Coir Kerala to explore new uses

Delegates from around 60 countries are taking part in the fair

Innovative applications of coir and coir-based products will be discussed at the upcoming Coir Kerala 2013, the world’s biggest trade event on coir and natural fibre products, to be held in Alappuzha during February 1-6.

According to Anil KR, director of the National Coir Research and Management Institute — the nodal agency for Coir Kerala, coconut husk, from which the fibrous coir is extracted, is widely being used in the Netherlands as a noise prevention solution in homes located along highways and other high-traffic roads, in offices and around sporting arenas. Experiments had proved that  coir has excellent acoustical absorption properties and regional governments there are now recommending these coir-based solutions in places where environmentally sensitive noise reduction is required.

In various Asian countries, coir mats are used to reduce echo in large auditoriums and halls. It is also proved that coir mats provide cooling effect in halls and add beauty to the walls. 

Coir is also finding new uses around the house as a sound barrier. Traditionally coir is familiar to homeowners through doormats, carpets or ropes. But is has got a wide range of applications like coir geo textiles to prevent soil erosion and land sliding. Approach roads of bridges can be protected through covering both sides with coir geo textile. This was proved by using in the new road to Cochin international air port.

Delegates from around 60 countries are taking part in the third edition of the fair, which is aimed primarily at expanding the domestic and international market for coir and its various applications.

In the colder climes of Europe, far removed from the tropical habitat of the coconut tree, coir is finding a number of new uses, he added.  Dubbed as Greenscreen acoustic barriers, these lightweight modular walls are claimed to offer sound insulation of up to 35 decibels. Panels of the barrier are made of two rows of poles made out of 100 per cent recyclable material and with durable, natural coconut fibre filled inside. A sound insulated sheet is fixed between two rows of poles and the whole frame is installed within a steel fixture.

Among the many advantages, the lightweight modular construction are easily transported and installed, without the need for any special substructure. More importantly, these natural walls can be given an outer clothing of foliage that reduces noise further and blends in beautifully with the landscape.

In Germany, coir yarn walls are increasingly being used for landscaping as well as for sound proofing. Garden plants are trailed on the walls made of sturdy coir yarn, which provides excellent support for creepers and vines.

Coir also retains moisture for long period  which means the plants trailing on a yarn wall need less watering than on other surfaces.