News & Stories
Stylish & Sustainable Designer Rugs
Style your home with one of our unique designer outdoor rugs. At Recycled Mats, we've teamed up with innovative Aboriginal Australian designers to create a range of designer rugs with a difference. Designer Rugs by Local Indigenous Artists These designer rugs are a floor covering made of a thick woven material, but instead of the usual synthetic fibers such as nylon or polyester, our designer rugs and mats are made from recycled polypropylene plastic transformed from old plastic shopping bags, medicine containers and PET drink bottles. Our designer mats are created by local Indigenous artists for a generous commission (and the possibility of royalties if they so choose), and their manufacture has contributed to saving over one million plastic bags in the past year too! Don’t pay thousands for a designer rug without first taking a look at our range of mats featuring Aboriginal designs, Maori Designs and South Pacific designs featuring artwork by local artists. Our plastic rugs have been created with the warmer Australian and New Zealand climates in mind. Choosing the Perfect Designer Rug The first thing you need to do when choosing your designer rug is to measure your space with a tape measure. With measurements in hand, we can help you decide if your space will best suit a round, rectangular, or square rug and what styles suit your dimensions. You also need to consider what purpose this mat will serve. Possibly a Picnic Mat or a Beach Mat ? Is it for: your bedroom a living area or lounge a play space or on the deck? More Questions to help you choose the Perfect Designer Rug Will children have access to it? Will it be in a high traffic area, or a sacred space like a library? Are you in need of a pop of colour, or a neutral rug to tone things down? What will the visual impact of a designer rug do to my space? It’s important to make sure your chosen designer rug does not overwhelm your home. But get it right, and your home will benefit – by looking more spacious and roomy, and showcasing your style and flair to your visitors. Once you’ve thought about all that, it’s time to choose your designer rug or mat. Visit our website to see the entire collection of our Recycled Plastic mats. Our most popular designer mats Tracks in Red and White, by Aboriginal Artist, De Greer Yindimincarlie is a vibrant rug that tells the story of traditional community life. Garrima by Aboriginal Artist Christine Slabb. This gorgeous artist-designed mat comes in teal and white, or teal and navy, and was designed as part of a collaboration with the 2018 Commonwealth Games team for use in their Jarjum Children's area, and Elders Zone. Learn more about our Designers Our designers are our best assets, and we love to promote their work, both on our outdoor mats and their other endeavours too. We invite you to read more about the Artists behind our Designer Rugs and recycled mats to get to know them, their stories, their culture and their community.
Learn moreAnnouncing the 2018 Commonwealth Games x Recycled Mats Collaboration
Exciting News for JJ and Recycled Mats! The Team at Recycled Mats are so proud of JJ, who has been invited to create, supply and install a range of recycled mats and rugs, along with custom designed PODS and picnic tables for the Commonwealth Games Gold Coast 2018. 2018 Commonwealth Games Gold Coast Collaboration Commonwealth Games 2018 Venue Decor These recycled mats, and cocoon pods will decorate the Games chill out zones, elders areas and child activity areas. We can see that people aren't going to want to leave these cosy zones, especially with our favourite pods in place. These cloud-soft pod cocoon chairs are the best chair we've ever met. Venues will include the Gold Coast City Aquatic Centre, Broadwater Parklands, and the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre. Athletes will be housed at the Athletes Village at Parklands, while most visitors to the coast have booked up all the accommodation in Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach. The new extension of the Gold Coast Light Rail will open from Helensvale, and continue along the current track to Broadbeach, lightening the load on Gold Coast roads during the Commonwealth Games Gold Coast edition. What a thrill it will be for all of us at Recycled Mats to see our artists featured in such a way. We are thrilled that Aboriginal Indigenous Culture and artwork will have a chance to be on display so publicly . As you can imagine, JJ is so honoured to have been asked, and we are now busy preparing for this massive endeavour. JJ, on behalf of Recycled Mats, will stand proudly as a part of the 2018 Commonwealth Games Inner Circle for the Opening & Closing ceremonies. Have you met the Commonwealth Games mascot 2018 yet? Introducing Borobi! The Commonwealth Games Mascot 2018 is a Koala named Borobi, and the markings on his paws are also of Aboriginal design. We love that the team behind the Commonwealth Games Gold Coast are so supportive of Indigenous culture and are striving to be inclusive in many ways. Commonwealth Games History The Commonwealth Games history is extensive, with the first Commonwealth Games held in Hamilton, Canada in 1930, with other 400 athletes from 11 countries competing in six sports and 59 events. The Commonwealth Games have been held every four years since except during World War II, and has had four name changes! Only the countries from the Commonwealth of Nations compete, which is why there is no team from the USA. It will be the fifth time Australia has hosted the event. There are 70 nations that will be competing. Commonwealth Games Sports at the Gold Coast 2018 Event Sports at the Commonwealth Games 2018 include: diving swimming athletics gymnastics lawn bowls cycling boxing beach volleyball basketball badminton squash table tennis weightlifting netball the Rugby 7's wrestling, and hockey. It's going to be SUCH fun! Have you booked tickets yet? Commonwealth Games 2018 See you there, and remember to look out for our specially designed products!
