Natural fibers have started to get many people’s attention. It used to have a limited function as certain product or stuffing, however, natural fibers made out of kapok can turn into the next-to-skin product. In other words, kapok fibers can work as an ideal material for linen, stuffing, to insulators. So, how good it is? Here are some pros and cons you need to learn about kapok.

The Pros                                         

When talking about the pros or the positive effect of kapok, the answer goes to its organic status. The material is produced and gathered from Ceiba Pentandra or Kapok tree. It is a tropical tree that strives in the rainforest without any human needs. That means the tree will produce the fabric without the need for chemicals, pesticides, or fertilizer.

It makes the material safer and chemical-free. The production is also done manually. It includes hand-picked yield, breaking the pod, and separating the fiber and seed with hand. Not only that, this organic fiber has high buoyancy, is soft, and is light. It is considered equal to down feathers and silk cotton. Moreover, it is easy to deteriorate in the nature that makes it most sustainable in the market.

The Cons

Kapok fibers also have their contradiction or downside. Ironically the softness of the material only makes the fiber impossible to spin and yarn. That is why it is mostly used as stuffing for a pillow, bed, or jacket. However, the recent technology can give the solution to yarn kapok. The best way to do it is by blending with other fabrics such as cotton and synthetic.

In general, kapok is a good sustainable material for linen, stuffing, and many other functions. It has good insulation properties and is considered equal to down feathers. It is also as good as cotton due to its fine quality. However, new high-end machinery is needed to yarn the fibers into linen. It is because the soft fiber cannot spin alone by itself.