Rohmaterial Kokos für Ruckstuhl Teppiche – Plantage
natural fibre

Coconut

Nature in its most resilient form.
Coir fiber comes from the protective husk of the coconut. Ruckstuhl processes yarns from Sri Lanka into exceptionally durable carpets and carpets with a distinctive texture and natural patina.
Weltkarte für die internationale Darstellung von Ruckstuhl
origin Sri Lanka

Hardly any plant is as closely associated with tropical coastal landscapes as the coconut palm. For centuries, it has shaped regions along the Indian Ocean and Southeast Asia and is considered one of the most important cultivated plants there.

Ruckstuhl processes coconut fibers from long-standing partnerships in Sri Lanka. The yarn is spun and dyed in Europe before the carpets are made in Langenthal — partly still on historic machines from the 1960s.

Coconut fiber is obtained from the outer husk of the coconut—the protective shell of the fruit of the coconut palm (Cocos nucifera). Almost every part of the palm is used—from the wood and leaves to the fruit. The fiber itself comes from that resilient husk which protects the coconut from saltwater, sun, and long journeys across the sea. This natural protective function explains the material’s exceptional durability. Coconut is classified as a hard fiber and is among the most durable plant fibers worldwide.

The surface appears dry, clearly structured, and has a characteristic depth that develops further with use. The fiber extraction process is still largely manual today. The coconut husks are soaked in water for months to loosen the fibers. They are then dried, sorted, combed, and spun into yarn. The entire process from harvest to finished yarn can take up to two years. About 13,000 coconuts are needed to produce one ton of coconut yarn.

Especially carpets like Calicut have stood for decades as a combination of primitive natural fiber, technical durability, and precise Swiss craftsmanship. Coconut is antistatic, resilient, and dimensionally stable.

At the same time, the fiber develops over time the characteristic patina typical of natural materials, which gives them a lively appearance. Especially in heavily used spaces, coconut shows its special quality: durable, calm, and long-lasting.
  • Exceptionally durable and pressure-resistant
  • Electrostatically neutral
  • Sound-insulating and regulating the indoor climate
  • Distinctive surface
  • Develops a natural patina with use
Features in detail
  • Coconut has a regulating effect on the indoor climate, as it can absorb up to 420 grams of moisture per square meter, which is 20% of its own weight.
  • Coconut has a cooling effect in summer and a warming effect in winter. It is suitable for all seasons.
  • Coconut is soundproof.
  • Coconut is "flame retardant."
  • Coconut is electrostatically neutral.
  • Coconut is resistant to moisture.
  • Coconut is resistant to pressure.
  • Coconut has antibacterial properties.
Figures & Facts
  • Coconut fibers are obtained from the fibrous husk of the coconut fruit.
  • To process one ton of fibers, 13,000 coconuts must be processed.
What is coconut fiber?

Coir fiber is obtained from the resilient husk of the coconut. Ruckstuhl processes fibers from Sri Lanka, which are spun and dyed into yarn in Europe and subsequently woven into carpets in Langenthal. Its characteristic features are the dry surface, clear structure, and high resistance to pressure.

Are there made-to-measure coconut fiber carpets?

Yes. Ruckstuhl manufactures made-to-measure coir rugs and coir carpets. Depending on the product, different formats, colorways, running directions, and edgings are possible.

How does a coir carpet change with use?

coir develops a material-typical patina through light, use, and time. The surface may appear more subdued and nuanced in color without losing its distinctive character. This aging is part of the material’s natural appearance and is not a quality defect.

rugs made of Coconut