Compostable Towels 101: What Happens to Your Salon Waste After Composting?
Compostable products are becoming increasingly common in salons, but many people still ask the same questions.
What are compostable towels made from?
How do they actually decompose?
And what happens to them after they're thrown away?
If you're considering switching to compostable towels, understanding their journey after use can help you make more informed choices about your salon's environmental impact.
Here's everything you need to know.
What are compostable towels?
Compostable towels are single use towels made from natural plant based fibres that are designed to break down into organic matter after use.
Unlike conventional disposable towels that may contain plastic fibres, compostable towels are created to return safely to nature under the right composting conditions.
High quality biodegradable hairdressing towels are often also compostable, but it is important to understand that the two terms are not identical.
Every compostable towel is biodegradable.
Not every biodegradable towel is compostable.
What are compostable towels made from?
The exact materials vary between manufacturers, but premium compostable towels are typically made from renewable plant fibres.
These fibres are chosen because they are:
- naturally derived
- highly absorbent
- soft against the skin
- durable during salon services
- capable of breaking down naturally
The best compostable towels are also:
- plastic free
- biodegradable
- made from renewable resources
- designed specifically for professional salon use
Always check the product information rather than assuming all disposable towels are compostable.
What happens after the towel is used?
Once your salon service is complete, the towel begins the final stage of its lifecycle.
Unlike conventional disposable products, compostable towels are designed to become part of a natural cycle rather than remaining as waste indefinitely.
The exact process depends on how the towel is disposed of.
Step 1. Microorganisms begin breaking it down
In composting conditions, naturally occurring bacteria, fungi and other microorganisms begin feeding on the plant fibres.
Rather than simply falling apart, the fibres are biologically broken down into simpler natural compounds.
This is the same natural process that breaks down fallen leaves, grass clippings and other organic material.
Step 2. The fibres decompose
As microorganisms continue their work, the towel gradually loses its structure.
Instead of creating persistent waste, the material is converted into:
- water
- carbon dioxide
- biomass
- nutrient rich organic matter
Because the towel is made from plant based fibres, there is no plastic left behind when composted correctly.
Step 3. Compost is created
The final result is compost.
This nutrient rich material can be used to support healthy soil, helping grow plants, trees and crops.
Rather than ending its life in landfill, the towel becomes part of a circular system where waste is transformed into a valuable resource.
How long do compostable towels take to break down?
There is no single answer.
The time depends on factors such as:
- temperature
- moisture
- oxygen levels
- composting method
- the towel's materials
Industrial composting facilities generally provide ideal conditions for faster decomposition, while home composting systems may take longer depending on the environment.
Always follow the manufacturer's disposal guidance.
What happens if a compostable towel goes to landfill?
This is an important distinction.
Even the best compostable towels perform most effectively when they are composted.
If they are sent to landfill instead, decomposition can be much slower because landfill sites contain very little oxygen.
Choosing compostable products is only one part of the solution. Ensuring they are disposed of appropriately is equally important.
Are biodegradable hairdressing towels the same as compostable towels?
Not necessarily.
This is one of the biggest misconceptions.
A biodegradable towel simply means microorganisms can eventually break it down.
However, biodegradable products do not necessarily:
- decompose within a specific timeframe
- leave no harmful residues
- meet recognised compostability standards
Compostable products are held to much stricter requirements.
That is why many environmentally conscious salons specifically look for compostable towels rather than products labelled only as biodegradable.
Why are more salons switching to compostable towels?
Many salons are looking for practical ways to reduce their environmental impact without compromising on quality.
Compostable towels help by:
- reducing reliance on plastic based products
- supporting more circular waste systems
- eliminating the need for daily laundry
- reducing water and energy consumption
- simplifying salon operations
Combined with professional performance, they provide an attractive alternative to traditional disposable towels.
Why Replant Towels are different
At Replant Towels, we've developed compostable towels that combine professional performance with genuine sustainability.
Our towels are:
- 100% compostable
- plastic free
- biodegradable
- made from renewable plant based fibres
- soft, durable and highly absorbent
- designed specifically for professional salon use
By choosing compostable materials, salons can reduce waste while maintaining the high standards their clients expect.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are compostable towels made from?
High quality compostable towels are typically made from renewable plant based fibres that are designed to break down naturally after use.
How do compostable towels decompose?
Microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi break down the plant fibres into water, carbon dioxide, biomass and nutrient rich organic matter under suitable composting conditions.
Are compostable towels biodegradable?
Yes. Compostable towels are biodegradable, but they also meet stricter standards that ensure they break down safely without leaving harmful residues behind.
Do compostable towels contain plastic?
The best compostable towels are completely plastic free. Always check the product specifications before purchasing.
Are biodegradable hairdressing towels compostable?
Some are, but not all. A product labelled biodegradable is not automatically compostable, so it is important to check whether it has been designed and certified for composting.
Final thoughts
Understanding what happens after a towel is thrown away is just as important as understanding how it performs during a salon service.
High quality compostable towels begin life as renewable plant fibres, provide the softness and absorbency salons need, and can end their journey by returning safely to nature through composting.
For salons looking to reduce waste, lower their environmental impact and move towards a more circular way of working, choosing biodegradable hairdressing towels that are also genuinely compostable is a simple but meaningful step.
The future of sustainable salons is not just about what we use. It is about what happens after we're finished with it.