What Is the Most Eco-Friendly Towel?

Towels are an essential part of our daily lives, but how often do we stop to think about their environmental impact?

Their practical value is obviously the number one concern – as it should be. Things softness and absorbency are what we need to take our routine to the next level. Picking the right towel colours matters, too. But what about the environmental aspects?

There’s some good news in that regard. More products nowadays offer both – good for the skin, and good for the planet. But how to pick the right one? Are organic cotton towels the right pick? Or is it better to go for Tencel or bamboo towels?

Let’s take a closer at what makes a towel truly eco-friendly. Spoiler alert: there’s more to it than meets the eye.

The Hidden Cost of Conventional Towels: Harmful Chemicals

Most of us know about synthetics and understand their impact – both on our health and the planet itself. But what’s so wrong with natural fabrics, like cotton?  Why buy a “sustainable towel” instead of a regular one?

The journey of a standard cotton towel starts in the fields, where high water consumption and pesticides are not exactly uncommon. In fact, around 16% of all these chemicals sold around the world are actually used to grow cotton. These practices harm ecosystems and deplete natural resources. By now, you’ve definitely heard cotton being referred to as “the world’s dirtiest crop”. Now you know why.

And it’s not over yet. From there, synthetic dyes and microplastic shedding in the production process add to the environmental toll.

Natural doesn’t always mean what we think it does.

What Makes a Towel Eco-Friendly?

Eco towels – a catchy slogan or is there actually something behind it? It comes down to these three – the use of sustainable materials, ethical production practices, and longevity.

The first is rather self-explanatory, the second means no pesticides, and the third means – how long before I need to buy the same thing again. It all matters.

Here’s what to look for when choosing yours:

1. Sustainable Materials

• • Organic cotton: Grown without harmful pesticides or synthetic chemicals.

  • Bamboo: A fast-growing, low-impact crop with natural antibacterial properties.

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  • Tencel (Lyocell): Made from sustainably sourced wood pulp in a closed-loop process.

  • Recycled fibres: Give new life to post-consumer waste.

2. Certifications: Sustainable fashion certifications matter. They’re the difference between greenwashing and actual efforts to make a product or textile more eco-friendly. Look for labels like GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) and OEKO-TEX. They guarantee that your towels are free from harmful substances and ethically made.

• • GOTS certified organic cotton: Ensures the use of non-toxic fabrics and ethical manufacturing practices, contributing to the overall softness and durability of the towels.

  • Fair trade: Guarantees that workers receive fair wages, work in safe conditions, and contribute to community welfare, appealing to consumers who value social responsibility.

  • Entire supply chain: Highlights the importance of inspecting and certifying each step of the production process, supporting fair labor practices and sustainable sourcing of materials.

  • Compostable packaging: Emphasizes the use of eco-friendly materials in shipping, showcasing a commitment to reducing environmental impact.

3. Longevity: Durability is a key factor. A towel that lasts longer reduces the need for frequent replacements, cutting down waste. Remember it’s also about the right care and practices. With quality, there’s plenty you can do to make your towels shine again. We have a dedicated blog post on how to soften rough towels and extend their lifespan.

Comparison Time

Choosing the right material for your bath towel or bath sheets is a balancing act between sustainability, functionality, and, let’s be honest here, cost.

Fabric	Eco-friendliness	Absorbency	Softness	Durability	Cost	Special Notes
Organic Cotton	High: Free from pesticides and chemicals, GOTS-certified options are particularly sustainable.	Excellent: Highly absorbent.	Soft and gets softer with use.	Highly durable with proper care.	Moderate to high.	A classic choice for its comfort and eco-conscious farming.
Bamboo	Very high: Bamboo grows quickly without pesticides or excessive water use.	Excellent: Naturally absorbs moisture.	Silky soft, luxurious feel.	Durable, but may need extra care.	Moderate.	Naturally antibacterial and odour-resistant, making it ideal for sensitive skin.
Tencel (Lyocell)	High: Made from sustainably sourced wood pulp with an eco-friendly closed-loop process.	Good: Absorbs well but not as much as cotton.	Exceptionally smooth and soft.	Good durability.	Moderate to high.	Lightweight and quick-drying, ideal for hot climates or travel.
Linen	High: Flax cultivation requires minimal water and chemicals.	Good: Absorbs well but dries quickly.	Crisp texture, softens over time.	Extremely durable, long-lasting.	High.	Breathable and quick-drying, perfect for humid conditions.
Hemp	Very high: Requires minimal water and no pesticides.	Moderate: Less absorbent than cotton.	Coarser texture softens over time.	Highly durable, resists wear.	High.	Strong and naturally antibacterial, an excellent eco-conscious alternative.
Recycled Fibres	High: Utilises post-consumer waste like recycled cotton or blends.	Varies: Depends on blend composition.	Varies by material.	Good, typically blended for extra strength.	Low to moderate.	Great for reducing waste, though not as luxurious or absorbent as natural fibres.

All of the fabrics have their unique strengths and have something else to offer. They do have one thing in common – they’re not so hard on the planet. At the same time, you don’t have to compromise on quality or practicality. Natural and responsible.

Care Tips to Maximise Lifespan

Even the greenest towel can lose its sustainability edge because of one, simple practice. It’s consumerism. We love to buy new things and replace the old ones at even the earliest signs of wear and tear. What’s the answer then? Longevity. But it’s a two-way street. First, the manufacturer should make a quality product. Second, the user should care for it properly.

Here are a few simple tips:

• Wash in cold water to save energy.
• Use eco-friendly detergents to avoid harmful chemicals.
• Air-dry your towels when possible; tumble-drying can wear them out faster.
• Avoid using fabric softeners as they can reduce the absorbency and softness of your towels.

Closing the Loop

When your towel has truly reached the end of its life, it doesn’t have to mean you can use it anymore. It simply means you can’t use it the way you did before. But there are other ways. Because eco-friendliness doesn’t end with cultivation and manufacturing practices – it’s also about the disposal.

1. Repurposing: Old towels make excellent cleaning rags, pet bedding, or even DIY projects.

2. Recycling: Many textile recycling programs accept worn-out towels, turning them into insulation or industrial materials. Recycling old towels not only reduces waste but also contributes to soil health by turning them into materials that can improve soil structure and fertility.

Eco-Friendly Stop

Sustainable products are a passion of ours, which is why our range of eco friendly towels, as well as our organic cotton and stone bath mat collection, are made to last. Our collection includes a variety of hand towels that are both functional and eco-friendly, made from organic and ethically sourced materials. In addition to using certified eco-friendly materials, we also teamed up with CleanHub to collect 1lb of plastic waste from the oceans with every purchase.