Nature’s circular economy
The alarming rise in the application of several pollution-causing materials in all sectors of industry has taken a heavy toll on the quality of the environment. Huge chunks of concrete-framed structures, concrete pavements, and even marine structures of non-eco-friendly concrete and other materials, the utilization of plastic in almost every sphere of life, from small plastic bags to huge plastic containers, has worsened the situation. It is the need of the hour to search for materials that are eco-friendly, biodegradable, and toxicity-free, and have a wide range of applications.
Eco-innovation from Coconuts and Green Manufacturing stories
One of nature’s most abundant gifts to humanity is the coconut tree (Cocos nucifera). It has supported civilizations for ages by offering food, water, shelter, and innumerable by-products, and is frequently referred to as the “Tree of Life.” The coconut tree’s exceptional sustainability—every part of it, from the roots to the foliage, may be used—makes it even more unique. This amazing facility is a financial and environmental asset because it produces no trash. Different technologies have been developed by utilizing the waste husk of coconut for innovative environmental, civil construction, Geotechnical, rural development, and CSR activities for Corporations.
All of this began with the manufacturing of simple coir ropes. Coir has become a silent hero in the movement toward eco-friendly decisions and sustainable living, providing a natural substitute that skilfully combines practicality with environmental awareness. Today, the coir industry is involved in the manufacturing of a wide range of coir products coir rugs, coir sheets, coir door mats, coir blankets for soil stabilization and slope protection, and its related products, and many new and innovative products.
Versatile applications of coconut
- Coconut water
- Coconut oil
- Coconut leaves
- Hard-shell
- Coconut trunk
Paper production, Boat building, and building materials
- Coconut roots are used for their medicinal properties, and the natural dye extract.
- Coconut husk
Miracle material from coconut husk! Transforming waste into sustainability
- The coconut’s fibrous outer layer has greater value than it first seems.
- Ropes, mattresses, carpets, and brushes are all made from coir fiber.
- In aquatic farming applications, coir pith is an excellent organic substitute for soil.
- The coconut tree’s zero-waste concept minimizes environmental effects while optimizing resource consumption, which is exactly in line with sustainable agriculture.
Environmental Benefits of Coir
As per a statement issued recently by the Coir Board, it aims to increase its exports threefold by the year 2025. With such a vision and dedicated approach, the coir wood industry can make enthralling progress in the coming years. This will be a major payback for humans towards nature.
Coir manufacturing process
Coir is a peat-like substance that is made from the pith found between the fibers. The coir pith involves the process of washing, heat treatment, sieving, and grading to remove the large particles. The production of coco coir is a lengthy process that involves harvesting, husking, decorticating, washing, drying, sieving, and packaging. The result is a product that is perfect for use in horticulture and gardening.
How Coconut Waste Becomes Sustainable Coir
Step-by-step process of making coir from coconut husk
- Harvesting
- Husking
- Decorticating
- Washing
- Drying (Natural and Artificial)
- Sieving
- Packaging
- Steaming
- Buffering using suitable solutions
It can be claimed with full conviction today that the crux of future generations is based on the usage of sustainable and elegant solutions relying on co-existence and equality with nature. One of the primary areas that causes major loss of green cover by large-scale cutting of trees is the wood industry. The use of coir as a replacement for timber/wood is one of the most unique as well as self-obligatory tools to move towards the thought of a sustainable future.
By Dr. Manali Date