Coir fiber is extracted from the husk of coconuts that provide a protective coating to the Coconut Kernel and shell. This coating mainly contains a fiber like material and dust particles. The fiber like material forms the Coir fiber and the dust forms coir pith. The fiber is classified into Brown, white or Retted according to the level maturity, colour or the processing that it subjected to.
Traditionally, in Kerala the husk is kept immersed in water for Three to Nine months before the fiber is extracted from the husk. This process enhanced the quality, look and durability of the fiber. This processing is termed “Retting” and the fiber is known as “Golden Fibre”.
However, with the passage of time and the introduction of pollution control measures, the retting of husks became practically impossible. Thus the industry shifted from to fibre that is mechanically extracted from fresh or Dry husk. The fibre extracted from the fresh husk is of white color & soft in nature and it is called “white fiber”. The fiber extracted from the dry husk brownish in color & hard in nature. It is called the Brown fiber.
White fiber, being soft is used in spinning and product making while the Brown fiber used in plenty in Mattress making etc
coirmats 