second source of income beyond the initial graphic design and licencing payments. This is a win-win situation for all. At all times, Recycled Mats wants their Indigenous Artists to feel that working with the team at Recycled Mats is beneficial, and a positive experience for themselves and their communities. Recycled Mats can be used as Indoor and Outdoor Rugs JJ actively networks with the current team of Indigenous Artists to find new and upcoming artists by word of mouth. Unlike times gone by, where exploitation of local Indigenous artists was common, and phony ‘Aboriginal patterns’ featured on everything from boomerangs, didgeridoos, tea towels and t-shirts, Recycled Mats are proud to pay market price for the concepts and designs their artists create. Our Indigenous artists have a guarantee that we will never reproduce their original artworks on anything but the mat, cushion, pod chair, or homeware piece they designed. Recycled Mats will never manufacture Aboriginal mats with inauthentic or bogus artwork created by someone with no connection to Indigenous communities. To prove this, we include a certificate of authenticity with every mat purchased. Creation of Mats The timeline from concept to completed design of our Aboriginal Mats can vary considerably. Each artist works together with JJ to brainstorm possibilities and options of designs that can be translated to a recycled plastic mat. The Indigenous artist is then given free-will to bring that concept to life. (At least one of our Indigenous artists conferred with her local community elders to seek feedback and approval before she finalised her idea and story, and finally committed it to paper.) Samples of the Aboriginal Mats are then made in China, and bugs are ironed out. Then, Recycled Mats commits to a full run, releasing the new Aboriginal Mat designs to the public. JJ and her team at Recycled Mats have a goal to make Indigenous Art accessible in an authentic way to the men, women, and children of Australia and the world. Aboriginal Artist Bios The artists for the Aboriginal mats currently include De Greer Yindimincarlie, Wiradjuri Country Dean Jakamara Briscoe, Central Desert Christine Slabb, Bundjalung Country Anna Connell, Yuin Country Caitlin Trindal, Kamilaroi Country Dale Austin , Bininj Nation & Ngurrungurrdjda Country Tic-Tac Moore, Tiwi Island You can read all of our artist’s bios and learn more about their designs for our mats here Recycled Mats have other gorgeous products too! This range of Educational Floor Mats are the perfect addition to childcare centres, family day cares, play rooms and homes.
Learn moreThe Ultimate Christmas Gift Guide
Buying the perfect gift for family and friends is a challenge that gets harder every year. So we have compiled the Ultimate Christmas Gift Guide to find that perfect gift for everyone! These gifts won’t cost the earth, and we mean that in more ways than one. Our gift suggestions are truly sustainable, made from recycled plastic, recycled fabric, and recycled jute and cotton. Not just eco-friendly, our gift suggestions are also stylish, fashionable, and will appeal to everyone, young and old. Browse our Recycled Mats Christmas Gift Guide below to find the ideal gift for your loved ones. Gifts for Beach Lovers Let's start with Summer. It's coming, and we know Summertime sunsets are divine. Enjoying a cold drink in hand as you relax on this Palm Tree tropical-inspired beach throw for golden hour is the best way we know to end the working day. A cool breeze, the scent of the ocean, and the sand underfoot gets rid of all the stress and worry. There's truly nothing better. Our beautiful Indian handcrafted, block-printed 100% cotton throws also come in other designs such as stylish Pineapple & bright and breezy Lemon so there's a design for everyone. Keep one of these cotton rugs in the boot of your car and you'll be ready to take advantage of the very best sunsets all season long. Home Décor Gifts for Stylish Lovers of Interior Design Cushions & Beanbags Whether your friend loves the minimalist look, or prefers big, bold statement colour, there's a range of indoor rugs and cushion covers to suit everyone's taste. We particularly love our unique, bespoke cushions designed by some of our favourite Indigenous Artists. Take a look at: 'Rich Lands' by Anna Connell 'Waterhole Dreaming' by Dean Jakamara Briscoe also available in 'giant' sizing as a floor cushion or beanbag 'Seaside' in Multicolours by Anna Connell 'Sunshine' in Multicolours by Anna Connell (Pictured above) is also available in 'giant' sizing to be used as a floor cushion or beanbag 'Family' by Anna Connell also available in 'giant' sizing as a floor cushion or beanbag 'Water Dreaming' in Blue and White by Dean Jakamara Briscoe Heads up. Some of these cushions have recycled plastic mats to match! Take a look. Why not view our full range of cushions and giant cushions/beanbags while you're here too! Indoor Rugs Indoor Rugs are another Christmas gift option for home stylists, and interior design lovers. We have a huge selection of indoor rugs in all shapes and sizes. Round rugs, rectangle rugs, Indian rugs, and Handmade Chindi rugs too. Click here to take a look at the whole collection. For Foodie Friends & Family Do your