The Coir Board of India has been instrumental in promoting eco-friendly coir products in global markets, positioning them as sustainable alternatives worldwide. Established under the Coir Industry Act of 1953, the Coir Board operates under the Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) and is dedicated to the overall development of the coir industry in India. Its functions encompass scientific research, technological advancement, quality improvement, human resource development, and market promotion.

Coir Industry Overview

Coir, derived from the fibrous husk of coconuts, is a natural and biodegradable material. India is a leading producer of coir, contributing significantly to the global supply. The industry sustains more than 700,000 coir workers across various states, with approximately 80% of the workforce comprising women, highlighting its role in rural women empowerment.

Global Market Expansion

The Coir Board has been proactive in expanding the global footprint of Indian coir products. The export of coir and coir products from India has seen a substantial increase, crossing ₹4,000 crores from ₹1,400 crores during the period of the Modi government.

This growth underscores the rising international demand for eco-friendly and sustainable products.

Eco-Friendly Initiatives

Coir products have gained the “Eco Mark” certification by the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India, affirming their environmental friendliness. The Coir Board has been at the forefront of promoting coir as a sustainable alternative to synthetic materials. Innovations such as “Coir Pith” for water conservation, “Coir Geotextiles” for soil erosion control, and “Coir Wood” as a substitute for traditional timber exemplify the eco-friendly applications of coir.

Research and Development

The Coir Board’s research institutes are undertaking new R&D projects in collaboration with various CSIR units and universities, focusing on spinning and product diversification. These efforts have led to the invention of sophisticated machinery, enhancing the efficiency of processes from fiber extraction to the production of finished goods.

Infrastructure Development

To bolster domestic market presence, the Coir Board has established 30 outlets across the country, popularizing and selling coir products. Additionally, under the Scheme of Fund for Regeneration of Traditional Industries (SFURTI), 41 coir clusters have been approved, with 16 already operational. These initiatives aim to modernize the coir industry, making it more competitive and market-driven.

Quality Assurance and Standards

The Coir Board has been instrumental in setting quality standards for coir products. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has approved standards for coir geotextiles, ensuring that products meet specific quality benchmarks. This standardization enhances the credibility of Indian coir products in international markets.

Training and Skill Development

Recognizing the importance of skill development, the Coir Board has trained 6,474 women artisans over the last three years. These training programs aim to modernize the coir industry by equipping artisans with the necessary skills to produce high-quality products, thereby increasing their competitiveness in global markets.

Altus Exports: Facilitating Global Reach for Indian Manufacturers

Altus Exports is committed to delivering the best of India’s textiles, handicrafts, chemicals, and food products to the world. Our extensive network of trusted suppliers, manufacturers, and artisans across India enables us to offer a diverse range of products that meet international standards.

We prioritize quality at every step, from sourcing to packaging, ensuring that our products meet the highest standards. Our commitment to eco-friendly and ethical business practices aligns with the global demand for sustainable products.

Indian manufacturers looking to export their coir products can partner with us to leverage our global reach and market expertise. By collaborating with Altus Exports, manufacturers can access new markets, benefit from our extensive distribution network, and ensure that their products reach international consumers efficiently.

To explore partnership opportunities, visit our Manufacturer Partnership page:

Conclusion

The Coir Board’s initiatives have significantly enhanced the global presence of eco-friendly coir products, positioning them as sustainable alternatives worldwide. Through research, quality assurance, infrastructure development, and skill enhancement, the Board continues to drive the growth of the coir industry. Collaborations with export partners like Altus Exports further facilitate the reach of Indian coir products in international markets, contributing to a more sustainable global economy.