Coconut fiber is obtained from the fibrous husk (mesocarp) of the coconut (Cocos nucifera) from the coconut palm, which belongs to the palm family (Palmae).
Coconut fiber is extracted from coconut husks which are submerged in fresh water streams or storage tanks for a period of several months. During this process known as retting, water constantly flows through the coir fiber matrix removing impurities present in the fiber.
Coconut fiber is the first totally organic growing medium that works well in hydroponic systems. The fiber is actually a waste product of the coconut industry. It has a larger oxygen capacity and superior water holding ability than rock wool. Coconut fiber is the only growing medium that is naturally high in root stimulating hormones and can help protect against root diseases and fungus infestation. One reason it is so effective is that its purpose in nature is to provide the coconut with a rich medium in which to root when it lands in the soil, so it’s just doing what it was designed to do.
Coconut fiber has a high lignin content and thus a low cellulose content, as a result of which it is resilient, strong and highly durable. The remarkable lightness of the fibers is due to the cavities arising from the dried out sieve cells. Coconut fiber is the only fruit fiber usable in the textile industry.
Coconut fiber is used to produce hawsers, ropes, cords, runners, mats, brooms, brushes, paint brushes and as stuffing for mattresses and upholstered furniture.