Learn moreCreating Opportunities for Authentic Indigenous Artwork
For close to a decade, we have collaborated with talented Indigenous artists around the world to make elegant, practical additions to living rooms, kitchens, bedrooms, playrooms or anywhere you desire to add comfort, colour and long-lasting culturally inspired style. Our collection is heavily inspired by our rich Australian culture and heritage ranging from Aboriginal Australian and Torres Strait Islander to Maori culture and Pacific Islands cultures. Each piece of Indigenous artwork is uniquely designed in Australia by Indigenous artists who have years of experience in Indigenous art. Browse through our top artists to see some of their work. We work directly with highly experienced and talented Indigenous artists who have been designing culturally inspired products for generations. Our Indigenous artists are based in Australia where all design is done before the final product is hand-made by experienced crafters in India, China and Australia. Our team conduct regular visits to the houses of production to ensure that the products are made ethically and with integrity. This close knit relationship between us, the artists and the craftsmen and women allows us to guarantee top quality work and that all our operations remain grounded in our guiding principles – sustainability and integrity. Artist Collaborations are Our Key to Success Artist collaborations are important to us and what we believe in. These partnerships help us to best represent and portray rich Indigenous art through creative pieces that transform spaces. They also allow us to fully support and further the ideals of integrity and sustainability through our operations. In the past decade, we have had the pleasure and privilege of working with top artists in Australia creating collections of Indigenous artworks on our products that embrace, celebrate and teach cultural diversity. We are proud to support and promote Australian artists, designers and the Indigenous artwork. Our artists and crafters are highly respected, valued and competitively remunerated. They are the engine that keeps us going. To view our entire range of cultural recycled mats, please click here.
Learn moreTop Valentine’s Day Picnic Spots for Unforgettable Memories!
Stuck for places to picnic? Here are our ideas for the best picnic spots for Valentine’s Day merrymaking.
Learn moreRecycled Plastic Mats are the Perfect Classroom Rugs for Childcare!
Recycled plastic mats make great classroom rugs in early childhood preschools and kindergartens. These cool and lightweight mats breathe, making them the perfect addition to Australian and warm climate classrooms. These mats provide you with another choice when it comes to floor coverings for indoors, different to thick woollen classroom rugs that are standard in many Early Childhood centres. Start your year right with the children with a refreshed room full of new and bright mats you can utilise for activities, invitations to play, home corner set ups, games, songs and circles. Check out our educational range of outdoor mats here. These classroom rugs (or recycled mats as we like to call them) are not only good for sitting on.... In fact, there’s a whole bunch of ways you can use them. Games and Transitions: The plastic rugs and mats can be used as a ‘game board’ of sorts. The patterns provide plenty of scope for imaginative games and transition opportunities. The circular mats in particular are great for ‘Musical Chairs’, ‘Statues’, and ‘Duck, Duck, Goose but we know there's many more game ideas out there too. Sharing of Culture: The Indigenous Aboriginal plastic woven mats pictured have been thoughtfully designed by Indigenous Artists through a collaboration with JJ Stranan, owner of Recycled Mats. The Aboriginal mats are designed to tell a story of culture and diversity, and can be used as an introduction to the customs, traditions and heritage of Australia’s First People. These contemporary designs are not only beautiful, they help break down prejudice too. Discussion Circles: Each Aboriginal Mat features a series of motifs or a theme that is pertinent to a particular nation group or tribe. It is our experience that these motifs spark intelligent conversations and discussions between the children who want to know the meaning behind the painting. Circle Time: We know lots of teachers purchase and love these mats for circle time. These generously-sized classroom rugs can fit a whole class of little ones around the edge of a circle, helping teachers to maintain a sense of order and calm as they share and sing with young children. Space Savers: Classroom rugs help with layout of the classroom space. Whether you need a circle, a square, a rectangle, or a smaller mat, there's one to suit your needs. Classroom rugs and mats do a great job of keeping children off a cold or uncomfortable floor, they look spectacular, AND are easy to clean with a shake outside or a sweep of a broom. We’ve seen them in home corner set ups, storytelling spaces, in block building areas, on decks and verandahs, and even outside in the garden and in open spaces set up as “invitations to play” mats. Babies room floor rugs: Recycled mats are super hygienic for the babies room too. They are quick to wipe down helping you to deal with spills and baby dribble easily, and they love nothing better than a quick shake outside at the end of a day. Recycled plastic mats are soft on babies bodies at tummy time, and have visual appeal for those little ones who are just beginning to explore the world around them. Outdoor Picnics and Campfire Gatherings: Mats can seat 20 kids with no problem and are a clever and striking way to gather children for workshops, outdoor games, campfire yarning, fun and eco-friendly activities. Reasonably priced rugs All classroom rugs and recycled plastic mats are reasonably priced, and if cared for, will last for years. At Recycled Mats we strive to ensure that mats remain affordable for all childcare centres, schools, preschools, and early childhood spaces including family day care. Take a look at our website to find the classroom rug you like best. If a plastic mat is not your thing, you might like to know that Recycled Mats also stock Indian rugs, braided rugs, natural rugs, and rug runners made from recycled material too. We love the Chindi's! Take a peek. We bet you'll fall in love with these rainbow coloured explosions of joy too. Are you looking for fun teaching resources on the art of recycling or the circular economy? If you're a teacher, homeschooler or early childhood educator, and are looking for fun ways to teach your child/ren more about about the circular economy, we have put together some super-fun & engaging ideas on how-to! Check out our fun blog post here.
