Redefining Erosion Control and Geotechnics through Sustainable Coir

How Salike is setting new standards in engineering-led, regenerative erosion control solutions for the UK market

As the environmental, regulatory and engineering demands placed upon land management continue to intensify, the erosion control and geotechnical sectors are undergoing a period of material change. Specifiers, contractors and asset owners alike are increasingly required to deliver solutions that combine demonstrable engineering performance with robust sustainability credentials and reduced carbon impact. Within this evolving landscape, traditional synthetic-led approaches are being reassessed in favour of materials and systems that offer both technical reliability and long-term environmental responsibility.

At the forefront of this transition stands Salike®, a specialist manufacturer and supplier of premium coir-based erosion control and geotechnical solutions. Drawing upon natural materials and rigorous engineering design, Salike® delivers products engineered to stabilise, protect and regenerate land, without leaving behind the enduring environmental legacy commonly associated with synthetic alternatives.

With more than two decades of operational experience across over fourteen countries, Salike® brings to the UK market a rare depth of expertise in coir-based systems, underpinned by disciplined engineering practice and an unwavering commitment to sustainable stewardship. The resulting portfolio does not simply mitigate erosion, but actively supports ecological recovery and long-term land resilience.

The case for coir in contemporary erosion control

Derived from coconut fibre, coir has long been recognised as one of nature’s most resilient and versatile materials. Its inherent tensile strength, durability and moisture-retention properties make it particularly well suited to erosion control and geotechnical applications. Crucially, its biodegradable nature ensures that once its functional role has been fulfilled, it returns safely to the soil, enriching it rather than polluting it.

Unlike synthetic products, which may persist in the environment long after their purpose has been served, coir-based systems provide stabilisation during critical establishment phases before degrading naturally. In doing so, they support vegetation growth, improve soil structure and contribute positively to the surrounding ecosystem.

Salike’s approach elevates coir from a traditional natural material to a high-performance, engineering-led solution. Through careful fibre selection, product testing and life-cycle assessment, Salike® ensures that every product delivers predictable, reliable performance in real-world conditions — from riverbanks and embankments to highways, infrastructure corridors and landscape restoration schemes.

Coir Netting: Engineered surface stabilisation

Salike’s coir netting range forms a cornerstone of effective surface erosion control. Manufactured in a variety of mesh configurations, yarn thicknesses and tensile strengths, Salike® coir netting is engineered to secure topsoil, protect seedbeds and facilitate rapid vegetation establishment on slopes and other vulnerable surfaces.

Available in multiple grades to suit differing site conditions, the netting provides an optimal balance between strength and permeability, allowing water to pass through while maintaining soil stability. As vegetation establishes and matures, the netting gradually biodegrades, leaving behind a rooted, stabilised surface — a discreet yet highly effective solution with no long-term environmental burden.

Erosion Control Blankets: Performance with regenerative intent

For applications requiring enhanced protection, Salike® erosion control blankets offer a robust and dependable solution. Manufactured from carefully selected coir fibres, these blankets provide consistent ground coverage, excellent soil contact and high durability, ensuring reliable erosion control even in high-flow or high-exposure environments.

Beyond immediate stabilisation, Salike® erosion control blankets are designed explicitly with regeneration in mind. Their structure supports moisture retention and root development, creating favourable conditions for vegetation to establish and thrive. This emphasis on regenerative outcomes reflects Salike’s philosophy that erosion control should function as a restorative intervention, rather than a temporary or purely defensive measure.

Coir Logs: Natural solutions for linear erosion challenges

Salike® coir logs, also known as coir rolls, provide an effective and visually sympathetic solution for linear erosion challenges along riverbanks, shorelines and drainage channels. Commonly employed for toe protection, flow deflection and bank stabilisation, these cylindrical products combine mass, flexibility and biodegradability within a single, robust system.

Available in a range of diameters and densities to accommodate varying hydraulic conditions, Salike® coir logs offer immediate erosion protection while simultaneously creating a supportive environment for marginal and aquatic vegetation. In addition to standard units, Salike® supplies pre-planted coir logs, enabling accelerated ecological integration and enhanced environmental outcomes.

Coir Pallets and Geocells: Structural support, naturally delivered

Where structural reinforcement is required, Salike® coir pallets and coir geocells provide effective load distribution and ground stabilisation without reliance on synthetic polymers. Coir pallets offer a stable foundation for soft landscaping, natural ponds, riverbanks and access routes, while coir geocells introduce three-dimensional confinement that enhances soil stability on slopes and load-bearing areas.

These systems demonstrate that natural materials, when engineered with precision and intent, can rival — and in many cases exceed — the performance of conventional solutions, while remaining fully aligned with sustainability, carbon-reduction and regenerative design objectives.

A global legacy, focused on the UK

While Salike’s manufacturing capability and project experience extend across more than twelve countries, its focus on the UK market reflects a clear and deliberate ambition: to become the most respected and trusted provider of premium coir-based erosion control and geotechnical solutions nationwide.

Working closely with UK contractors, consultants and specifiers, Salike® offers not only high-quality products, but also technical guidance, specification support and bespoke manufacturing solutions where required. This collaborative, engineering-led approach ensures that each intervention is appropriate to its environment, compliant with regulatory frameworks, and aligned with long-term performance expectations.

Leadership through quality and responsibility

Salike’s position within the sector is founded on more than longevity alone. It is defined by uncompromising quality standards, ethical manufacturing practices and a commitment to measurable sustainability. From life-cycle assessments to carbon advantage and regenerative outcomes, Salike’s solutions are supported by evidence rather than assertion.

As the erosion control, bioengineering and geotechnical disciplines continue to evolve, Salike® is establishing a clear benchmark: effective solutions that do not cost the earth, but actively aid and heal it. For UK organisations seeking erosion control systems that unite engineering integrity with environmental responsibility, Salike represents not merely a supplier, but a long-term partner in land protection and regeneration.