Water treatment sites were established that greatly improved the quality of life in some regions. The greatest focus was on fibers extracted from coconut husks. These could be used in place of polyurethane in creating sun visors, headrests, seatbacks, cushions and armrests. Fiber-molded components include inner pads but not the covering materials. A major advantage of using coconut fiber is that, unlike petroleum-derived polyurethane, it's recyclable and biodegradable.
Coconut fiber is fungus-free because it contains tannin, a natural fungicide.
In a manufactured state, lifecycle of the fibers is estimated at 90 years. Mitschein touted the high comfort level of cushions and seatbacks. He said coconut fibers allow ventilation and air circulation, noting that Brazilian taxi drivers are strong advocates. Long hours in hot, tiny cars prompted a group of cabbies to try to get the federal government to introduce legislation prohibiting the use of uncomfortable synthetic seat padding. The coconut fiber and latex blend for seats also offers an ergonomically desirable rebound after it's depressed, Mitschein said.