Learn moreGuess Who Loves Our Recycled Mats?
At Recycled Mats, we are proud of our products. Every one of our recycled rugs is stunning to look at and beautifully soft to sit, walk or lie on. We sell a stylish range of practical, educational mats and accessories that look good, but also do good thanks to our commitment to fairtrade work practices, ethical manufacturing and the use of recycled materials. But don't just take our word for it. Some of Australia's most respected and high profile businesses, community groups and personaliities agree! Guess who else loves our recycled mats? We are proud to have sold our range of mats to these organisations: World Vision The Australian Museum The Australian Royal Flying Doctors Service The Arts Centre Gold Coast (Now HOTA) Taronga Zoo Child Australia Movie World, Gold Coast Darebin City Council University of Melbourne Queensland Performing Arts Centre Ability Links, an arm of St Vincent de Paul Save The Children Brisbane City Council Warrnambool City Council Communities for Children Department of Education and Training, Australia SevGen Indigenous Corporation Cumberland Council City of Armadale, WA Carnarvon Youth Outreach Services Brisbane Valley Rail Trail Community Victorian Aboriginal Education Association Inc Panamuna Project The Malpa Project Gowrie Australia Allure Stradbroke Resort The Karijini Experience The Hideaway Hotel Our mats have also been featured in the following: Channel 9 & 7 News with PM Malcom Turnbull Woman's Day with Pete Evans on the occasion of his marriage to Nicola Robinson ABC News article: 'Education is power' Gold Coast Bulletin article: 'Circle of life comes in a recycled rug' We are just as proud to know that schools, early learning centres, libraries, hotels and homes across Australia and beyond are celebrating culture and colour using recycled mats. Our floor mats, camping mats, classroom mats and beach rugs bring family, friends and classmates together for storytelling, meals or relaxation. Recycled Mats is not just our business, it's our privilege to share these products with you. Guess who loves our recycled mats? We do! But we're definitely not alone!
Learn moreFun for Kids with Finlee and Me!
Angela Henderson, a well-known family and fun blogger from Brisbane Australia, loves to create awesome memories with her kids. One of the things they love to do as a family is to set up adventurous games and activities, both indoors and out. Nature Play We love being inspired by all the fun kids activities she does, including kids crafts, cooking with kids, making outdoor teepees and cubbies, indoor pillow forts, science experiments, birthday party ideas, and games to keep kids busy and learning. Magic happens when you're inspired, and realise you can do those things with your kids too. How beautiful and enticing does this picnic look? And that teepee! Don't you just want to join in? (The Recycled Mat shown in the above photo is our round 'Ancestral Connectedness' Mandala recycled plastic mat. Click here for our current range of circular designs). Fun For Kids - Indoors and Out If you want to take a closer look at what Angela and her kids get up to, check out her post here. While you're there, take the time to scoot around Angela's blog to find tonnes more information, ideas, and fun for kids on her website. Angela is also a trained business coach, and motivational expert with experience on the speaking circuit. We highly recommend getting in touch with Angela if you need a push in business.
