What is coir?

Here at The Coconut Compost Company, we believe you’ll love this naturally renewable, eco-friendly material just as much as we do!

Want to learn more? Keep reading to discover everything you ever wanted to know about coconut coir.

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What is coir?

Coconut fibre, also known as coir (pronounced koy-uh), is a natural by-product taken from coconut husks.

Trusted for centuries by navigators and sailors exploring the world for their rigging and ship cables, it’s a highly versatile, renewable, eco-friendly material that would otherwise be a waste product.

It can be found in two colours in its natural state.

Durable brown coir is the type we use for our eco-friendly coconut compost and comes from mature coconuts. White coir is slightly softer, comes from green coconuts and is mainly used to make fishing nets.

The coir that we use as the growing medium is the waste product collected after separating the long fibres that are used for products such as rope etc. Now, growers use it as their growing medium for their plants.

In the developing world, the coconut coir industry is a vital source of income and is grown in over one hundred countries including India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, The Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Read more here about how buying our coconut compost can support these communities.

What are the benefits of coir?

Here at The Coconut Compost Company, we love coconut coir.

This is because it has a huge range of benefits for customers, the coconut producers and local community, AND our efforts to protect our planet for future generations.

Coconut coir is great because it’s…

  • Naturally eco-friendly
  • Organic
  • 100% Renewable and sustainable
  • Highly versatile
  • Durable and rot-resistant
  • Free from bacterial and fungal spores
  • A great alternative to peat
  • Great for soil fertility and mitigating erosion
  • 100% biodegradable
  • PH neutral so can be used for a variety of purposes and plants
  • Promotes a circular economy by reducing waste
  • Helps support developing countries

How is coir extracted?

The coconut coir we use for our eco-friendly compost is grown in Sri Lanka, harvested, and then sent to an environmentally friendly, ethical factory.

We also offer washed and buffered compost at a state-of-the-art wastewater recycling facility to remove any salt or debris and avoid potential environmental pollutants.

The coir is compressed for easier transport, wrapped in biodegradable packing, then shipped to you by sea to reduce your carbon footprint.

What can coir be used for?

The best use for coconut coir is eco-friendly compost if you ask us. But otherwise, coconut coir is a versatile and sustainable material that can be used for a wide range of potential uses including:

  • Being a sustainable growing medium to enhance soil structure, promote optimal water retention and the aeration of roots
  • Manufacturing carpets, doormats and geotextiles because of its durability and resistance to rot
  • Helping to control soil erosion and stabilising slopes
  • Creating brushes, doormats, mattresses, sacking, twine, ropes, and upholstery
  • Offering a great, eco-friendly alternative to peat

We love coconut coir

Coconut coir is so much more than an eco-friendly, sustainable, and renewable compost.

It offers a range of unique benefits, can be used for a variety of purposes and most of all, helps to protect the planet and developing communities around the world.

What’s not to like about coconut coir?

FAQs

  • Is coconut coir organic?

    Yes, coconut coir comes from natural, renewable sources and does not contain synthetic additives.

  • Can I reuse my coconut coir?

    Yes, you can use your coconut coir several times, making it even more eco-friendly. Simply rinse and remove old roots before reuse.

  • Is coconut coir suitable for hydroponics?

    Yes, coconut coir is great for hydroponics because it’s lightweight, pH neutral, renewable, versatile, and naturally free from pathogens. Hence why many professional growers such as commercial soft fruit growers are using it for their plants.

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