Ningbo Yawen is offering model C-06103, a foot-shaped bathroom mat made of PVC. The 78x45cm product features a nonslip surface and is shipped with a plastic hanger.

Microfiber, rubber and latex boost the comfort, safety and durability of releases from China.

Under efforts to improve product quality, suppliers of bathroom rugs and mats in China are employing more materials with special properties.

For enhanced comfort, microfiber is being used by some makers. The material is gaining popularity mainly because it is softer, easier to clean and costs less than most alternatives, including cotton.

Further, rubber and latex, known for their durability and nonslip property, are prominent in many new designs. One company interviewed for this report is offering a rubber mat with a textured surface, providing additional grip. The product features a massage function as well.

Greater water absorption is also a top concern among China makers. To meet this end, suppliers utilize acrylic fiber, which is said to have better liquid retention compared with common fabric types. In addition, the material boasts superior colorfastness, and resistance to wrinkling and shrinkage.

Polyester, PVC, PP, olefin, fleece and nylon products are likewise available, and may be given an anti-bacterial treatment on request. Some fabric models are manufactured in accordance with the Oeko-Tex Standard 100.

Among suppliers featured, Haoyi Microfiber Textile Co. Ltd is offering rugs and mats in acrylic, PTT and microfiber.

The company has launched the HY52763 model, an anti-bacterial microfiber rug that features a quick-dry surface. The product is available in various sizes.

A specialist in home textiles, ISO 9001-certified Haoyi also manufactures carpets. It markets 40 percent of shipments on an OBM basis, with the US and Europe as the main destinations.

Haoyi currently works with the China Textile University in developing bathroom mats through the use of computerized design systems.

Similarly, Wenzhou YEM International Trade Co. Ltd offers models in acrylic and microfiber. The company plans to increase exports of the latter type by about 10 percent in the next 12 months. This is in response to strengthening demand for microfiber-based products, which are soft and easy to clean.

Wenzhou YEM has also released mats made from Orlon acrylic fiber, a lightweight material developed by DuPont.

Established in 1982, Wenzhou YEM devotes 30 percent of production to bathroom rugs and mats. Releases meet Oeko-Tex requirements.

Emphasizing material diversity, Cangzhou Manier Plastic Co. Ltd has launched products in plastic coil, PVC, PP, rubber, straw, acrylic fiber and polyester. These are available in fruit and animal designs.

One of the company’s best-sellers comes in a leopard-skin motif. It is made of polyester and measures 40x60cm.

At Ningbo Yawen International Trading Co. Ltd, the latest products are made of water-repellent and nonslip PVC. These include model C-06004, which features a textured surface designed to massage the soles. Measuring 68x38cm, the mat is shipped with a plastic hanger.

Further, releases from the company boast 3-D cartoon patches. Made specifically for use in children’s bathrooms, these also come in novelty shapes.

PVC models likewise dominate production at ISO 9001-certified Jingdong Rubber Co. Ltd. The supplier prefers this material mainly because of its superior durability. In addition, PVC costs less than most fabric types.

Jingdong’s range includes industrial rubber sheets and garden hoses.

Model LTBM-FC from Lisatex (Tianjin) International Trade Co. Ltd is made of acrylic fiber. It measures 55x50cm and features a fish design in velvet.

The trading company also offers accent bathroom rugs fitted with tassels. Target, Big W and The Warehouse are the major customers.