Learn moreNature Play and Forest Schooling
Nature Play and Forest Schooling with Recycled Mats The key to nature play curriculum planning is thinking of the natural world as your classroom, and finding ways to enrich children’s natural play with new imaginative experiences and activities. It’s about embedding these experiences into your daily program so well that being outside in nature is the learning opportunity. Creating Comfortable Outdoor Classrooms Creating outdoor classrooms requires planning and forethought. It’s about making sure children are as comfortable outside as they are in. For many modern children (and adults), it can be an adjustment in both mind and body to spend more hours outside than in. Children (and their educators) can also find that the mindset is the hardest thing to change because traditionally, indoors has been where you 'learn' and outdoors is where you 'play'. To create a learning environment where the learning that happens outdoors (both spontaneously and through teacher-led intentional teaching plans) is equally valid as the learning that happens indoors is a BIG shift for many people, young and old. We believe that creating a comfortable learning environment outdoors is the first step. Recycled Mats can help. Our recycled plastic picnic and activity mats are a portable all-weather floor cover that can provide soft seating for picnics, morning teas and lunch times. Equally as important, recycled plastic classroom mats can be used as flooring in nature cubbies, and to set up outdoor “invitations to play” using sticks, stones and found objects as play toys and props. Recycled mats can be positioned in the outdoor learning environment as a central spot for children to examine their nature treasures, and employed during circle times to share stories and songs with the group of young people. Recycled plastic activity mats can be set up for teacher-led “intentional teaching” moments, Being so light, flexible and moveable, recycled plastic classroom mats can also used by children in spontaneous play. Children can, alone or with friends, move mats from place to place and set up their own learning zones to tell stories, act out plays, sing songs, craft, create outdoor 'home corner' spaces for their dolls and toys, and enjoy a bit of solo time surrounded by trees and the quiet of the bush. Recycled mats are especially helpful for those children who do not take naturally to the dirt, mud and mess of the natural world, giving them a clean place to sit, explore, and eat. At Recycled Mats, you can find mats of all shapes, sizes and colours for nature play experiences. The majority of our mats feature Indigenous Australian designs by local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists. (We also stock a number of Indigenous designs by Maori and Balinese-Singaporean artists.) Cultural Mats These authentic, culturally-sensitive mats meld with the natural world, and are aesthetically pleasing both indoors and out. They also embed the local cultures and stories of the Australian land in the outdoor environment, and can encourage children's natural curiosity to understand more about Aboriginal symbology and culture. The perfect time to buy is in the lead up to NAIDOC Week – use our recycled polypropylene mats outdoors to foster language development, provide storytelling opportunities, practice early mathematics in counting and classifying activities with rocks, stones and sticks, and discover and share new Indigenous songs and games during circle time. You can view our entire range of Aboriginal mats on our website
Learn moreReasons why we manufacture offshore at Recycled Mats
We create ethical, recycled mats – so why do we manufacture in China? Our recycled mats are designed by Australian Indigenous, New Zealand Maori and Pacific Islands artists. We are committed to using authentic designs that reflect community stories and values. We are committed to the use of recycled materials, which is important for the planet and we will only ever use premises that are certified for safe work practices and child free labour. With these strong values as part of our mission to create ethical mats, we are sometimes asked why we manufacture our products overseas? Keeping our ethical mats affordable, without compromising quality There are several reasons why manufacturing our recycled mats in China makes sense. 1. Better Expansion and Diversification Opportunities We build friendly, mutually-beneficial relationships with the Chinese factories that make our recycled mats, ensuring they adhere to our stipulated guidelines on ethical labour practises and efficient production that doesn’t compromise on attention to detail. These relationships allow us to expand our brand to International markets while promoting diversity by working along different cultures. 2. Greater Speed and Efficiency China is our choice for manufacturing our plastic mats range because their experience producing large volumes of products ensures we can meet customer demand in a timely fashion. China-based factories create products for the worldwide economy. They have scaled their assembling abilities well past what was ever trusted conceivable. When we outsource from China, we’re working with tried and true processing plants that have been delivering quality items in comparative enterprises for a considerable length of time, and in enormous supply. 3. Cutting Edge Factory Technologies China is the world’s manufacturing hub, which puts them at the cutting edge when it comes to textile design and manufacturing technologies. They have impressive assembly plantations that can recycle many types of materials, including the soft plastics (Polypropylene) used in our recycled plastic mats range. These recycling stations are not widely available in Australia. So in our efforts to help fight the war on waste, we outsource from China - A country that has imported incredibly vast amounts of scrap plastic for repurpose. 4. Affordability Access to affordable raw materials in China helps bring down manufacturing costs to a considerable extent. The reserve funds we save by offshore manufacturing are passed on to the local artists through renumeration packages for those that design our Aboriginal & TSI, Maori & South Pacific mats as well as their communities through donations of mats each year to a variety of support agencies nationwide. Affordable pricing also means our products won’t break the budget of schools, daycare centres and other businesses who choose our recycled mats to help them celebrate cultural diversity, which is crucial to our mission. Our beautiful and unique recycled mats will always remain ethical. Browse our range of superior quality indoor / outdoor mats.
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