Coco Mats – Environmentally Green Matting
by Patricia Paljen, PhD (Ecology)
Coco Mats (also called coir mats) are one of the most effective and most environmentally sound entrance mats available today. Their ability to remove dirt and debris along with its durability, even if the most heavily-trafficked locations, has made it popular not only for eco-conscious commercial purchasers, but for residential consumers as well. Coco matting can be implemented in a variety of settings and is available with several different features, which will be explored in further detail.
Whereas traditional floor mats are made from a nylon carpeted surface, coco mats come from coconut husk fibers. The outer shell of the coconut is stripped down into thin, coarse strands. Once these strands are cured, they are then bundled and twisted to give them strength and increased crush-resistance.
Coco Mats: How are they constructed?
Coco Mat Thickness Options:
Coco matting is available in 1/2", 5/8”, 3/4", 1” and 1 ¼” thicknesses in its natural coco husk color. The 3/4" thick version is also available in charcoal (black), grey and brown. The appropriate thickness must be selected for recessed applications where the coco mat is inlaid into the floor (to be flush with the surrounding finished floor). For example, a recess which is 1” deep would require a corresponding 1” thick recessed coco mat. For surface-mounted applications where the mat is simply laid on top of the floor, thicknesses from 1/2" to 3/4" are appropriate.
Cleaning Your
These durable floor mats are easy to clean and maintain. Regular vacuuming will remove most of the day-to-day dirt and debris that these mats remove from people’s shoes. Additionally, these mats can be hosed off and hung to dry. Hot water extraction cleaning will remove the dirt more deeply embedded in the fibers and backing of the mat. Please realize that shedding will naturally occur given the material and construction of this entrance mat.
LEED Credits:
Coco Mats are made from coconut fiber husks, a naturally renewable resource. The deep pile construction traps and holds dirt particles below the surface, even in high-traffic areas. Thus, this product may help qualify for LEED MR Credit 6 as well as LEED Indoor Environmental Quality LEED MR Credit 5.
Custom Shapes and Sizes:
Vinyl backed coco matting is made in rolls with widths of 6’ 7” and up to 40’ long. Given this manufacturing method, these mats can be cut into custom shapes and sizes. Rounded sides, notch-outs for revolving doors are just a few examples. Custom sizes can often be achieved to within a fraction of an inch.
Coco Logo Mats:
Coco Logo Mats are also a popular type of entrance mat. The logo can either be flocked (or felted) onto the surface of the mat or dyed to produce the desired colors and image/text. Flocked Logo Coco Mats are used most often for short-term, promotional events, such as a retail store running a new promotion or a home builder placing one at the front door of each new house. The latter process is a sturdier, durable method used for commercial applications.
Coco matting is a versatile, effective door mat that is available in a number of formats. Its variety of styles, thicknesses and uses have made it a popular choice for entrance of hotels, office/apartment buildings, banks, retail shops and residential homes just to name a few locations. With the added bonus that these mats are made from a renewable resource and qualify as environmentally friendly, cocoa mats are indeed one of the best matting choices overall.