friends love nothing more than a country drive? Do they regularly plan a lazy Sunday, to enjoy a good bottle of wine in the open air? Then one of our Folding Picnic Tables is the perfect gift. A selection of our folding tables are handmade on the Gold Coast from timber manufactured from sustainably grown Australian and New Zealand plantation pine. Picnic tables can hold from two to six wine glasses, and a bottle of wine or an ice bucket, depending on the style you choose. All they need to do is select their favourite vino, and add a delicious antipasto platter of cheese, olives, salami, and dates to share. Perfect for intimate gatherings for two, as well as fond catch ups with a best group of friends, our low-level picnic tables have folding legs so they are easy to carry and store. Choose your favourite, or perhaps something else to compliment it, from our complete range of essential picnic items here. For Entertainers who Adore a Gathering When you are friends with someone who adores nothing more than scores of people gathering around the dining table, regaling each other with stories of life, love and travel, these placemats made from recycled car tyres, could be the ideal gift. Placemats come in multiple styles styles, all designed by Indigenous artists. Check out our stunning designs here. For Green Thumbs Gardeners adore our half-circle Recycled Plastic Mats. They can be used as a kneeling pad under knees when it's time to get down low, and can help keep tools together in one place. Straight on one side, and curved on the other, these reversible mats can be positioned to bump up next to a garden bed, or fit in a tight zone. Our semi-circle mat designs include the Maori-designed MAURI ooRAA in black and white, by Artist Tu Duley. Take a look at our half-circle mats here For the Happy Camper It is true that sand and dirt do not for a happy camper make. Solve all their problems with one of our super cheerful, lightweight and useful recycled plastic camping mats. We have so many sizes, so you can truly customise your gift of a recycled mat to match their needs! All our 4m, 5m & 6m rectangular recycled mats feature corner eyelets for tie down purposes, and they come with their own plastic carry bag. Check out our blog on how to choose the right size for a caravan set up. Or for those into camping, take a look at this one for sizing up your camp setting! Camping mats are super easy to clean - use your broom to brush sand through the weave or off to the side, or hose it down. It's portable enough to take with you on picnics and day trips too. For writers & bookworms Writers and Creatives spend hours at their desks, working on their next manuscript or award-winning screenplay. Help them to spruce up their workspace with one of our Recycled Rubber computer mousepads. This non-slip surface is super soft and padded, and the gorgeous Aboriginal Art designs add flair. Mousepads are available in many different designs. Quiet homebodies who prefer a hot cup of tea and a book over noisy Christmas parties will love our range of cosy cushions behind their head and enjoy a restorative nap to see them through the festive season too. For Fishing Enthusiasts and Adventure Seekers Contemporary Plastic Mats Our best selling recycled plastic picnic mats are the number one pick for fisherman and boating families. There’s a tonne of inspired designs to choose from, so just picking one will be the hardest part! Everyone will adore the range of contemporary mats - they come in a rainbow of colour choice combos. These designs include Arrows, Stripes, Diamonds, Moroccan, Chevron, Animals and so much more! Take a look at the full range of modern recycled plastic mats we stock. Aboriginal Mats Our Australian Aboriginal Mats are also very popular with adventurers wanting to celebrate the culture and storytelling of Indigenous Australians. Aboriginal Recycled Mats are designed by a team of local and interstate Aboriginal Artists including Christine Slabb, De Greer Yindimincarlie, Anna Connell, and Angela Marr-Grogan. These designs reflect the conversations, the collaborations and the culture of local communities. Gifts for Families & Children You can't go wrong with a colourful rainbow Chindi rug. Every family household should have at least one! Their colourful rainbow design embody what it's like to be in the presence of busy joyous little people. Chindi rugs are handmade in India by our team of local craftspeople. These men and women recycle fabric offcuts from the manufacturing industry into the most gorgeous rugs you've ever seen. The multicoloured Chindi rugs come in a variety of shapes and sizes, including round rugs, rectangle rugs, and carpet runners. They look amazing in children's rooms, in family rooms, on an undercover deck or patio, and in office nooks. Use them to designate a play area, or bring a sense of comfort to a book nook or home library. Take a look at the different styles here: Chindi Round Rugs Chindi Rectangle Rugs The Ultimate Recycled Mats Christmas Gift Guide Find gifts for your favourite friends and family members with our Recycled Mats Christmas Gift Guide. There's definitely something for everyone, at all price points too. Merry Christmas to you and yours, from the Recycled Mats Team.
