The Export potential of coir fibre industry in Sri Lanka with special reference to North Western province

Abstract

Coir is a flexible natural yarn that is hauled out from mesocap tissue or husk of the coconut fruit. Generally coir is of rich yellow in colour once'it has been cleaned after the removal of the coconut husk; and hence it is often called "The Golden Fibre". By-gone is the era when coir was linked with ropes to tie cattle or stiffen the clothesline or use as the humble foot mats, with the ubiquitous Welcome sign. Coir today has attained class. Today it is most required category to furnish rooms and offices with trendy look. Coir carpets decorate floors and walls allowing to its sophistication and national flavour. Coir is used in brushes, doormats, mattresses and sacking. A small amount is also made into twine. Pads of curled brown coir fibre~made by needle-felting are shaped to fill mattresses and for use in erosion control on river banks and hillsides. A major proportion of coir pads are sprayed with rubber latex which bonds the fibres together to be used as upholstery padding for the automobile industry. The material is also used for insulation and packaging. The major use of coir, in rope manufacture, mats of woven coir fibre are made from the finer grades of bristle and white fibre using hand or mechanical looms. Coir is recommended as substitute for milled peat moss because it is free of bacteria and fungal spores. It is hoped that this study will definitely create awareness and motivate people to make use of husk into value added, comfortable, and convenient and eco-friendly products which can provide sustainable income. It will also be helpful to the nature lovers to select and get the eco-friendly coco husk based utility materials and items