Originally, Cocona® technology was designed as a coating for a Chemical Defense program to adsorb (yes, ad not ab) chemical agents into the carbon pores so that they would not come into contact with the users skin. The coatings ended up being too "messy" to use for apparel. So, Dr. Greg Haggquist invented a way to permanently embed the activated coconut carbon into polymers.

There is a large demand for performance fabrics that provide multiple benefits. To date, these performance features have largely been obtained through finishing fabrics with various chemical additives. In some cases, there are multiple finishing stages which end up costing additional dollars and sacrificing hand / aesthetics. Cocona® fabrics and yarn were developed to provide multiple attributes (Evaporative cooling, UV protection, odor resistance and, with some fabric constructions, static resistance) that are permanently in the fiber and won't wash out.

Cocona® technology utilizes recycled coconut shells (not the husks!) that would have gone to landfills. Suppliers convert the coconut shells into activated carbon, primarily for the air and water filtration industries. We purchase the particles that are too small to use in water and air filters, make them even smaller, apply our patented process, and license the best mills to embed these active particles inside man-made fibers like polyester and nylon.

No. Activated coconut carbon is used to filter air, water and also to treat waste water. Additionally, activated carbon is used as medicine in Europe for upset stomachs and to remove toxins from overdose victims in the emergency room.

Yes. Our product must be handled in a certain way to keep the particles active throughout the finishing process. All styles and garments are being certified in our lab to ensure that the consumer derives all of the benefits we claim. Each of our suppliers is licensed, along with our brand partners to ensure quality and performance.

It is recommended to use scent-free detergents to obtain maximum performance. Care instructions should be based on the fabric and garment construction, Cocona® fabrics should be washed at the temperature recommended by the garment and fabric maker.

Fabrics made with Cocona® yarn should be dried using a clothes dryer to renew the yarn properties. For maximum performance, do NOT use a dryer sheet or any scented products. Garment and fabric construction determine how long the item should be dried. Air drying is possible, but odor management performance is maximized when using a heat source to dry.

Cocona® fabrics offer an all-in-one, natural solution. By all-in-one, we mean that the technology incorporated into the yarns and fibers provides the ultimate in evaporative cooling, odor management and UV protection without adding steps and costs for additional finishes. By using natural ingredients incorporated into yarns and fibers, there are no harsh chemicals or topical treatments to irritate the skin.

Evaporative Cooling speaks to how Cocona® technology rapidly moves perspiration over an enormous surface area (created by the pores of the activated carbon)and accelerates evaporation similar to how your body cools itself. Another example would be wiping a chalkboard with a damp towel. The moisture quickly evaporates as it spread over a large porous surface.

Moisture Management is a fabric term that describes how materials wick, absorb, and transfer perspiration. Normally chemicals or fiber "channels" are used to help synthetic fibers with very low "wet pick up" to absorb more moisture. Chemicals wash off and wear out. Neither chemicals or stylized fibers are as effective as Cocona® technology in drytime, nor do they provide the multiple benefits.

Cocona, Inc. developed the OAV rating system to educate consumers on the odor management effectiveness of Cocona® fabrics. The rating system is based on an ASTM standard for measuring the activity level of activated carbon. Cocona, Inc. has determined that an OAV of at least 15 is needed for noticeable odor adsorption.

Adsorption - the adhesion in an extremely thin layer of molecules (as of gases, solutes, or liquids) to the surfaces of solid bodies or liquids with which they are in contact. Adsorbance is the addition of a molecule to a surface of a molecule.

Absorption - to suck up or take up (a sponge absorbs water). In the case of absorbance, the molecule being absorbed is taken up into the internal network of the absorbing material. Absorbed water molecules are not easily evaporated.

Cocona® performance is increased when laundering includes use of a dryer. For maximum performance, do NOT use a dryer sheet or any scented products. Garment and fabric construction determine how long an item should be dried. Air drying is possible, but odor management performance is maximized when using a heat source to dry.

Cocona® technology is permanent because it is incorporated into the yarn or fiber. The benefits of the technology will be retained or improved over the life of the garment. Unlike topical finishes, Cocona® technology will not wash off or wear out.

Cocona® yarns and fibers are considered green because they utilize natural technology™ derived from activated carbon made from recycled coconut shells.

In normal everyday usage, it is very unlikely that the pores of the activated carbon will become clogged. The pores can become saturated by excessive exposure to odors, but the activated carbon can be renewed by normal washing and drying.

First, you need to understand that there are two types of bamboo fabrics.

Bamboo viscose is a beautiful, silky fabric that is purely for fashion and hand. It is not a performance fabric. In fact, bamboo viscose is no better than ordinary cotton in terms of dry time.

There is also a bamboo charcoal product currently being marketed on a limited basis. It yields a fabric similar to Cocona® in that it promises fast dry times. However, the patented process from Cocona, Inc. keeps a greater amount of particles active during the creation of enhanced fibers. Consequently, the performance of Cocona® fabrics is superior to that of bamboo.

Both bamboo fabrics are typically unbranded, unsupported commodities. Performance claims by bamboo charcoal are not supported with regular testing or certification. As commodity fabrics, anyone can use these.

Cocona, Inc. is the original inventor, developer and marketer of Cocona® natural technology™. Cocona, Inc. tests and certifies each of its fabrics. Only certain, top quality mills have been licensed to produce Cocona® fabrics and yarns. Only the best brands are licensed to use Cocona® fabrics and yarns. The Cocona® brand is supported with advertising, promotions, public relations, hang tags, point of sale materials and training. The Cocona® website proudly references its brand partners and promotes Cocona® garments from these quality brand partners.