Learn moreHelp the planet - Support Recycled Products
Quality Affordable Recycled Products Recycled Mats is your one stop shop for high quality, affordable and elegant recycled products. Made from recycled materials, by indigenous artists and communities, our recycled products are a reflection of culture, heritage and sustainability. These ideals ring true through all our operations where we fully submit ourselves to the values of sustainability and integrity. We not only offer quality recycled products with a great story but also care for mother earth in the process. Our recycled products come in a wide ranging variety of simple and classic designs as well as bold and distinctive designs to suit traditional and modern décor preferences. Sustainable Homewares that Help the Planet It is our pride and joy to inspire your home and garden with elegant, eco-friendly and culturally inspired décor that tells a story. We work directly with the artists and communities best represented by the products. From Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander to Maori culture, our recycled products enable you, your family or students to embrace and celebrate their culture as well as learn about the diversity all around us. By working directly with artists and communities, we not only ensure that you are getting high quality, authentic pieces but also that the artists and communities are respected, valued and competitively remunerated for their work. In the 9 years since our inception, we have cleaned up 160 ton recyclable materials from landfill as raw material for our products rather than adding to it. It is now 2023 (we are almost 14 years old!) and, with your help, this figure has increased to over 380 tonnes! Our recycled products are sure to brighten up any room or garden. They are highly durable (for indoor and outdoor use), uniquely comfortable and exquisitely elegant. Rich with patterns, wide array of colours and hues, we have the perfect item to rejuvenate your space. From rugs and mats, to a wide ranging collection of homewares, we’ve got that last missing piece to make your space ‘whole’. Browse through our collection and start transforming your home, office or educational centre from the ground up.
Learn moreRecycled Mats and Rugs in Learning Environments; Benefits and Where to Place them.
Durability and Hygiene are two key elements of any space intended for use by students. From childcare centres, to major universities and educational institutions, they all have one common fundamental obligation to their students. To provide a collaborative and conducive environment that makes learning and day to day activities easier, safer and more flexible. For this reason, these institutions demand visually appealing, hard wearing, low maintenance, safe and sustainable solutions. In come Recycled Mats and Rugs. Sustainable Flooring Solutions for Schools and Learning Institutions For schools and learning institutions, flooring solutions are more than just aesthetics. But don’t get us wrong, having beautiful spaces in is also important. The flooring solution of choice ought to make a room more engaging for learning, comfortable and durable for playtime/group time and foot traffic, the library quieter for reading or story telling whilst promoting sustainability and culturally inclusive designs. At Recycled Mats, our team of experienced designers take all these factors into consideration when designing our products. From choosing the materials, designs, patterns, colours and textures, they look at the bigger picture – functionality and ideology. As a business, we are aware that we are part of a larger community. This is the reason we base all our operations in the principles of integrity and sustainability, and aspire to pass on these values to young minds through our products. We are mindful of our impact on the environment and on the communities in which our products are made. Our products are based on forward thinking designs and made from 100% recycled materials leading to improved productivity and performance, greater durability and sustainability, as well as learning spaces that are beautiful, comfortable and safer for all students. Aids the learning process Learning and play areas, particularly for younger children, need to be infused with creative educational motifs. Our collection of rugs and carpets feature a wide array of patterns, and shapes that act as teaching aid and also provoke the minds of the young children to be more creative. With a wide range of themes including invigorating colours, shapes and Indigenous symbols these rugs make the perfect addition for your educational facility. Warmth and Comfort Our mats and rugs come in a wide range of textures and thickness. With their soft textures, recycled mats and rugs offer a comfortable place for teachers and teachers to expand their learning and daily activities on the floor whilst providing warmth. Behavioural studies have shown that students are much happier and livelier when they play or learn on comfortable rugs and mats. Improved Safety Slip and fall accidents are a nightmare for any educational institution. Research has shown that mats and rugs not only lessen the chance of slips and falls but also cushion the impact of such accident and lessen the chance of injury. Noise Reduction Students, especially young children require conducive environments to