As a company that specialises in coir matting products, it may come as no surprise to learn that our team here at Grimeford Mill love a good, interesting fact about the material. Whether you own a coir mat yourself or are looking for information about coconuts, here are 10 facts about coir that you might not know!

1. There is more than one type of coir

When coir is used to make products, there are two different fibres which are used; white coir fibre and brown coir fibre. White coir is produced by unripe coconuts, whilst brown coir is produced by ripe coconuts. Typically, brown coir is much stronger than the white variation due to its higher amount of lignin - this makes brown coir fantastic for coir mats.

2. Coir isn’t just used for mats

Although coir is widely used as a material to create floor coverings, it is used for a variety of other products including textiles, fishing nets, horticulture, insulation, and even mattresses! Due to its natural flexibility, strength, and water resistance, coir is a very valuable and versatile material for a range of industries.

3. It is 100% reusable

As coir is derived from the coconut palm tree, it is a 100% natural product that can be reused over and over again. Especially for gardening/horticulture, coir can be reused without losing any of its properties.

4. It is incredibly strong!

As mentioned above, coir is a durable and long-lasting product, but it is far stronger than you might think! Although it is a completely biodegradable material, coir can take years to decompose fully due to its tough bristle nature.

5. Used for cosmetic products

Coir naturally has a neutral pH level and is completely non-toxic, which makes it perfect for the cosmetic and beauty industry. As a result of these properties and its rough texture, coir can be used for personal care exfoliant products, to gently remove dead skin cells and even out skin texture.

6. It is safe for pets

As coir is absorbent and non-toxic, it is perfect for animal bedding, especially for reptiles. Its naturally occurring properties allow you to create a comfortable and safe environment for reptiles, minimising odours and keeping the space clean.

7. Can replace peat moss

For those who love gardening, coir can replace peat moss, an organic fibrous material that is used as a planting medium. Peat moss is a non-renewable material that releases large amounts of CO2 when harvested, which is why coir has become a preferred alternative.

8. Coir goes way back!

Coir is not a present-day material, in fact, it dates back to the Ramayana period around 500 to 100 BCE (Before the Common Era). Coir was used in South Asia to create tools, boats, rope, building materials, as well as floor furnishings.

9. Found in an abundance

A single coconut palm tree can produce up to 75 coconuts a year, with approximately 61 million tonnes of coconuts being produced worldwide.

10. Where does the term ‘coir’ originate from?

The term ‘coir’ derives from the 1580s, translating to ‘kayar’ in Malayalam (a Dravidian language spoken in the Indian state of Kerala) which means cord or rope.

So, there you have it, our 10 interesting facts about coir!

Here at Grimeford Mill, we reap the many benefits of coir by manufacturing high-quality coir matting products. Our coir mats are durable, PVC-backed, and are supplied in a variety of colours and sizes to suit your requirements. Please feel free to browse our fantastic range of products on our website today or contact us on 01772 330051, and we will answer any questions that you might have.