What is Coconut Fiber? - Coconut fiber or coir is a product which is extracted from
the outer shell of the coconut fruit. It is used in a variety of ways
worldwide, being especially popular for rope and matting, and there are a
number of sources for coir and coir products. Both organic and conventionally
produced versions are available, and some firms specialize in coir which has
been harvested sustainably by workers who are paid a fair wage for their labor.
For people who are most familiar with the coconut as a food,
the myriad uses of coconut products may come as a surprise. Coir comes from a
matted fibrous layer found between the inner and outer husks of the coconut. To
process coir, coconut husks are classically soaked to cause the fibers to swell
and loosen so that they can be pulled apart.
There are two different types of coconut fiber: white coir
and brown coir. White fiber comes from young coconuts, while brown fiber comes
from more mature specimens. In mature coconuts, a layer of lignin has been
deposited in the cellulose walls of the fiber, causing it to darken in
appearance. Once extracted from the coconut, the fiber can be spun or matted.
It can also be bleached or dyed, although some producers prefer to leave the
fiber as it is for a more natural look.
Coconut fiber rope is a common use for coir, along with
related products like woven mats and netting. Coir can also be used to make
twine, doormats, and brushes. Matted or woven coconut fiber is sometimes
utilized for natural erosion control, since the fiber is very durable, and it
will withstand heavy weather and saltwater. The fiber is also utilized in
mattresses, as both a stuffing and outer layer.