promote their hearing and comprehension. Background noise from inside and outside of a room is an unwelcome distraction. Mats and rugs offer noise reduction thus helping the students retain their attention for longer periods of time. Overall, noise reduction improves learning and productivity of the learners and teachers as well. Easy to maintain Educational facilities can be messy. This can make it incredibly hard for the personnel to keep the place clean and up to standard – but not with our recycled plastic mats. The mats are not only reversible but also easy to clean - just hose them down and you are good to go. They are also UV treated to delay fading so they can serve you for longer. Where Should You Place Rugs and Mats in an Educational Facility? Having quality mats and rugs placed in the right spots can make all the difference. You can easily control the mess, minimise chances of accidents, and add to the aesthetics of the space while also promoting a friendly learning environment. Here are the common rug and mat placement: Entrances and exits Every entrance and exit makes a statement of its own – so why not make a positive statement by having a culturally inspired mat or rug that is made 100% from recycled materials. It is a great way to introduce the students and guests to your principles and beliefs. You can take pride in celebrating diversity, embracing sustainability and promoting responsibility. A good mat or rug at the entrance also helps keeps dirt and debris from being brought into the facility. The main entrance in particular should have a hard wearing, distinguished outdoor mat that ushers people in to a friendly and cooperative learning environment. You can also double up with an indoor mat to eliminate any remaining dirt, water and debris. Check out our range of recycled rubber doormats & our complete range of recycled plastic mats ....you'll agree there are so many amazing designs to choose from! Classrooms and Playrooms Students and teachers spend most of the day seated and standing respectively but wouldn’t it be fun to break the monotony and use the floor once in a while? Recycled mats and rugs are the perfect solution. They are a cost effective solution to add flexibility and fun into the learning environment. It improves the working conditions of teachers and improve the general morale – when everyone is happy, performance and productivity will definitely show. In the playroom, a quality mat or rug adds comfort, bursts of energy infusing colours and of course reduces the chances of slip and fall accidents. Kitchen and Cafeteria Having the right mat in the kitchen can greatly cut down on slip and fall accidents. It also keeps the students comfortable and help to ensure that regulations are adhered to. The area in front of a sink in particular should have a mat. Water is bound to spill on the floor and having a quality mat there will prevent students and employees from slipping. The same applies to the buffet area. Point to note Educational facilities should incorporate various coloured recycled mats and rugs in their spaces to break monotony and visually invigorate learners. However, it is important to consider the age of your learners as well as the activity and subject before selecting the colour or design. In a learning environment, colour can enhance learning, it can also influence morale and behaviour of the learners. You can view our full range of products by browsing our website. Be sure to check out our whole range of recycled plastic mats, ones targeted more at educational facilities, colourful indoor rugs, recycled rubber doormats, giant cushion/beanbag covers plus so much more!
Learn moreWhat is an Outdoor Rug?
Sustainable Recycled Plastic Outdoor Rugs What is an Outdoor Rug, you ask? An Outdoor Rug is a portable floor covering you can use on picnics, for group gatherings at sports events, and at the beach. It's light and durable enough to carry it on bushwalks and to playgroup, yet strong and durable. An outdoor rug made from Recycled Plastic is a comfy and soft alternative to a cotton or jute rug you would normally borrow from indoors. We've modernised traditional Siapo mats from Samoa and they are simply the best. Take a look at the range of Outdoor Mats featuring Contemporary Designs. Take a look at the range here of Outdoor Rugs featuring Aboriginal Designs. Check out our range of Picnic Mats & Beach Mats All Weather Outdoor Rug Range Our outdoor rug range of mats are purpose-made to be used in all weather. Unlike a rug made from cotton or jute, an outdoor rug made from recycled polypropylene plastic won't go mouldy, or rot, or become as heavy as an elephant if it gets wet. The dye won't run, and your clothes won't get stained. Shake the droplets away, rub it down with a dry cloth, and your outdoor rug is as good as new. You don't have to worry and fret about your rug being left outside during an unexpected downpour - a recycled plastic rug quickly dries off with no after-effects. Outdoor Rugs inspired by traditional Siapo Mats Did you know the creation of our outdoor rug range was inspired by traditional Siapo mats? Originally found throughout the South Pacific, Siapo mats are made from a tissue-like cloth from the bark of the mulberry tree. At Recycled Mats, we wanted to take the idea of a "traditional authentic woven mat" and bring it into the contemporary world by fusing two new concepts with the original. 