About Cork
What is Cork?
Cork is composed of dead cells that accumulate on the outer surface of the cork oak tree (Quercus Suber) that mostly grows on the southwest Europe and northwest Africa regions, being the majoraty here in Portugal (34% of the world cork forests)
How long have Cork been around?
This material has been used for quite some time, as it was found cork bottle stoppers in Egyptian tombs dating thousands of years. The Ancient Greeks also used it to make fishing net floats, sandals, and bottle stoppers. Two thousand years ago, Romans widely used cork in a variety of ways, including life jackets for fishermen.
Is the Cork tree harmed when it's harvested?
Harvesting cork it’s an ancient method that can only be done by experts. This process not only doesn’t harm the tree, it’s actually good for them. Stripping a cork oak of its bark also enhances the ability to absorb carbon dioxide; the seven million acres of cork forest around the Mediterranean offset 20 million tons of CO2 each year.
How does Cork become a handbag?
The history of cork usage can be traced back to the 17th century when people used it to make wine bottle stoppers. Cork comes from the bark of cork oak trees, which mainly grow in the Mediterranean coastal areas. These trees have a lifespan of up to 200 years, and cork oak forests can absorb 14 million tons of carbon dioxide annually, making them the lungs of the earth. The harvesting of cork does not affect the normal growth of the trees. The cork harvesting process requires a 9-year interval between each harvest, and the first harvest can only take place after the cork oak trees have grown for 25 years. Only the cork harvested for the third time and above, from trees that are at least 43 years old, can meet the production requirements for cork stoppers. Every year, more than 12 billion wine bottles are sealed with cork stoppers out of a total global wine production of about 18 billion bottles. In addition to cork stoppers, cork can be used to make many other products. The recent invention of cork fabric has revolutionized the cork industry's development prospects, highlighting cork's most celebrated qualities, including durability, versatility, recyclability, low allergy, and the ability to insulate and preserve natural sound. Moreover, the manufacturing process of cork products is extremely simple. Our company mainly focuses on using cork fabric as a raw material to make more fashionable products. For example, cork fabric is ideal for sewing bags and suitcases, while cork cords are perfect for making handmade jewelry and DIY projects. Additionally, many finished cork handbags and wallets are now everyday items and unique creative gifts.
