Why You Should Choose Cork

Cork, also known as cork fabric or cork leather, is essentially cork itself transformed to mimic the appearance of leather. It is an environmentally friendly material with a unique design and incredible natural characteristics.

Usually, we associate cork with the wine stopper, assuming that this material is easily damaged. However, this does not apply to cork fabric. Thanks to the manufacturing process, this material possesses high flexibility, strength, and a structure similar to leather or fabric. In such a state, cork fabric can be utilized for crafting various fashion accessories.

Raw Material Source

The cork oak tree, from which the bark is harvested to create this amazing material, predominantly grows in countries with a Mediterranean climate, such as Portugal, Spain, Morocco, and Italy. The process of extracting cork remains a fundamental part of the sustainable economy in these regions. Typically, the tree bark is harvested every 9-12 years, allowing the tree to maintain its viability and contributing to the improvement of biodiversity in the surrounding environment. The cork extraction process is harmless to the tree, as only its outer bark layer is utilized. This allows the tree to maintain its vitality and continue cork production for decades.

Thus, cork fabric not only embodies style and functionality in the world of fashion but also provides an intriguing insight into sustainable agriculture and a commitment to nature in the creation of this distinctive material.

Cork Production Process: Crafting Nature’s Versatile Material

• Raw Material Harvesting: The process begins with the careful harvesting of cork oak bark (Quercus suber). These trees are predominantly found in the Mediterranean, particularly in Portugal and Spain. The bark is harvested approximately every 9-12 years, starting when the tree reaches a certain age. This stage requires specific skills to avoid damaging the tree.

• Bark Stripping: The next step involves stripping the bark from the tree. Skilled professionals, known as cork harvesters, delicately remove the bark using specialized tools. This process is crucial to preserve the tree’s vitality and ensure subsequent bark collection.

• Cork Drying: The freshly harvested bark undergoes an outdoor drying process. This helps reduce moisture content and imparts the necessary properties for further processing.

• Milling and Processing: The dry cork bark undergoes milling, resulting in a thin and flexible cork fabric. This fabric can be used in a variety of products, from wine corks to furniture upholstery and accessories.

• Thermal Treatment: The cork fabric then undergoes thermal treatment, providing additional characteristics such as moisture resistance, stain resistance, and flexibility. This stage may also involve the application of additional protective coatings.

• Product Manufacturing: The next stage involves using cork fabric to create a diverse range of products. From wine corks to fashionable accessories, wall coverings to flooring – cork finds applications in various industries.

• Ecological Disposal: One of the unique features of cork is its biodegradability. At the end of the product lifecycle, cork products can be easily disposed of without creating environmental issues.

The cork production process is intricate and labor-intensive, requiring expertise and meticulousness at each stage. However, the result is a unique and versatile material that not only serves practical purposes but also contributes to the preservation of nature.