Eco-friendly oshibori: a more sustainable solution for the hospitality industry
Franck Salama
In the hospitality, restaurant, spa, and private aviation industries, every detail counts when it comes to creating a high-quality customer experience. But today, this standard is no longer limited to comfort or aesthetics: professionals are also paying increasing attention to the environmental impact of the products they use.
At Oshibori Concept, we have chosen to evolve the oshibori while taking these concerns into account. Our approach is based on several specific decisions regarding the materials we use, packaging, the lotion formula, and the manufacturing of our products.
The goal: to offer a welcome towel that combines customer experience, quality, and a commitment to sustainability.
A biodegradable cotton towel
One of the first decisions we make is about the material for our oshibori.
Our towels are made from 100% cotton, a natural, plant-based fiber. This material offers an alternative to synthetic textiles and aligns with our commitment to prioritizing materials that are better suited to a responsible approach. The cotton used for our oshibori is biodegradable.
For us, the choice of materials is essential: even a product intended for occasional use can be designed with a focus on natural materials.
A practice that reduces water consumption
The oshibori also addresses a very practical issue: water usage.
A ready-to-use wet wipe provides a refreshing and hygienic experience without having to run water directly from the faucet.
According to data provided by Oshibori Concept, using an oshibori requires about 25 ml of water, compared to about 1.5 liters of water for washing hands at a sink.
This difference can be particularly significant in establishments that provide this welcoming gesture to many customers every day.
Packaging designed to be recyclable
The towel isn't the only factor we take into account in our approach.
Packaging is also an integral part of the product. We are therefore working toward a transition to recyclable, single-material packaging to facilitate its integration into existing recycling systems.
This approach allows us to rethink the product as a whole rather than focusing solely on the towel itself.
For hospitality professionals, this also represents an opportunity to offer a premium experience while incorporating more environmental criteria into their product choices.
A lotion with a high water content
The lotion used for our oshibori is also part of this consideration.
Our formulations can consist of up to 97% water, combined with a fragranced core. Some formulations are made from naturally derived ingredients and may undergo certification processes tailored to the requirements of the cosmetics industry.
Our lotions are also dermatologically tested to ensure they are suitable for their intended use.
The goal remains the same: to combine the sensation of freshness and comfort that people seek from the oshibori with a carefully crafted formula.
Oshibori made in France
Product responsibility also depends on how a product is manufactured.
Oshibori Concept oshibori are made in France, which allows us to have greater control over our production and to maintain strict oversight of the various stages of manufacturing.
This local production also helps reduce the distances involved in sourcing and transportation compared to production that is entirely outsourced.
Manufacturing in France is therefore both a commitment to quality and a key consideration in our assessment of the impact of our products.
An environmental initiative that is part of a broader vision
Our approach goes beyond simply designing the oshibori.
Oshibori Concept International is also committed to corporate social responsibility (CSR) and has earned the EcoVadis Bronze Medal, which evaluates companies based on their environmental, social, and ethical practices, among other factors.
This recognition is part of a broader commitment to continuously improve our practices.
We know that a product doesn’t become sustainable because of a single material or a single initiative. That’s why we strive to make progress in various areas: production, raw materials, formulation, packaging, and organizational structure.
The Oshibori: Balancing Customer Experience and Social Responsibility
Offering a customer an oshibori is, above all, a gesture of hospitality. It creates a moment of refreshment, comfort, and care upon arrival or at various points throughout the customer journey.
But this experience can also be approached with a greater sense of responsibility.
With 100% cotton towels, recyclable packaging, specially formulated products, and manufacturing in France, Oshibori Concept aims to offer an alternative that meets the new expectations of hospitality professionals.
The challenge isn't to sacrifice sophistication in order to be more responsible. It's to show that the premium experience and environmental commitments can evolve together.
Discover our oshibori
Would you like to offer your customers a touch of elegance while incorporating more sustainable criteria into your choices?
Discover the Oshibori Concept collection and contact our team to find the solution that best suits your establishment.