Each piece of this mat is individually hand-crafted out of small pieces of recycled teak that would otherwise be destroyed. The weaving process means that the mats are flexible, low profile and vented, ensuring they dry quickly and are comfortable to stand on. The design also means they can be rolled up for easy storage lie flat, even on sloping shower floors. Teak is an incredible hard wood, which is extremely durable when exposed to the weather. This durable and beautiful hard wood is used for furniture, flooring, but the majority is used in ship production, because of its unprecedented ability to withstand the harsh ocean environment. By nature it is resistant to moisture, warping, cracking and rot, but its popularity has LED to depletion of the natural teak forests in southeast Asia. We felt it incredibly important to find a source for reclaimed teak so we could recycle it with a new purpose. We wanted to make sure our sourcing eliminated any further impact on the natural forests, so we reclaim and recycle teak that comes from buildings demolished for modernization. This mat has been made from pieces of recycled teak. The dust from the sanding process is blown off with compressed air, however, you may still find some dust residue on your mat. Therefore, before first use, please rinse in warm water and let air dry.