Biodegradable vs Compostable Hairdressing Towels: What's the Difference (and Why It Matters)
As more salons look for sustainable alternatives to traditional laundry or disposable towels, terms like biodegradable and compostable are everywhere. They're often used interchangeably, but they don't actually mean the same thing.
Understanding the difference can help you choose products that genuinely reduce your environmental impact rather than simply sounding eco friendly.
If you're comparing biodegradable hairdressing towels with compostable towels, here's everything you need to know.
The short answer
Every compostable towel is biodegradable.
Not every biodegradable towel is compostable.
That distinction matters because biodegradable products can still leave behind harmful residues or take many years to break down, whereas certified compostable products are designed to return safely to nature.
What does biodegradable mean?
A biodegradable product can be broken down by naturally occurring microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi.
However, there are some important catches.
The term biodegradable doesn't tell you:
- how long the product takes to break down
- what conditions are needed
- whether harmful substances remain afterwards
- whether plastics are left behind as microplastics
A product labelled biodegradable could take months, years or even decades to fully decompose depending on where it ends up.
For example, a towel sent to landfill may decompose extremely slowly because modern landfill sites contain very little oxygen.
What does compostable mean?
Compostable products meet much stricter standards.
They are designed to break down into natural organic matter under composting conditions without leaving toxic residues behind.
A genuinely compostable towel will eventually become nutrient rich compost rather than waste.
Depending on the certification, compostable products may be suitable for:
- industrial composting facilities
- commercial composting
- home composting (if specifically certified)
For salons looking to reduce waste, compostable towels offer a far more circular solution than products that are simply biodegradable.
Why does the difference matter for hair salons?
Every salon uses hundreds or even thousands of towels each year.
If those towels cannot be recycled or composted, they often end up in landfill where they contribute to unnecessary waste.
Choosing the right disposable towel can significantly reduce your salon's environmental footprint.
A truly compostable towel can:
- reduce landfill waste
- return nutrients back into the soil
- avoid creating persistent plastic pollution
- support a more circular business model
That's a much bigger impact than simply choosing something labelled biodegradable.
Are all biodegradable hairdressing towels plastic free?
No.
This is one of the biggest misconceptions.
Some biodegradable towels contain synthetic fibres or plastic binders that eventually break down into tiny plastic particles.
Others are made from blends of natural and synthetic materials.
When choosing biodegradable hairdressing towels, always check:
- what fibres they're made from
- whether they're certified compostable
- whether they're free from plastic
- whether they're suitable for composting after use
Not all biodegradable products are created equal.
What should salons look for?
If sustainability is important to your salon, look beyond marketing claims.
Instead, ask:
What material is the towel made from?
Natural plant fibres are generally preferable to synthetic blends.
Is it certified compostable?
Independent certification gives confidence that the product has been tested against recognised standards.
Can it actually be composted after use?
Some products are technically compostable but only under industrial conditions.
Understanding the disposal route is just as important as the material itself. For example, Replant Towels can be composted nationwide across the UK and Ireland via Green Salon Collective's towel composting service.
Is the packaging sustainable too?
A genuinely sustainable product considers the whole lifecycle, not just the towel itself.
Compostable towels vs reusable towels
Many salons also compare compostable towels with traditional reusable towels.
Both have environmental benefits depending on how they're used. Research has shown that if you use just one compostable towel per client, it's more sustainable than using a reusable towel. If you have a client who needs multiple towels in their service, then you're best using a reusable one.
Ideally, you would have both available depending on the client/service!
Reusable towels reduce single use waste but require:
- washing
- drying
- electricity
- detergents
- water
- storage space
Compostable towels remove the need for laundering altogether and are particularly useful for:
- busy salons
- mobile stylists
- freelance hairdressers
- colour services
- salons wanting to reduce water and energy use
The most sustainable choice often depends on your salon's workflow and how waste is managed.
Why Replant Towels are different
At Replant Towels, sustainability goes beyond replacing traditional disposable towels.
Our towels are made from natural plant based fibres, are completely plastic free and are designed to be composted after use, helping salons move away from landfill and towards a more circular future.
They are:
- 100% compostable
- plastic free
- biodegradable
- soft and highly absorbent
- strong enough for professional salon use
- suitable for salons wanting to reduce their environmental impact
Instead of creating waste, your towels can become part of the natural cycle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are compostable towels biodegradable?
Yes. Compostable towels are biodegradable, but they must also meet strict standards that ensure they break down safely without leaving harmful residues.
Are biodegradable towels always compostable?
No. Many biodegradable towels are not certified compostable and may contain materials that are unsuitable for composting.
Why are compostable towels better?
Compostable towels provide a clearer end of life solution by breaking down into natural organic matter rather than simply degrading over time.
Can compostable hairdressing towels go in garden compost?
This depends on the product's certification. Some compostable towels require industrial composting while others may be suitable for home composting.
What are the most sustainable disposable hairdressing towels?
Look for towels that are plastic free, made from renewable plant fibres and certified compostable rather than simply labelled biodegradable.
Final thoughts
The words biodegradable and compostable may sound similar, but the difference is significant.
If you're investing in more sustainable salon products, choosing compostable towels rather than simply biodegradable hairdressing towels helps ensure your waste has a genuine second life rather than simply breaking down over an unknown period of time.
Making informed choices today can help your salon reduce waste, lower its environmental impact and take another step towards a more circular future.