Where does cork come from?
Cork is a natural, sustainable, and renewable material that is harvested from the bark of cork oak trees. These trees are native to the Mediterranean region, and are primarily found in countries such as Portugal, Spain, and Morocco. The process of harvesting cork, known as cork extraction, has been practiced for centuries in these regions and involves carefully stripping the bark from the tree without damaging the tree itself. The bark grows back, making it possible to harvest cork from the same tree every nine years or so.
What makes cork a sustainable material?
The cork oak tree is able to regenerate its bark, which means that it can be harvested without damaging the tree itself. Cork oak forests are carefully managed and the cork is extracted in a way that promotes the health and longevity of the trees. The bark is stripped by hand from living trees that are never felled, and each tree keeps regrowing its bark for 200 years or more.
Cork bark is durable and naturally water-resistant. A finished cork accessory also includes a fabric backing, thread and hardware, so the best way to reduce its impact is to use it for a long time. More on how cork leather is made.
