As eco-conscious fashion gains momentum, even the smallest items—like scrunchies—are under the microscope. Once considered disposable, hair ties are now being reimagined through the lens of sustainability and biodegradability.
Biodegradable scrunchies are becoming a go-to product for green brands, and manufacturers are responding with natural fibers, compostable elastics, and plastic-free packaging options.
In this article, we’ll explore the latest trends in biodegradable materials for scrunchies, what components are truly compostable, and how forward-thinking factories like HairAcc are leading the shift toward more sustainable hair accessories.
What Makes a Scrunchie Biodegradable?
Not all "eco" scrunchies are created equal. A truly biodegradable scrunchie must break down completely and safely in natural environments, leaving no toxic residue behind.
A biodegradable scrunchie is made from natural materials—like organic cotton, bamboo, or TENCEL™—combined with elastic cores and threads derived from renewable, compostable sources.
Which Materials Qualify as Biodegradable?
Here are the top natural materials currently used:
| Component | Biodegradable Option |
|---|---|
| Outer Fabric | Organic cotton, bamboo viscose, hemp, silk |
| Elastic Core | Natural rubber, biodegradable TPU |
| Stitching | Organic cotton thread |
| Dye | GOTS-certified vegetable or water-based dyes |
To verify biodegradability, manufacturers follow OECD 301 series or refer to third-party test labs like TÜV Austria.
What About the Packaging?
A biodegradable scrunchie isn’t complete without sustainable packaging. We use kraft paper bands, seed paper cards, and PLA corn-based bags, all of which meet ASTM D6400 standards for compostability.
Why Is Demand for Compostable Scrunchies Increasing?
Consumers are increasingly aligning their values with their fashion choices. Microplastics, chemical dyes, and landfill waste are turning buyers toward plant-based alternatives—even for accessories.
Searches for “biodegradable scrunchies” have spiked globally, especially among Gen Z consumers, sustainable fashion startups, and zero-waste retailers.
What’s Driving the Trend?
According to Google Trends, interest in terms like "plastic-free hair ties" and "organic cotton scrunchies" has doubled over the past 3 years. Major contributing factors include:
- Zero-waste movements
- Green influencer marketing on TikTok/Instagram
- Climate-conscious gifting during holidays
- Increased visibility of biodegradable certifications
Retailers like Package Free Shop and EarthHero now offer compostable hair accessories in curated collections.
Who’s Buying These Products?
Our key customers include:
- Eco-lifestyle influencers
- Boutique zero-waste stores
- Corporate gifting programs with ESG goals
- Subscription boxes focused on ethical fashion
We’ve also worked with university bookstores and wellness brands that co-brand biodegradable scrunchies for promotional campaigns.
What Are the Most Popular Biodegradable Materials Today?
Innovation in textile science has enabled a range of biodegradable fabrics to go mainstream. Here are the most popular biodegradable scrunchie materials in 2025:
Organic cotton and bamboo viscose dominate biodegradable scrunchie production, but hemp and lyocell blends are quickly gaining popularity.
Why Is Organic Cotton Leading?
Organic cotton is breathable, skin-safe, and grown without synthetic pesticides. It's certified by standards like GOTS and fully compostable under industrial or home conditions.
Benefits:
- Hypoallergenic
- Soft yet durable
- Dye-friendly with low-impact pigments
HairAcc offers GOTS-certified cotton scrunchies in a wide range of pastel and natural shades.
What About Bamboo & Hemp?
Bamboo viscose is known for its silky feel, while hemp is incredibly strong and naturally antibacterial. These materials decompose within 6 months under the right conditions and pair well with plant-based dyes.
Our bamboo-based scrunchies come from OEKO-TEX certified mills and are extremely popular in yoga, spa, and eco-wellness markets.
How Do Factories Verify Biodegradability Claims?
Just because a scrunchie is made of “cotton” doesn’t mean it’s biodegradable—it depends on the full supply chain.
Factories ensure biodegradability by conducting lab tests, securing certifications, and working with traceable material vendors.
What Tests Are Performed?
We follow OECD 301B and ISO 14855 biodegradability test protocols. These simulate aerobic and anaerobic breakdown environments.
Tests include:
- Soil burial degradation
- CO₂ evolution measurements
- Fragmentation rate
- Water toxicity residue
Third-party verifiers like Bureau Veritas and Intertek provide lab certifications for export documentation.
What Should Buyers Ask Their Suppliers?
- Do you have material test reports for biodegradability?
- Is your elastic natural rubber or synthetic latex?
- Can you provide MSDS and sourcing traceability?
- What dye methods are used—are they low-impact or reactive?
At HairAcc, we provide a full transparency pack including material origin, test results, packaging specs, and disposal guidance for all biodegradable orders.
Conclusion
Biodegradable scrunchies are no longer a novelty—they're a necessity for brands committed to sustainability. Whether you’re building a zero-waste collection or adding eco-verified SKUs to your retail lineup, the right materials and partners make all the difference.
At HairAcc, we lead the biodegradable accessory trend with natural fibers, GOTS-certified processes, compostable packaging, and verifiable lifecycle documentation. Ready to offer your customers hair accessories that don’t harm the planet?
Contact us today for free samples, material catalogs, or to start a private-label biodegradable scrunchie project tailored to your market.
