Since the introduction of Sri Lankan coir industry in the country in 1900’s, Sri Lankan coir manufacturers have been the main suppliers of raw coir fibre and coir fibre based products to the global coir market.
Sri Lankan Coir Industry
Among its top value added products are the coir twine & ropes, geo textiles, Brooms & brushes, carpets, door mats , floor coverings, rubberised coir products used in agriculture, and coco peat for horticultural and agricultural use.
In Sri Lanka, bristle fibers are extracted using the Ceylon drum method. The long clean fibers created in this way are in great demand worldwide. Here the fibers are extracted through technologically advanced production processes. The use of such advanced methods will also lead to a renaissance of the coir industry in Sri Lanka.
Coir Export in sri lanaka
Among the country’s most sought after coir exports is coco peat, which is being used worldwide as a natural and eco-friendly growing medium in green houses, farms, homes and gardens.Coir-related products are used to control soil erosion in fields, gardens and riverbanks. There is a high demand for tableware in China and European countries.
Coir-based products
These are available in blocks, bales, discs and grow bags. Coco peat has a high water holding capacity and pores for aeration. It allows the plant to grow faster.
Using coir-based products can prevent soil erosion control in fields, gardens, and riverbanks and also There is a high demand for tableware fields in China and European countries.
Mainly exported to China, USA and Europe, Sri Lankan coir nets and bio-logs have an escalating demand, which the Sri Lankan exporters are failing to meet.
An emerging trend in horticulture and agriculture is the use of coir as a soil conditioner and organic compost. An emerging trend in horticulture and agriculture is the use of coir as a soil conditioner and organic compost.and also this coir widely used for indoor plants as well as for orchid cultivation.
Use of coir in the automotive industry
Sri Lankan coir exporters have received the most impressive development from the global automotive industry.
How coir is used in the automotive industry
- To create a roof
- For the production of floor carpets
- To engine compartment insulation
- Package trays, luggage, to design
- For back and side wall coverings
Meanwhile, Ford Motor Company and Scotts Miracle Grow are experimenting with reducing the use of petroleum. They are researching the use of coconut fiber to strengthen molded plastic parts.. Combining coconut coir with plastic reduces dependence on petroleum as the material becomes lighter in weight. This product has a more natural look and prevents flare-ups.
Coir’s growing use in automobile industry stands as a grand prospect of growth for Sri Lankan coir manufacturers, who would be able to seize the growing new market with right technological assistance.
Yet, right technological assistance is the most lacking ingredient among Sri Lankan coir manufacturers. Although Sri Lankan coir product exporters earn nearly US$147 Mn in export revenue on average, their main exports include raw fibre and coco peat with little or no value addition.
Coir has a high value in the global market. Sri Lankan coir exporters do not add value to their export items. Therefore, there is a smaller market in Sri Lanka than the Indian market .
A workforce of nearly 35,000 is engaged in the coir industry and also Ancient traditions and technologies have been used in the Coir industry in Sri Lanka since ancient times. Improving and implementing these traditional techniques will help in the development of coconut coir industry.
Custom made low/high EC fiber coco peat blocks available at affordable price!
