Kapok is a tropical tree, native to South-East Asia and West-Africa. The word is also
used for the fibre obtained from its seed pods. The tree grows up to 70 m and has
therefore often been used as a border tree. About 400 seed pods are on a tree and
give about 2 kg of Kapok fibre.
Harvest:
The leaves are shed during the dry season and flowers appear. The fruit of the Kapok
tree turns into a capsule of about 20 cm length. The process of harvesting and
separating the fibre is labour-intensive and manual.
Processing:
Kapok is a seed fibre similar to cotton. When the seed pods are opened, the fibres
are removed and dryed in the sun. After that, seeds are separated, which can be
done either by hand or machines.
Characteristics:
Kapok is a white to yellowish fibre with good elasticity. It is 6 times as light as
cotton. Due to natural substances Kapok is resistant to mold and bacteria. Kapok
is an air-filled hollow fibre of 2-4 cm length. The fibre consists of about 80% of air
which gives a good natural thermo-regulation to any item made of Piumafil®. Due
to its fibre construction Kapok allows good air-circulation.
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