Coir: Transforming Coconut Husk into Sustainable Textiles

Coir fibre, obtained from the outer husk of the coconut (Cocos nucifera L.), is a renewable and biodegradable natural material widely produced in tropical regions. This chapter provides an overview of coir, including its origin, structure, composition, and types, as well as the importance of coconut husk utilization in supporting sustainable resource management. The processing of coir fibres—from retting and extraction to cleaning, bleaching, dyeing, and drying—is described. The chapter also highlights the diverse applications of coir in textiles, construction, geotextiles, environmental remediation, agriculture, and automotive components. In addition, key challenges in coir textile production, such as fibre stiffness, variability, and processing limitations, are discussed. Finally, the future potential of coir textiles is outlined in the context of sustainable materials, green fashion, and growing global demand for eco-friendly products.