The final phase has begun for the development of the scheme for responsibly produced coir. The first coir companies will test the scheme. This is likely to be completed by early 2025.
Last year, RHP, knowledge center for substrates, organized a meeting on developing this scheme with coir companies, traders, retailers, scheme owners, NGOs and industry associations worldwide. In the meantime, the scheme has been worked hard with each other and various stakeholders have provided feedback. With the scheme now available, the final phase will be started. At a number of companies that produce coir, the independent certifying body IMO will do an audit with the new coir scheme. During such an audit of the company, an auditor will also check whether the scheme is completely clear. These field tests at companies are likely to be completed by early 2025. And then the scheme can be finalized.
The scheme for responsibly produced coir describes social and environmental aspects for the responsible production of the substrate raw material coir. For example, a safe and healthy working environment for personnel. Consider protection from coir dust, heat and dehydration with adequate personal protection for the safe operation of machinery. There are also requirements in the schedule on judicious use of water and chemicals at processing sites. And proper treatment of wastewater is also important to prevent water shortages or pollution.