The Story Behind Enki’s Pioneering Sustainable Salon Towels
Officially launching in April 2015, Enki Towels is now celebrating 10 years. We catch up with the brand’s Director Nilofer Aydinli to learn the story behind its pioneering luxury salon towels.
How did Enki come about?
We first heard about disposable hair towels being used in salons and quickly realised there was a huge gap in the market for a luxury, sustainable alternative. We wanted to create a towel that was eco-friendly, made from 100% plant fibre, and fully compostable – kind to both the planet and the people who use it. At the same time, we recognised that this type of non-conventional towel could be a highly cost-effective alternative to cotton, saving salons on water, energy, and laundry costs while also supporting sustainability.
When did you launch the full Enki range?
Our white and black hair towels, body towels, couch covers, and hand and face towels all launched in April 2015.
• White hair towels – April 2015
• Black hair towels – April 2015
• Body towels – April 2015
• Couch covers – April 2015 (these contain a waterproof element, so not 100% plant fibre or compostable)
• Hand & face towels – April 2015
• Jumbo sheets – March 2019
• Hair cutting capes – June 2020 (introduced in response to Covid; these are plastic).
Which is most popular?
Both the black and white towels launched simultaneously. The white towels are by far the most popular, largely because they’re more cost-effective to produce and have that clean, crisp look. Salons often choose black for aesthetic reasons to match their décor, but functionally, they’re identical.
I also think white towels project a greater sense of hygiene – it’s easy to see that they’re spotless, which is reassuring for clients.
How did you decide on using 100% natural plant fibres?
From the start, we were committed to using 100% plant fibre. It was important to us to create something genuinely sustainable that aligned with our values.
We did test alternatives containing polyester blends, which were cheaper to produce, but they weren’t compostable and came with a larger carbon footprint.
“Despite global challenges over the years, we’ve stayed true to our eco-focused principles for more than a decade”.
Has the packaging evolved since its launch?
Initially, we kept packaging minimal and practical, using clear protective bags to guard against moisture. In May 2023, we began upgrading all our packaging to compostable bags, further strengthening our eco credentials.
How did you approach your branding?
The name Enki comes from the God of water, which felt fitting since water preservation is a key benefit of our product. The green “e” in our logo symbolises our eco-friendly ethos – green for both the planet and sustainability.
Why was sustainability such an important focus for you?
We’re deeply aware of how precious our planet is and how quickly it’s changing. We wanted to create a product that supports environmental longevity while encouraging others to adopt more sustainable practices in their businesses.
What’s been your biggest challenge since launching, and how did you overcome it?
Our biggest challenge has been converting salons from cotton to disposable towels. Many initially struggle to see the financial or practical benefits. But once they try Enki and see how much time, effort, and money they save, not to mention the convenience of no laundry, they rarely go back.
Do you have a favourite memory or milestone from the past 10 years?
Opening the container doors on our first-ever shipment and seeing boxes stacked with “Enki Towels” printed on them was an unforgettable moment. A major milestone for us came in August 2022, when a major salon chain switched entirely to Enki — that felt like a real turning point.
Where do you see Enki in the next 10 years?
We’d love to expand into Europe and grow globally, continuing to share our sustainable vision with salons around the world.
Are there any upcoming innovations or new products in the pipeline?
Not at this time – we’re focused on maintaining our exceptional quality and customer experience. But stay tuned!
Why was officially becoming ‘OK COMPOST INDUSTRIAL’ certified that important to you?
Although our towels have always been made from 100% plant fibre and were compostable, gaining official certification validates that commitment.
In today’s world, people expect third-party verification, and we wanted our customers to have that confidence.
“We’re proud to be a trusted supplier to so many salons, and this certification reinforces our credibility and dedication”.
Finally, what do you think makes Enki stand out from other towel brands on the market?
We’ve supplied consistent, luxury-quality towels for over a decade, maintaining strong stock levels and exceptional customer service. Our customers are part of the Enki family, and we take pride in the relationships we’ve built. Ultimately, our mission is to help salons make sustainable choices that benefit their business and the planet for generations to come.
For more information on the Enki Towels brand, please visit www.enkitowels.com.
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