Introduction To Coir Products : An Overview

Coir products have a broad scope of applications for their versatile nature. The outer husk of the coconut is the source of coir with a distinctively coarse texture. It lists among the Green products across the globe as Mother Earth is its source. Eco-friendliness and recyclable content are the other reasons for its popularity in the market.

Advantages of Using Coir Products

There are several advantages of using coir products. These are listed below:

Husks of coconut shells are the source of coir. Due to the biodegradable quality of coconut shells, coir is considered an eco-friendly raw material for varieties of products that include soil conditioners, weed controllers, wall retaining material, twine, and so on.

Coco coir is effective in treating the acidic condition of the soil and maintaining the correct ph balance of agricultural land.

Fibers of coir are highly durable for their natural fiber content. These fibers are suitable for designing rugs and outdoor furniture. 

Mildew-proof quality of coir products simplifies their maintenance process. 

Coir products are suitable for those who always look for premium quality natural fiber-based products at a budget-friendly price range.

Coir-based cocopeat or coir pith promotes the unique concept of hydroponics (a horticultural practice of growing fruits, vegetables, and flowers without using soil).

Various Type of Coir Products

Coir Pith – De-fibering process of coconut fiber produces cocopeat or coir pith. This byproduct of coconut fiber has excellent moisture retention properties. Coir pith acts as a reliable soil conditioner. It is a wonderful option to practice horticulture without using soil. 

Cocopeat block – It is suitable for landscape, and construction works utilization purposes. Block of cocopeat is suitable for the construction of terrace gardens, retaining walls, and raised beds ( used for landscape projects). This 5 kg block is also suitable for designing outdoor kitchens and fire pits. It is accessible in 34 x 34 x 14 cm diameter.

Geo Coir Mat -- Coir mat is a geotextile product that is suitable for erosion-controlling jobs and also for landscape projects. This coir product is a reliable option to control weeds for promoting the growth of plants. The Coir mat is also suitable for protecting slopes and covering line walkways. 

Coir hanging flower basket – Hanging flower baskets made of coir helps to add a fresh perspective to the décor of the balcony and lawn area. Its Eco-friendly content is moisture and waterproof. Hanging this coir basket by using a bracket or hook for varieties of plants brings a noticeable change in the overall look of any building or garden décor. 

Coir twine – It is one of the most popular and cost-effective fastening twine available in the market. Twine made of coir is suitable for crafting, gardening, and landscaping projects. Twine of Coir is also suitable for designing handmade jewelry. 

Industrial Uses of Coir Products

Coir products have a broad scope of applications. These are listed below –

In the agricultural arena – As a natural and organic soil conditioner, cocopeat powder ( obtained from husks of coconut fiber) helps in improving the water retention capacity of soil for better growth of plants. Powder of cocopeat also acts as a reliable weed-controlling factor. This powder is also suitable for controlling soil erosion. 

Gardening and horticulture – Coir products play a significant role in hydroponics ( a method for the organic growing of plants without using soil). Coir pith is suitable to be used as potting mix and compost. Its soil application helps to retain moisture in soil and destroys weeds. It improves the texture of soil and promotes absorption of nutrients by plants.

In the Geo-textile arena – As a geo-textile product, coir is required for slope stabilization, erosion control, and wall retaining purpose. As an effective Geo-textile material, it is also used in bridge and dam construction projects. 

Growing Popularity of Coir Products in the Market

Low cost is one of the keyreasons behind its continuously increasing popularity in the market. The Production and processing of coir prove to be profitable for various micro, small, and medium enterprises ( MSME) and for the cottage industry of an abundance of coconut plants, low processing cost, and environment-friendly aspect. Coir products are the most sought-after items in architectural and also in gardening fields. Some of the most popular coir products include –

Cocopeat block -- Suitable for gardening job

Cocopeat powder- Ideal as a soil conditioner

Hanging coir pot –Perfect for planting purposes and also to add the decorative value to building interior and garden as well

Coir string- Acts as the cost-effective fastening thread for different purposes

Coir twine – Suitable in designing handcrafted products

What is the production process of coir?

Coir is obtained from the husk of coconut fibers ( procured from the outer shell of the coconut) that are sun-dried and extracted using traditional and mechanical procedures.

Traditional method – As a part of the traditional method of coir procurement, de-husked fibers are soaked in brackish water for a maximum period of 12 months ( this duration varies as per the application type of coir). Soaked fibers are treated by beating, washing, and drying procedures to loosen their yarns.

Mechanical method – Mechanical process of de-husking is done after five days of soaking coconut fibers in the defibering machine. After this, a revolving drum separates those fibers as per their length. Separated fibers are ready for the spinning and manufacturing of various coir products.

Where does coir come from?

Coir is the natural fiber produced from the husk of the outer shell of the coconut. The husks are soaked in water for a specific month in brackish water. These husks go through further processing to loosen their fibers that act as suitable raw materials for ropes, rugs, mats, and various types of upholstered and industrial products.

What are the market price of coir?

The market price of coir varies as per its quality and type. Brown yarn coir is available for INR 10 to 12 per kg. The white yarns-based variant of coir is accessible for INR 19 to 20 per kg.

Where are coir products made?

 There are several Indian cities involved in the production of different forms of coir products ( cocopeat bricks, coir coil string, geotextile, cocopeat powder, etc ) produce. Such cities include – 

Indore, Madhya Pradesh

Pune, Maharashtra

Kolkata, West Bengal

Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Ahmedabad, Gujarat