Cocona Receives Growth Funding

Longmont, Colo.-based Cocona Inc., formerly Traptek LLC, has received major funding from Boston-based Fairhaven Capital Partners — a venture capital firm that invests in early- to growth-stage companies — to help it with ongoing marketing and development efforts related to Cocona™ fabrics and its award-winning, environmentally sustainable activated carbon technology based on recycled coconut shells.

Cocona technology involves a proprietary process by which activated coconut carbon particles are embedded in fibers and yarns to provide evaporative cooling, odor control and ultraviolet protection properties. The carbon is encapsulated to protect it during the polymer extrusion process, and the protective layer is removed during finishing to allow the particles to provide the intended performance benefits. The technology is featured in apparel and other products from more than 45 brands in North America and Europe.

“We think that Cocona Inc. is the most exciting new fabric and film technology to come along since Gore-Tex®,” said Jim Goldinger, managing director, Fairhaven Capital Partners. “Cocona fabrics and yarns have already been adopted by many impressive brands as a means to differentiate their products with this patented technology. They recognize that Cocona Inc. has come up with a green technology that adds genuine, documented performance characteristics.”