Eco Seagrass
Natural Fibre Alternative
This article looks \\\\ at Eco Seagrass, the eco characteristics of this natural material.
Description
- Seagrass, the salt marsh grass plant is grown in water flooded paddy or sea fields
- Leaves are harvested by hand, dried and spun into thick fibres
- Natural colours are green and light brown tones
- Naturally smooth outer skin with a soft sheen
- Course basket weave, fine and standard weave herringbone and cross weave patterns available with wefts of other natural fibres to add colour
- Natural irregularities in colour and weave
Uses
- Flooring: floor coverings, rugs - suitable for low traffic areas, not suitable for stairs
- Walls: woven wall coverings
- Accessories: baskets, woven goods
- Architectural: Roof thatching
Advantages
- High stain resistance
- Good anti static properties
- Naturally fire resistant
- Good noise and impact absorption properties
- Good thermal insulating properties
- Minimal moisture absorption unlike other natural fibres
- Low to medium cost
- Comfortable underfoot
Disadvantages
- Natural colour will fade over time
- Difficult to clean
- May require frequent cleaning
- Fibres cannot be dyed
- Furniture will make indentations
- Chairs on rollers will damage woven floor coverings
- Fibres may react to altering climates and humidity
Embodied Energy
- Manufacturing is mostly done by hand, thus low embodied energy levels
- Importing the material and product into global countries adds considerably to the level of embodied energy through transportation and distribution
Source/Origin
- Farmed and harvested along the coast or riverbanks in Southeast Asia, China and Vietnam
Renewable
Environment & health
- Some uncertainties about the use of pesticides and preservatives during farming and the production process
- Adhesives can be water based, low VOCs or zero VOCs
- Floor coverings are typically backed with latex or urethane to prevent the installation adhesive seeping through
- Seek water based adhesives
Performance
Recyclable
Disposal / Biodegradable
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