How can I reduce the number of towels and robes my spa uses, without having fewer customers?

You need to tackle the issue from two different angles. Firstly, by raising awareness among your clients about the environmental factors of towel usage and, secondly, by looking at your purchasing habits.

Nowadays most people are willing to make small changes if it will help reduce their overall environmental impact and cost. For many years now, hotels have adopted a concept where they ask clients to reuse towels, highlighting the benefits of doing so for the environment.

While this is not always practical in a spa setting, it is possible to put signage up explaining that your spa is committed to protecting the environment, which is why you promote reduced towel usage, and stating the ecological benefits of these actions. In terms of purchasing habits, many spas are now opting to buy lightweight, microfibre robes instead of the heavier 600g per square metre (gsm) cotton versions because they massively reduce laundering costs and energy consumption. For example, one 600gsm cotton bathrobe weighs the equivalent of four lightweight microfibre ones.

If you want to reduce the overall daily towel usage in your business then you can replace your current towels by phasing in the use of eco-friendly, highly durable, disposable ones. These towels are biodegradable and recyclable, ensuring high levels of hygiene are achieved while the 50 to 60gsm fabric provides comfort and superb opacity.

In treatments such as waxing and tanning, disposable products are not only an alternative but, for some, a preferable choice to traditional cotton towels. At Majestic, thanks to modern manufacturing processes, we have the ability to create a uniquely woven fabric that doesn’t irritate the skin, unlike some unwoven alternatives that can cause inflammation and irritation.

Abbas Vawda is managing director of Majestic Towels, which manufactures and supplies an extensive range of towels and towelling products for the beauty industry.

You need to tackle the issue from two different angles. Firstly, by raising awareness among your clients about the environmental factors of towel usage and, secondly, by looking at your purchasing habits.

Nowadays most people are willing to make small changes if it will help reduce their overall environmental impact and cost. For many years now, hotels have adopted a concept where they ask clients to reuse towels, highlighting the benefits of doing so for the environment.

While this is not always practical in a spa setting, it is possible to put signage up explaining that your spa is committed to protecting the environment, which is why you promote reduced towel usage, and stating the ecological benefits of these actions. In terms of purchasing habits, many spas are now opting to buy lightweight, microfibre robes instead of the heavier 600g per square metre (gsm) cotton versions because they massively reduce laundering costs and energy consumption. For example, one 600gsm cotton bathrobe weighs the equivalent of four lightweight microfibre ones.

If you want to reduce the overall daily towel usage in your business then you can replace your current towels by phasing in the use of eco-friendly, highly durable, disposable ones. These towels are biodegradable and recyclable, ensuring high levels of hygiene are achieved while the 50 to 60gsm fabric provides comfort and superb opacity.

In treatments such as waxing and tanning, disposable products are not only an alternative but, for some, a preferable choice to traditional cotton towels. At Majestic, thanks to modern manufacturing processes, we have the ability to create a uniquely woven fabric that doesn’t irritate the skin, unlike some unwoven alternatives that can cause inflammation and irritation.

Abbas Vawda is managing director of Majestic Towels, which manufactures and supplies an extensive range of towels and towelling products for the beauty industry.