Coir, also known as coir, is a natural fiber extracted from the husks of coconuts. It is widely used in various industries such as agriculture, textiles, mats, ropes and as a soil improver in horticulture. Here are the typical specifications for coir destined for export:
—
1. Physical Specifications
Appearance:
Light brown to dark brown color.
The fibers are coarse, strong and can be short (for industrial use) or long (for high quality products).
Available in bales, baled blocks or loose fiber.
Texture:
Coarse and fibrous, with high tensile strength and wear resistance.
Length:
It typically ranges from 5 to 12 cm for coarse fibers and 15 to 30 cm for long fibers, depending on the application.
Moisture content:
Moisture content: 12–15% (due to the natural moisture of the fiber). The fibers must be dried to the required moisture content before shipping to avoid mold and rot.
Density:
Approximately 0.3–0.5 g/cm³, depending on the fiber compression level.
—
2. Evaluation standards
Coir fibers are classified based on length, color and quality. The most common assessments include:
Class A (superior quality):
Long, clean and soft fibers.
Low impurity levels with minimal dust or broken fibers.
It is primarily used for high-end applications such as mattresses, bedding and textiles.
Class B (standard quality):
Shorter fibers or mixed fibers with some impurities.
It is used for commercial and agricultural purposes, such as erosion control, horticulture and to make ropes or mats.
Class C (Industrial quality):
Coarse, short fibers with higher impurities.
It is primarily used in lower grade applications such as coir blocks for soil conditioning or for making loose mats and ropes.
—
3. Chemical specifications
pH level:
Typically 5.5–6.5 (slightly acidic), making it suitable for agricultural and horticultural use.
Solubility:
Insoluble in water, which contributes to its durability and resistance to decay.
Ash content:
Typically 5–10%, depending on the processing method. Higher ash content can mean lower quality fibers.
Lignin content:
About 40–50%, which gives it hardness and strength.
Crude fiber content:
Coconut fiber consists mainly of cellulose and lignin, making up 85–90% of the material.
—
4. Microbiological specifications
Total Plate Count (TPC): ≤ 10,000 CFU/g.
Yeast and mold: ≤ 100 CFU/g.
Well. coli: Missing in 1 g.
Salmonella: Missing in 25 g.
Aflatoxins: Must meet local and international regulations, typically ≤ 5 ppb, to ensure safety in agricultural applications.
—
5. Packaging Specifications
Packaging material:
Coir is usually packed in jute bags, plastic-wrapped bales, or pressed blocks.
Package size:
Usually packed in 10kg, 25kg or 50kg bales for bulk shipments.
Smaller retail packages (eg 1 kg to 5 kg) can be used for products such as cocopeat or horticultural coir.
—
6. Applications
Agriculture and Horticulture:
Cocopeat (Coco Coir): Used as a soil amendment, plant nutrient medium and in hydroponics. It has excellent water retention and aeration properties.
Mulching and Erosion Control: Coarse coir is used to control erosion, protect plant roots and retain moisture in gardens.
Textile:
Doormats and rugs: Long fibers are woven into doormats, doormats, and rugs because of their durability and water-resistant properties.
Twine and ropes: Strong, coarser fibers are used to make ropes and twines for various industrial and agricultural applications.
Furniture and mattresses:
Mattresses and pillows: Coir is used as a filling or padding in mattresses because of its firmness and breathability.
Industrial Uses:
It is used in the manufacture of car seats, door panels and other automotive applications due to its high strength and lightness.
Composting and waste management:
Coir can be used in composting as a carbon source or as a biodegradable material for waste management.
—
7. Certificates
Organic Certificate (if applicable):
Coir used in agriculture (eg for organic farming or hydroponics) can be certified as organic.
Fair Trade Certification (if applicable):
Coir obtained under fair trade practices ensures ethical production and better compensation for workers.
ISO certificate:
Quality assurance and management standards.
Global GAP certification (if applicable):
For agricultural purposes, ensuring safe and sustainable farming practices.
8. Nutritional information (for coir products used in agriculture)
Coir and coir are not consumed but have a useful role in agriculture. When used as a soil additive, it helps improve soil structure, moisture retention and root aeration.
—
9. Expiry date
Shelf Life: Coir can last indefinitely if stored properly as it is resistant to rot and pests when kept dry and away from moisture
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.