Coconut coir, often referred to as "coco coir," is a natural fiber extracted from the husk of coconuts. It’s a versatile, eco-friendly material used in everything from gardening and agriculture to home décor and industrial products. But how does this humble husk transform into useful products? Let’s explore the fascinating journey of coconut coir. Step-by-Step Process of Making Coconut Coir Products 1. Harvesting and Husk Collection The process begins with the collection of mature coconuts. Once the edible part is removed, the outer husk—rich in fibrous material—is separated for coir production. 2. Retting (Soaking) The husks are soaked in water to soften the fibers. This traditional method, called retting, can take several weeks. In modern setups, mechanical retting or chemical treatments may be used to speed up the process. 3. Fiber Extraction After retting, the softened husks are fed into de-fibering machines that separate the long fibers fro...
In a landmark decision against greenwashing, Italy's competition authority has fined the fast-fashion giant Shein €1 million for misleading consumers about the environmental impact of its products. The penalty comes after a months-long investigation by the Italian Competition Authority (AGCM) that found the company's sustainability claims to be vague, generic, and, in some cases, false or misleading. This is the second such fine for Shein in Europe, following a similar penalty in France. The AGCM's investigation focused on several of Shein's online claims and collections, including its "evoluSHEIN by design" line. The regulator concluded that Shein's marketing led consumers to believe these products were made from eco-friendly materials and were fully recyclable, which the authority found to be untrue given the fibers used and the current recycling systems in place. The AGCM also took issue with Shein's broader, public commitments to reduce greenhouse ...