Coir-wood, a replacement of timber-wood, is the most self-sufficient materials of the near future to avoid the cutting of trees and promote and encourage further plantation of trees. Use of coir as a replacement for timber is one of the most unique as well as self-obligatory tools to move towards the thought of a sustainable future. Coir products include wall panels, cots, partition boards, study tables, dining tables, worktops, and many more. Since the use of timber is avoided, there is no deforestation. Instead, there is an increased plantation of coconut trees for obtaining the raw material, coir, for the manufacture of coir-wood. It largely helps in a large amount of carbon sequestration. Coir–based eco products are vital to provide for environmental sustainability, and as an eco–product for conscious consumers.

The core principle of sustainability is required to be incorporated in every aspect to guarantee an eco-friendly, green, and toxicity-free future. Wood, particularly Plywood, has been used for a long time in a wide range of applications, including its use as a packaging material for packaging industrial products, like machines, automobile components, gearboxes, etc., for manufacturing tables, chairs, furniture, cabinets, partitions, walls, and doors. It is the most economical and easily available material.

Wood is an efficient material, but it has its own set of demerits. The major drawback is the cutting of trees, which leads to an imbalance in nature and contributes to carbon dioxide levels. Thin sheets of wood up to 4 mm or so have been used as a routine packaging material, but they attract fungi and bacteria, termites, and may prove to be fatal in case of fire. Paper is often used as a packaging material or for other applications for dry as well as lightweight products. But it has its limitations in terms of strength, durability, water resistance, and oil resistance.

Plastic is also an often-used packaging material. But its non-biodegradability was always an issue. Being non-biodegradable, adds to the woes of the animals who consume the roadside waste as food. Lethal volumes of plastic accumulation can be seen everywhere on Earth, whether it is land or water bodies. The use of plastic materials adds up as a major component of solid waste in India, and it becomes very difficult to manage. It adds up indirectly to the CO2 load of the environment.

Environmental benefits of switching to coir-based products: why coir is better than plywood

Coir-fiber products and materials can prove to be a suitable replacement as it is bio-degradable, do not need the cutting down of trees, and are hence eco-friendly. It gives opportunities for tree plantations and enhances carbon sequestration. Moreover, it is economic and self-reliant. It can be customized based on the requirements of the consumer and the functional requirements.

Coir packaging is available in the form of thin sheets and rolls and can be used for the packaging of a wide range of materials. It is durable and termite-proof and serves the purpose of any conventional packaging material in a better way. It is a completely recyclable and responsible packaging material of the future. By using other coir applications, against wood, paper, and plastic, we can surely upcycle towards building a green world.

Role of consumers in reducing deforestation: coir products and deforestation, reduce carbon footprint with coir products
Low-carbon lifestyle products: regenerative material solutions

It is high time that we understand that our efforts for the environment must be initiated. For this, we need to take suitable actions to convert the damage caused by us into meaningful and useful actions for the betterment of the environment.

Data on deforestation and coir impact: Replacing wood with coir in home design, how coir helps fight deforestation

The following shows the data required which supports the evident deforestation, carbon footprints, increased global warming, and climate changes induced by to use of wood.

• 15 million hectares of forest cover are depleted each year, and in India, it is estimated that, on average, about 45000 acres contribute to global warming.
• One unit of coir ply with a production capacity of 40 cubic meters a day would be able to save about 22 trees per day, which means 6,600 trees per year.
• Assuming that one tree requires 40 sq. meters of land, then around 264 acres of tropical forest could be saved annually.
• With a production capacity of 20 cubic meters a day, a coir wood production unit can save 11 trees a day or about 132 acres of tropical forest every year.

Due to the increasing deforestation, global warming, increased carbon footprint, and over-exploitation of resources, the time has come to realize the damage caused by living beings to the environment and to repay it as early as possible. The use of coir as a replacement for timber is one of the most unique as well as self-obligatory tools to move towards the thought of a sustainable future.

The forest is a major source of life as the green cover provides the necessary oxygen. However, deforestation has destroyed the green cover to the brink of devastation. The reason for cutting trees is to obtain timber. Efforts should be focused in this direction to develop other alternatives for obtaining timber. A handy alternative for this is wood made from coir fibers.