Nau turns to coconuts for insulation

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Nau's Insular Jacket features a lining that taps coconut-husk waste for warmth.

Nau announced Wednesday it developed a new all-natural insulation for winter wear made from coconut husks.

With its fall and winter collection for 2011, Nau will feature Cocona, a carbon-based insulation made from the industrial waste of coconut husks diverted from the food service industry. Nau will use a fiberfill that is 30 percent Cocona and 70 percent recycled polyester.

Cocona is derived from husks that have been reduced to charcoal and combined with polyester and then spun into a moisture-wicking fiber that boasts above average warmth-retention qualities.

"As a brand, we continue to source fibers that are sustainable without compromising the performance features of the finished product," said Peter Kallen, Nau design director, in a press release.

Nau's Insular Jacket, which sells for $355 will feature the Cocona lining.

Portland-based Nau was instrumental in launching the Outdoor Industry Association's Eco Index. That index entered the testing phase last month.

Nau is the second Portland company to announce its use of Cocona. Homeschool Snowboarding, which received an investment from the Portland Seed Fund in July, also uses the coconut-based fiber.

Cocona was developed by Boulder, Colo.-based Cocona Inc.

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