The eco-friendly coir is finding new uses. It is now being used in homes as a sound barrier on compound walls and for landscaping.

Innovative applications of coir and other new development in the industry were discussed at Coir Kerala 2013, the trade event on coir and natural fibre products now underway in Alappuzha.

Anil K. R., Director of National Coir Research and Management Institute, the nodal agency for Coir Kerala which leads the R&D efforts in the State, said world over people are increasingly switching over to greener lifestyles. In Europe coir is finding a number of new uses.

In the Netherlands, coconut husk, from which the fibrous coir is extracted, is being used as a noise prevention solution in homes located along highways , in offices and around sporting arenas.

Acoustical absorption property

Coir has an excellent acoustical absorption property and Dutch regional Governments are now recommending these coir-based solutions in places where environmentally sensitive noise reduction is required, he said.

These light-weight modular walls offer sound insulation of up to 35 decibels. Among the many advantages, these modular construction barriers are easily transported and installed without the need for any special substructure.

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

Coir also retains moisture for long periods so plants trailing on a yarn wall need less watering than on other surfaces. These fixtures are appealing and reduce the use of environmentally damaging materials, he added.

“If the Europeans can come up with these wonderful designs using a material that they need to import, I’m sure we can do the same, perhaps even more here in Kerala, where we have coir on hand and in plenty,” Anil said.

>sajeevkumar.v@thehindu.co.in

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