Now, blended coir yarn to boost exports

KOCHI: The new-blended coir yarn developed by the Central Coir Research Institute (CCRI) could lead to a surge in the value added exports in the coir sector. The yarn made from 20% sisal and 80% coir fibre is flexible enough to make a series of products that are not possible from the coir yarn. With the commercialisation of the technology, the coir sector could free itself from the dominance of mats and related products.

“We have been working on this for the last seven years trying out different fibres compatible with coir and then finding methods to blend it,” says US Sharma, head of CCRI. The institution has developed a new loom for weaving the yarn and has fashioned several products.

According to Mr Sharma, sisal is a longer fibre having more strength, luster and feel. The runnage is 1,300 m per kg against 240 m per kg for coir. Consequently it lends itself well for new products. CCRI has already made upholstery, curtain and Venetian blinds from the new product. The main grouse against coir is its inflexibility in adapting to new products and the absence of soft feel.

Coir industry is virtually monopolised by coir mats and matting products which account for the lion’s share of Rs 508 crore exports. Recently, geo-textiles and coir pith have been causing some stirring in the export market. “The new yarn will allow coir products to go up the wall from the floor,” Mr Sharma said. The export markets have been demanding new products with softer feel. The coir-sisal blended yarn could meet these properties.

CCRI is all set to file a patent for the product. It will the present the process to National Research Development Centre which will facilitate transfer of technology. At present sisal is produced only in few pockets of the country. For bulk quantity, it needs to be imported from Tanzania and other places.