Huske grew out of a mix of my architectural training and the daily reality of raising children. Architecture teaches you to pay attention to materials and how they age, how they feel under your hand, how they change with use and time. Life with children teaches you a different rhythm, one that is fast, messy and repetitive.
When I started Huske, I wanted to bridge those two worlds. I wanted something that felt calm and grounded, that sat quietly in a home rather than shouting for attention, but that could also cope with meals, spills, painting, clay, crumbs and the many small moments that make up family life.
Sustainability for Huske is not an abstract idea. It shows up in ordinary ways. It affects what the mats are made from, who makes them, how they travel, how they are cleaned and how long they last. It is also about designing something that feels good to live with so that it stays in use for a long time rather than becoming clutter.
I try to make choices that are clear, documented and practical. The certifications listed below are real. So are the people who pack the orders. The decisions are small, but together they shape how the mats live in your home and how long they stay there. For more of the story you can read the About Huske page.
Materials
The mats are made from a silicone coated textile developed in Korea. The coating is bonded to a soft polyester base fabric, creating a surface that is smooth, flexible and durable.
- Certified to OEKO TEX Standard 100, product class 1.
- Recognised under the Korea Eco Label scheme for low emissions and safe indoor use.
- Free from PVC, phthalates and BPA according to the supplier data sheet.
These certifications mean the textile has been tested for substances that matter in daily family use, including items frequently in contact with skin and mouths.
Production
The mats are produced in Korea by a manufacturer with established process control, including ISO 9001. For me this is less about certificates and more about knowing that the work is consistent, monitored and carried out by people who understand the material well. It affects how the mats feel, how long they last and the predictability of each batch.
Use and longevity
A Huske mat is designed to stay in your home for years. It works under babies, under sketchbooks, under clay, under plates and under many small projects on tables and floors.
- The surface resists water ingress under normal use.
- It wipes clean instead of absorbing stains.
- It does not crumble or shed fibres.
- It is heat stable for everyday home use, including ironing. Avoid direct contact with red hot items and open flames.
- One mat supports many stages, reducing the need for multiple single purpose items.
Transport and packing
The mats travel from Korea to Switzerland. Most shipments go by sea. Some go by air when stock needs to be replenished quickly. The intention is to rely more on planned sea freight over time.
Once in Switzerland, the mats are stored and packed by Zueriwerk in Bubikon. Zueriwerk supports the social and economic participation of people with disabilities in the canton of Zurich. They prepare the parcels, check the mats and send them on to families.
Packaging is simple. Boxes and paper are locally sourced where possible and FSC certified. Some items are shipped in reusable bags made from recycled polyester. The aim is to use as little as needed while still protecting the mat.
Cleaning and water
Because the mats are wipe clean, most maintenance is a cloth and some water, not a full machine cycle. They do not shed fibres and do not release microplastics. They dry quickly when hung or draped over a chair.
Design and longevity
Design matters for how long an object stays in use. Huske mats are meant to sit quietly alongside furniture rather than compete with it. The colours are chosen to feel calm and the form is intentionally simple. When something feels good to live with, it tends to stay around.
End of first life
The silicone coated textile is described as 100 percent recyclable, but the infrastructure for this group of materials is still developing. For now the practical focus is on keeping mats in circulation. Many are passed to friends or cousins. Some are sold second hand.
To support this, I share second life listings through the newsletter. You can submit yours below.