Trivandrum: With a view to promoting eco-friendly and sustainable products, the Thiruvananthapuram-based National Coir Research and Management Institute under the Department of Coir, Govt of Kerala collaborated with EY Global Delivery Services to organise a coir products-making initiative. This event ‘Threads of Sustainability’ is being held at Trivandrum & Kochi centres of EY between 27 November to 5 December 2023.
The National Coir Research and Management Institute (NCRMI) has developed 100% natural and biodegradable coir grow bags that are lightweight, flexible, and long-lasting. It is ideal for city, rooftop, balcony, and patio gardeners. These bags are perfect for producing vegetables, fruits, flowers, herbs, and indoor plants. Because coir has a good water-holding capacity, it promotes adequate drainage and aeration. It is biodegradable, porous, and hygroscopic.
The initiative is supported by EY Global Delivery Services (EY GDS) as a part of their Corporate Responsibility programme to accelerate environmental sustainability. Approximately 2,000 employees from EY GDS participated in making the grow bags at their Kochi and Trivandrum offices while over 100 employees will be trained in making the coir mat at NCRMI. The four different varieties of historical coir frame mats are sinnet mat, corridor mat, mesh mat, and rope mat.
Speaking to Kerala Biz News, Abhishek Chandu, Director of NCRMI said, “The response has been tremendous and this initiative will help bring awareness and knowledge amongst their employees to use and design sustainable products. For two days, training is provided on a coir-frame mat. NCRMI provides all of the raw materials required for the training. We are making about 500 grow bags on a daily basis during the event. This initiative will benefit the coir cooperatives as well as the latex/rubber growers.”
The Coir Grow Bag is a truly sustainable product that is both ecologically and economically viable, as well as socially acceptable. The use of innovative, sustainable, biodegradable, and 100% natural coir grow bags made of treated coir brings us one step closer to a greener, more balanced ecology. The aim is to distribute these grow bags and mats as a part of a campaign promoting sustainable products leading to a greener environment.
Anil Philip
Kerala Biz News