With the damage caused to the environment by plastics high on the media and Government agendas, spa clients are likely to be even more aware of the eco-credentials of spas they use.
An investigation by Scrummi has found there are a number of single-use towels on the market that are claiming to be eco-friendly when they actually contain plastic – meaning they will never break down and are likely to be more damaging to the environment than using and laundering traditional cotton towels.
Scrummi’s MD, Rob Cooper, says: “Spas are rapidly switching to single-use towels because there’s no laundry to worry about and they’re better for the environment than using cotton towels. Scrummi’s towels are made from totally natural fibres, sourced from sustainably managed forests. Unfortunately there are brands coming onto the market that claim to be eco-friendly, but actually contain plastic so they don’t biodegrade.”
The easiest way to check whether single-use towels are free from hidden plastic? Set fire to them! If you find there are hard fragments left and they give off black smoke then they contain plastic and won’t biodegrade. If the towel burns to ash with a white smoke plume, it’s wood based, which is fine.
“There’s been a lot in the press in recent months about plastics finding their way into the natural world and damaging the environment, for example plastic straws, micro-beads and glitter. Plastic can even be found in tea-bags!” says Cooper. “In a world where clients are increasingly eco-aware, it makes good business sense to check that the eco-credentials you’re claiming are true.”
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