Need Help? Call 
Coir, also known as coconut fiber, has a rich history dating back thousands of years. Historians believe coir was first used in the Indian subcontinent around 1500 BCE. Despite a lack of coconut trees in the European region, coir has been in use in Europe for centuries once the continent opened up to trade following the Middle Ages. It is believed that coir was first introduced to Europe during the time of the Roman Empire, which traded with coir-producing countries in the Indian subcontinent. Coir use became more widespread during the colonial period when European powers extensively brought back coconut-based products from the Asian region. Coir was historically used to make ropes and nets, which played an important role in seafaring! The fascinating history of coir gives us insights into our ancestors’ resourcefulness, cultural practices, and sustainable use of natural materials. Keep on reading to learn more about the history of coconut fibers, such as what is the origin and distribution of coir, what is the importance of coir, who are the major producers of coir, and last but not least, how is a coir made.
“Christmas Tree Farm” – Coir Christmas Outdoor Mats 18″ x 30″ Doormat
Original price was: $34.90.$26.18Current price is: $26.18.
“Oh, Christmas Tree!” – Vibrant Red Christmas Welcome Mat 18″ x 30″ Doormat
Original price was: $34.90.$26.18Current price is: $26.18.
Deciduous Tree – Modern Door Mat
Original price was: $34.90 – $58.90.$26.18 – $44.18Current price is: $26.18 – $44.18.
“Beware of Dog Welcome Mat”
- Doormat comes in 18″ x 30″
- Prepares visitors for your canine family member!
- UV resistance makes these doormats outside doormats
A Little Bit of Floor Protection: Each coco doormat gives a slight buffer against incoming foot traffic, giving your entryway’s sensitive surfacing a little floor protection. This coco coir doormat also has a base made out of PVC, providing a guard against the coir from touching your flooring.
Dirt Beware: Being a puppy lover, it is likely you are used to your furry friend tracking in outside dirt after a long walk. Coir is naturally thick, strong, and flexible, making it the perfect material for scraping under your shoes or your dog’s paws. Dirt stays trapped in these funny mats until you are ready to release them via a simple brush or shake. Let this beware of dog doormat wipe those paws and help protect your home from outside debris.
What Is the Origin and Distribution of Coir?
Coir originates from the Indian subcontinent, most likely India, and it has been in distribution in India and other Asian countries, like Sri Lanka and Maldives, for centuries. The first known record of coir comes from the Rigveda, an ancient Hindu religious text, which mentions the use of coir ropes in ceremonial rituals. Another Hindu text from around 1500 BCE mentions the process of using coconut fibers to make ropes and cordages. These records suggest that people were using coconut fibers to make things going back some 2,000 years! Coconut fibers were first introduced to Europe through Roman trade routes to Asia and Arab trade routes to the Mediterranean, according to academic research published by the University of California, Davis. The famous Italian explorer Marco Polo wrote about coconuts growing in the Sumatra, Andaman, and Nicobar Islands circa 1280 CE, which were exported to Arab and Mediterranean kingdoms during the Middle Ages. Historical records show that Arab traders brought coconut products from Maldives, Sri Lanka, and the East African islands. During the Roman period, coir fibers were imported from the Mediterranean to Britain, where they were used for making ropes, nets, and other cordage materials. These ropes played a crucial role in shipbuilding and rigging, which would hail the Age of Exploration. Around the 16th century, coconuts were already on Spanish and Portuguese ships that sailed to the New World and the Far East. These ships predominantly used cords and ropes made from coconut fibers. Coir use was so common among European explorers that Christopher Columbus even called the palm trees on the coast of Cuba “coconut trees” (he was wrong, unsurprisingly). It was the European seafarers who introduced coconut products to South America, and since then, coconut-fiber mats, ropes, and other products have become popular in the region. Coconut fiber-based products as we know them today began in the 18th century as Europe became industrialized. In 1840, a British entrepreneur named Thomas Treloar launched a business called “Treloar and Sons” in Ludgate Hill, England, which became the first modern company to manufacture coconut-fiber products. In the 21st century, people continue to improve upon this ancient practice of using coconut fibers to make highly durable and sustainable products.
“Beware of Dog Doormat” Kit Two 18″ x 30″ Doormats
Original price was: $69.80.$48.86Current price is: $48.86.
“Beware of Dog Welcome Mat” 18″ x 30″ Doormat
Original price was: $34.90.$26.18Current price is: $26.18.
“Beware of Kitty Cat Doormat” 18″ x 30″ Doormat
Original price was: $34.90.$26.18Current price is: $26.18.What Is the Importance of Coir?
