When synthetic materials haven’t hit the globe, Kapok Randu is one of the best fillings in the whole world. It even stated that the production in the 1900s was pretty much the biggest commodity in Indonesia and worldwide. However, in the 2000s, many kapok manufacturers production was depleting. Is it gone? Here is what you should know beforehand.
About The Fiber Itself
If you never heard about this multipurpose natural fiber, then highly possible you have been living in the modern world. It is not your fault, since the world is always striving to advance technology and lives. One of the effects is the production of synthetic material, which turns the table over. Its popularity soars since it is easy to make and affordable.
That explains why kapok loses its reputation. Kapok also has soft, buoyant, and light features, which overlap with the synthetic material. Along with the features, many people knows that the production of natural resource is not an easy feat. And so does to manufacture kapok fiber. It is extremely laborious, and it also needs a lot of manual works.
The particular long and difficult process turn kapok into one of the premium-like material. It is considered expensive. Together with cotton fiber, both of the natural fibers have decreased popularity. That is why many kapok manufacturers keep promoting their products in different forms. Such as seed meal (KSM), kapok seed oil, or developing kapok fabric.
The Vast Usage And It’s Future Potential
One thing for sure, this natural plant-based material should not or will not lose its charm. Kapok is always known as a multipurpose plant. The Ceiba Pentandra, ceiba for short, has a variance of usage and future potential. The fiber is available for filling or stuffing. Along with it, the manufacturer can blend it with cotton to create kapok fabric.
The bark contains antiseptic properties, which make it a potential source of traditional healing ointments. The wood is soft yet strong as well. Carpenter can cut down the old tree to make furniture and cultivate the younger ones. But one of the best potential parts of the tree ecosystem is the seed. People can extract the oil for kapok seed oil (KSO) and use the dried up seed for KSM.
The Growth In Export Rate
Based on Indonesian export data, the value of kapok export has plummeted from 1990 to 2012. In the 90s, it can reach up to 28.000 tons each year, but in 2012 it was only 1.500 tons a year. But it doesn’t mean there is no hope. The kapok seed is extremely anticipated these days; the chance of exporting the seed by-product soar to 100kg in the second quarter of 2020. So, let’s wait till kapok gain back its popularity.
As said in the explanation, it is very unfortunate that the world strives from natural products into more convenient options. Synthetic material is cheap, but it damages the world. It turns into a global concern, which somehow catapults back the kapok popularity. Natural fiber, oil, kapok seed meal, and biogas is once again owning potential. So, what are you waiting for? You can check kapokfibersuppliers.com.