Coir has a long history of use, dating back centuries when it was utilized by navigators for ropes, rigging, and ship cables. In the 19th century, it was also recorded as a material for floor coverings in England and India. Today, coir continues to serve a variety of purposes, from rugs and doormats to plant pots, hanging basket liners, and even as a gardening material that promotes growth. It’s also used in erosion control blankets and is sometimes included in potting mixes.

The versatile structure of coir lends itself to numerous applications. It is used to make yarn, brushes, insulation panels, and packaging materials. In the upholstery industry, coir is valued for its eco-friendly properties and is often used on its own or bonded with rubber in products like car seats, mattresses, sofas, and other furniture. Coir is also combined with rubber or timber veneers to create a sustainable alternative to plywood, contributing to the conservation of tropical trees that would otherwise be logged for wood products.