Coir is important because it is a versatile, durable, long-lasting, resilient, and eco-friendly natural fiber that can be used in the manufacturing of various products. Coir fibers possess certain physical properties, like high tensile strength, that makes it sturdy and durable. The average coconut fiber ranges from four to 12 inches, making it suitable for applications that require robust materials. Moreover, coir fibers have a coarse texture, making the material exceptionally abrasive and perfectly suited for coconut matting products. Coir fibers also possess a high amount of a chemical known as lignin, which makes the bristles resistant to fungal and bacterial growth. This feature makes coconut fibers ideal for use in rainy or melting snow weather, as the material will not facilitate microorganism growth despite wet conditions, unlike synthetic variants. Coir is also pH neutral, which allows it to be highly compatible with various conditions in horticultural and agricultural usage. Moreover, coir fibers have high tensile strength, which means that the fibers can endure being pulled apart without breaking apart easily. This is another feature that makes coir a considerably better option than synthetic counterparts, as it will not easily succumb to everyday wear and tear. Additionally, coir attracts water while repelling heat. That means coconut fibers have a high water-absorbency rate, making the material very good at retaining moisture. Coir is a natural insulator and a flame retardant, which makes coir products much desired in the construction and bedding industries. While the mechanical and chemical properties of coir make it a highly desirable material, its significant appeal in modern times stems from its environmentally-friendly nature. Coconut fibers are biodegradable, and their production leaves a much lower environmental impact compared to the production of synthetic fibers, and as such, coir is a recommended material for those seeking eco-friendly and non-toxic consumer solutions.
“Casablanca Blue” – Outdoor Coco Mats 18″ x 30″ Doormat
Original price was: $34.90.$26.18Current price is: $26.18.
“Shiraz” Coir Welcome Mat 18″ x 30″ Doormat
Original price was: $44.90.$35.92Current price is: $35.92.
“Welcome Aboard Mat! Nautical Doormat” 18″ x 30″ Doormat
Original price was: $34.90.$26.18Current price is: $26.18.
“Welcome Home” Rubber Welcome Mats 18″ x 30″ Doormat
Original price was: $44.90.$33.68Current price is: $33.68.
Who Are the Major Producers of Coir?
The major producers of coir are India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Brazil, Vietnam, Thailand, and the Philippines. India is the largest producer and exporter of coir products in the world, with Sri Lanka following behind. Together, India and Sri Lanka amount to 90 percent of the global coconut fiber production, according to data from the Government of India. In India, the vast majority—around 60 percent—of coir is produced in the southern states of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka, where the tropical climate makes coconut palms abundant. The Indian government estimates that around 550,000 workers are employed in the local coir industry, which produces around 280,000 metric tons of coir a year. In Sri Lanka, coconut cultivation occurs mostly in home gardens in the southern and western parts of the island, where the palms grow freely without needing special cultivation. Coir is a major export industry and a source of foreign exchange for Sri Lanka. In 2022, Sri Lanka exported around 800 million dollars worth of coconut fibers, primarily to the United States, according to data published by the Sri Lanka Export Development Board. In Southeast Asia, Indonesia and the Philippines have become formidable competitors to production in South Asia. In 2020, Indonesia was only behind India in coconut fiber production, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. In recent years, Vietnam has also emerged as a significant player in the coir industry, thanks to a boost in coconut cultivation in the Mekong River Delta. Outside of Asia, Brazil is the only major producer of coconut fibers.
“A Gift! Merry Christmas Doormat” 18″ x 30″ Doormat
Original price was: $34.90.$26.18Current price is: $26.18.
“Chillin by the Shore” 18″ x 30″ Doormat
Original price was: $34.90.$26.18Current price is: $26.18.
“Hi I’m Mat” 18″ x 30″ Doormat
Original price was: $34.90.$26.18Current price is: $26.18.
Friends and Family “Christmas Decor” Kit Four 18″ x 30″ Doormats
Original price was: $139.60.$97.72Current price is: $97.72.How Is a Coir Made?
Coir is made by harvesting the inner layer of the coconut husk, curing it, and then milling the pulp to separate the fibers from byproducts in a long process that is only partly mechanized in modern times. Historically, the production of coir, from harvesting to milling, was done manually by workers who were skilled in the process. Today, some of these historical practices are still observable in coconut-producing countries in South Asia, especially during the steps where mechanization is not yet possible. The coir production starts by harvesting the coconuts, which is done by people who climb the tall palm trees to pluck the fruits from the canopies. Once harvested, the coconut shells are cracked open using special knives or spiked rods secured to the ground. Then, workers remove the fibrous inner layer of the fruit, which will then be cured in a process called “retting.” Coconut husks can be cured in seawater or freshwater, depending on the maturity of the fruit. The cured husks are then milled, usually by machines, to separate the coir fibers from the pulpy pith, which is used separately to produce things like organic mulch. The separated coir fibers are then dried in the sun before being shipped off to manufacturers to make brushes, nets, or covers. Some producers may additionally process the coir to dye the fibers or make them more or less abrasive. This is known as optional processing and is not a mandatory step in coir production. The history of coir reveals a fascinating trading journey that spans centuries and continents. From its origins in ancient Asian civilizations to its widespread use in modern times, coir has proven to be an enduring and versatile natural material. The historical accounts and documented evidence highlight the significance of coir due to its remarkable properties that have been difficult to replicate in synthetic materials while also preserving eco-friendliness. As we look to the future, coir continues to hold immense potential as a sustainable and renewable resource. Its versatility, combined with its eco-friendliness, makes coir a valuable material in various industries ranging from agriculture and horticulture to manufacturing and construction. The rich history and ongoing advancements in coir utilization emphasize its enduring significance as a natural material in a rapidly evolving world.