1. Making outdoor rugs from a repurposed and upcycled plastic material. 2. Inviting local Indigenous artists to join the design process, and share their unique cultural stories through the use of intricate motifs and forms. These key concepts ensure the mats in our outdoor rug range contribute to the wellbeing of our planet, creating a cleaner, safer environment for us all. The Aboriginal Design outdoor rugs also help us to break down the cultural barriers we may face in Australia, helping us become better at understanding each other's culture, community values, and heritage. Siapo-inspired Floor Mat Design Recycled plastic outdoor mats mirror the original grid of squares design found in Siapo mats, a common feature of mats handmade in the South Pacific and Australasian regions. The process of weaving recycled plastic floor rugs ensures mats are reversible, giving you two different colour combinations on each outdoor rug. (Flip the rug to see both combinations.) Floor coverings you can use both inside and out. Our outdoor rugs are also spill and stain-resistant, can stand a higher level of wear and tear, are child-friendly, and do not begin to rot like cotton, jute or bark after being wet. These modern-day recycled plastic floor mats boast a much longer shelf life than original Siapo mats, plus way more versatility. They are super easy clean too. Simply shake the floor mat before you put it away, or for tougher stains, wash it down with a gentle hose and a soft broom. There’s no need for harsh chemicals or store-bought cleaning products. Another win for the environment! Check out our blog on how to care for your Recycled Mat ....it simply couldn't be easier! Our recycled plastic indoor-outdoor rugs are unique floor coverings with so many uses. Here's a list of more ways to use outdoor carpet rugs: use as floor mats under shade structures at fetes and festivals. Our 3 x 3m size is perfect for gazebos. place in front of tents and caravans at campgrounds seating for picnic lunches at rivers and beaches use as seating for workshops perfect for groups in childcare and preschool settings place on outdoor decks and patios sit them under breakfast stools at a breakfast bar Stylish Indoor Outdoor Rugs. These floor coverings are increasingly being seen inside the home too, as stylish floor coverings in children's bedrooms, on decks, and in dining rooms. These floor mats are perfect seasonal home decorations, and hide ugly stains on carpet too. If you love colour, creativity, and to make a statement, then our recycled plastic outdoor rugs are the perfect accompaniment to your lifestyle. You'll no longer be asking 'What is a Outdoor Rug?" Instead, you'll be showing your friends! Purchase one for your own home and family today, by visiting Recycled Mats.
Learn moreFashionable & Eco-friendly Picnic Mats
With one the most diverse and captivating landscapes in the world, Australia has to be one of the best places to enjoy a picnic…with a view! And here at Recycled Mats, we love nothing more than grabbing a basket of nibbles and drinks, our trusty picnic mat and heading out to enjoy the great outdoors with our favourite people. It’s such a fuss-free, economical and heart-warming way to enjoy both good friends and our beautiful environment. Bush, beach, riverside, or on top of a craggy mountain, you can’t go wrong if you’ve got yourself the right picnic mat. It not only provides a barrier against damp ground and sharp stones underneath, but a good picnic blanket will provide a dry, comfortable seating and eating area for you and your group to make the most of your surroundings...in style! Waterproof Picnic Blankets Unlike most picnic blankets on the market, our recycled plastic picnic mats are fully waterproof, not only protecting you from the wet, soggy ground but also making the inevitable picnic spills and splashes a cinch to clean up without the risk of staining. It also means that our picnic rugs won’t harbour bacteria nor develop that damp mildewy smell that many other outdoor blankets can. To clean simply shake, wipe or sweep off, and if a deeper clean is required just wash down with the hose and brush with a soft broom, leaving it on the line or lying flat to dry. (pictured: Connecting to Culture 3m) Reversible Picnic Blankets Recycled Mats offers a large range of picnic mats, from small one-person runners to supersized mats up to 7m in length! Most popular for picnic outings are our square and round mats, all of which are reversible, meaning you get two different looks for the price of one. Just flip the mat to show the other dominant colour on the upside…it couldn’t be easier! Our plastic picnic rugs also come in their own recycled plastic carry bag making them easy to transport and store. Whilst sturdy, they’re lightweight too so even the kids can make themselves useful by throwing the picnic mat over their shoulder and carrying it to and from your site. And if you’d like the option to peg your mat in place, we can add eyelets in-house….please look for that option on the website. (pictured: Palm Springs 2.4 x 4m) Picnic Blanket Designs to Drool Over! With a large range of both contemporary and Aboriginal designs, there’s a picnic mat in our collection for every one and every occasion. If your picnic is a “girls gathering” why not opt for something floral or in feminine tones? Some of our