Cork: Unrivalled Properties
Ok, you want to know what’s all the buzz about cork. Why did it become so trendy? What makes it so special?
9 Reasons to choose a fashionable accessory made of cork
1. Cork is 100% Natural
Yes. One hundred percent. What is a cork? It’s the bark of the amazing cork oak tree, classified as Portugal’s National Tree. Logging is prohibited throughout the country. That’s “just” what cork is: a 100% organic and totally eco-friendly raw material that we use to make bags, wallets, shoes, and other products. Sometimes we think it’s a small miracle from nature. The rest of the time we’re sure of it.
2. It’s a sustainable material
No tree is cut down or damaged to get cork. Each cork oak tree lives on average between 150 and 200 years and the cork harvest is carried out in nine-year cycles. If you do the math, each oak tree supplies cork more than 50 times. In other words, cork is a renewable raw material. Grandparents, parents, children, grandchildren… How many generations live through 150 years?
3. Light as a feather
So light, it actually floats. Over 50% of cork’s volume is made of air. Yes, air. Cork weighs only 0.16g per cubic centimeter. If your bag looks more like Sport Billy’s bag (remember him?), the last thing you want is that it’s heavy even when it’s empty. With cork that’s not an issue, it’s light as a feather.
4. It’s elastic and resistant
A bag made of raw material that has 50% of its volume made of air? We understand skepticism, but the truth is that cork is a unique raw material. Cork can handle high pressure without breaking, simply stretching and returning to its original shape when the pressure disappears. This is called elastic memory. The resistance of the material results from that compressibility and elasticity – it is the only solid material which can be compressed on one side while maintaining its original format on the other.
5. It’s resistant to moisture and impermeable
The walls of cork cells are covered with suberin and ceroids, making cork virtually impermeable to liquids and gases. In addition, its great resistance to moisture avoids oxidation and decay, allowing it to age without deterioration.
6. It’s extremely smooth
If you have had a piece of cork on your hand, you know exactly what we’re talking about and this is one of the most exciting things of this incredible material. Touching a cork object is a pleasure for your fingers.
7. It’s resistant to fire
Cork is a natural fire retardant. Additionally, it doesn’t produce toxic gases during combustion.
8. Comfortable and hypoallergenic
The microscopic gas pads that form its cells make the cork an extremely comfortable material. Cork also has a unique ability to absorb impact and relieve pressure on joints and spine. But there’s more: the natural temperature of cork is very similar to that of the human body, thus contributing to increase the sense of comfort. Cork is also almost odorless and products that use cork don’t acquire unpleasant smells. Finally, cork does not absorb dust and helps prevent allergies.
9. It’s easy to clean
This is not a minor feature. Due to its impermeability, cork products are very easy to clean. All it takes is a damp cloth and a pH neutral detergent, such as soap, to get the job done. The quality and beauty of cork is guaranteed no matter how many times the product is washed. And we know very well that this is not the case with every material.
Are you sure you want a cork bag? Perhaps a wallet? Or a pair of sneakers? This raw material is so perfect that to this day no industrial or technological process has been able to replicate it.
In Portugal, cork has been used for centuries to make corks for the world's finest wines. Portugal is the world's largest exporter of cork, accounting for 30% of the world's total. Cork is often used in fashion accessories: bags, wallets, shoes, belts… It is made of cork and is full of art. For you.