Flocus is an ingredient brand, an innovative and vertical involved solution provider from farm to end product. We work with farmers – sort the fiber and produce yarns – non-wovens – fabric and more with supply-chain partners.
The kapok tree is regenerative and supports the eco-system, it grows organic and avoids using agricultural land. The tree provides a climate positive fiber which has many versatile and high performing properties unique for natural fibers. It can be applied in commercial and industrial textiles. Flocus introduce different product option to the market with the aim to revive the kapok industry and such we humans can help to heal the planet by planting more trees and benefit from the fruit it provides.
the tree is growing in the wild but also supports polycropping, can provide farmer a good income, the grow on hill slopes which also provides commercial opportunities for indigenous people/tribes. It can avoid erosion, preserve water and does what all trees are good at…storing carbon and nitrogen, providing fresh oxygen etc etc. All by just natural input (rain – sun – groundwater). Flocus also aligns with a bee association to support the bees and also improve the pollination of the flower, which increased the yield for the farmer. An ideal tree to scale up and for us all to benefit!
where does it grow
In subtropical countries; southe east Asia / west Africa / South and mid America.
what are the by products
Besides fiber, we obtain seeds which provides oil and meal, we have the skin which is currently used in roasting and for energy but we are seeing other more valuable options. The whole fruit (non-food crop) is used .
How often can the tree be harvested
once a year
what are the outstanding properties of the fiber
Many but to focus: It is a comfortable cotton-silky touch to skin, it is hydrophobic in raw which is unique for natural fibers, It absorbs oil better than any synthetic product (and not water - to be applied in filtration). It s hollow and as insulating as down (it actually never freezes) on thermoregulation, but also sound absorbing, the fiber is 5times lighter than cotton and polyester, hypoallergenic etc etc.
what products marktes is the fiber suitable for
Apparel (Fashion - sportswear - hometextiles - workwear) - automotive - construction - filtration - medical - geo-textiles etc. etc.
Why has this fiber not been used before?
It has and still is been used as a stuffer for pillows / matrasses / cushions / toys but it is actually been a forgotten fiber as well as the fiber is shorter in length and lightweight with in that case needs additional management in production. Now however with new technologies and focus on footprint reduction this fiber has amzing properties which will allow material even perform better than polyester. Flocus has been ensuring that the process industry understand how to work with this fiber and how to educate the clients on this material.
How much kapok is available
There is worldwide little research - we currently source mainly from Indonesia because over 100years ago there was a commercial industry - where is at this moment enough kapok but we foresee the potential of this fiber and than for sure we need to scale up the trees. And this is the area where we would really see the benefit for the planet and also the commercial markets.
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