picnic mats are perfect for setting the tone for a hens’ lunch, baby shower, birthday party or just all out glam picnic! (pictured: Tutti Frutti 3 x 3m) We also have options for kids with picnic mats that feature either animal designs or have some sort of educational inspiration, whether that be numbers and shapes or multi-cultural motifs. Our stunning range of cultural mats have been created by a select team of Indigenous artists, whose designs tell stories of their culture, the Australian landscape and everyday life. What better way to spark cross-cultural understanding and empathy than by imbuing a relaxation and play space with cultural emblems and mythology. (pictured: Gumleaves and Waterholes 3 x 3m) Picnic Blankets that Benefit the Planet Here at Recycled Mats, we’re big on doing what we can to reduce the impact on our precious environment. Almost all of our products are eco-friendly in their composition and/or manufacture and the picnic mats are no exception. Made from repurposed plastics – most of which started out as food containers, medicine bottles and shopping bags – we’re proud to have been responsible for saving thousands of tonnes of plastic waste from going into landfills. This is plastic that would not only have taken many lifetimes to decompose but likely to have ended up in our oceans where it wreaks havoc on marine life. So, you can feel good about enjoying your Recycled Mats picnic blanket in the great outdoors, knowing that you’ve also done your bit to help out Mother Earth. (Pictured: Ningaloo 1.8 x 2.7m) The Perfect Picnic Blanket Set Aside from a fabulous range of picnic mats, we also offer lots of lovely accessories to help you create the ideal picnic setting. Take your picnic up a notch – literally! – with one of our portable, super handy picnic tables. These are ideal for not only safely holding stemmed glasses and bottles but are perfect for serving tasty treats and nibbles. And they’re not just limited to picnic time, they also make great lap tables for those special breakfast-in-bed moments! To keep drinks and snacks chilled, we also have an eye-catching range of bottle coolers and cooler bags plus non-toxic Shooaways and mozzie coil holders to deter those uninvited drop-ins. You might also want to complement your picnic mat with a sand free beach mat or towel, which are perfect to double as wraps if a cool breeze kicks in. And likewise, to keep everyone shaded on those hot summer days, why not add in a funky retro beach umbrella? So next time you’re planning an adventure outside and are in the need of the ultimate picnic blanket, visit us here at Recycled Mats….your one-stop shop for all things outdoors and eco-friendly!
Learn moreLooking for Indoor Outdoor Rugs?
Indoor Outdoor Rugs solve so many home styling dilemmas Recycled Mats has a giant selection of all kinds of indoor outdoor rugs including recycled plastic mats, picnic mats, floor mats, caravan mats, childrens play mats, classroom rugs, designer rugs, Indian rugs, and more. Ethical, Sustainable, Honorable - Three Important Values for Indoor Outdoor Rugs Our goal is to be ethical, sustainable and honorable. We put these values into action by: Paying our Indigenous Artists fairly (Our commitment to the Indigenous Art Code ensures we must meet all requirements in this area.) Manufacturing our recycled mats in family-owned factories in China that we have personally visited on a number of occasions. JJ and members of her team have met the owners, and we've built personal relationships with many of the employees. We have been witness to the direct benefits that working for Recycled Mats is giving to these families and communities too. Committing to sustainable practices – our recycled mat production has redirected over one million plastic bags (and other stuff) from landfill in the past year alone! Manufacturing their recycled fabric textile rugs in family-owned and run factories in India. The relationships we have established with the women and men who plait and weave the rugs from recycled textiles and manufacturing offcuts are ongoing – JJ and her husband Nu can't wait to introduce their son O. to the craftsmen and women on the ground in the near future too. Indoor outdoor rugs and mats come in a variety of materials and fabrics. Here’s a list of what you might find in stock. Jute floor mats Hand-sewn and woven Chindi Rugs in small, medium and large sizes Hallway runners Hand-tufted woollen rugs A massive variety of rectangle and circular rugs made in India Recycled Plastic mats made from discarded plastics Gorgeous woven rugs in all shapes and sizes Rugs and mats for baby nurseries, kids rooms, and bedrooms The rainbow coloured Chindi indoor outdoor rugs are our favourites. These Chindi’s are hand-woven by family members who tear old fabrics and recycle them back into rugs by plaiting and sewing the fabric together. These rugs are charming rainbows of colour that appeal to young and old. The best thing about these rugs is that they provide flexible work options to mothers, fathers, aunties and uncles, and grandparents of the town. But don't take our word for it. There's over 40 new indoor outdoor rugs to choose from. Take a look at the full list of indoor outdoor rugs by looking at our Indoor Rugs today. If you are in the market for a new indoor rug, you'll be glad you did.
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