Is Cork Eco-Friendly?

All You Need to Know About Cork Leather

The fashion industry is one of the most polluting industries in the world. Today, the sector accounts for up to 10% of global carbon dioxide output, more than international flights and shipping combined.

The fashion industry's environmental impact has drawn attention due to its significant carbon footprint and waste generation. Billions of pounds of textiles are thrown away each year. Most are made from synthetic materials that can't be recycled.

Seeking sustainable alternatives like cork can address these challenges. Before delving into cork's benefits in fashion, it's essential to understand the environmental issues posed by conventional materials.

Conventional materials: deforestation, water overuse, and gas emissions

Materials like cotton, polyester, and leather have severe sustainability implications. Despite being natural, cotton is incredibly water-intensive—producing a single pound requires a substantial amount of water. For example, it takes about 9000 litres of water to make one pair of jeans and 2700 litres to make one cotton t-shirt.

Leather production contributes to deforestation and is one of the primary causes of deforestation in South America. The process of turning animal skin into leather uses a variety of toxic chemicals, including chromium and formaldehyde. These chemicals not only pollute the air and water, but they also cause long-term health issues for the tannery workers who are exposed to them.

Fortunately, there's a growing awareness of the environmental toll of our shopping habits, leading to increased interest in low-impact materials like cork.

One cork can trap 70 times its

weight in carbon dioxide.

About Cork: 100% cruelty-free and biodegradable

Cork, sourced from the bark of cork oak trees (Quercus suber) predominantly in Mediterranean regions like Portugal and Spain, is an eco-friendly option. Harvesting cork doesn't harm the trees; they can live up to 500 years and regenerate their bark every nine to twelve years. Additionally, cork trees require significantly less water compared to other crops. It takes about 1/3 of the amount of water to grow cork trees compared to cotton.

How is Cork leather made?

The creation of cork bark leather involves several intricate steps that highlight its sustainable and eco-friendly nature.

Sustainably harvested: The process begins with extracting cork bark from cork oak trees. However, this isn't a one-time thing. Instead, it's a carefully managed process that ensures the tree's health and sustainability. Cork oak trees can regenerate their bark, allowing for harvesting every nine to twelve years without causing harm.
Drying and Processing: Once the cork bark is harvested, it's left to dry for several months, typically around six. This natural drying process helps eliminate moisture and prepare the bark for further treatment.
Steaming and Shaping: The dried cork bark undergoes steaming and boiling processes to enhance the material's flexibility and elasticity. This step is crucial in making the cork more pliable, allowing it to be shaped and moulded into desired forms.
Compression and Cutting: Heat and pressure are applied to the processed cork bark, compressing it into blocks or sheets. These blocks can then be sliced into thin layers or sheets, ready for use in various products.
Finishing: Patterns and designs can be cut from these cork sheets to produce a wide array of items, from bags and belts to wallets and other accessories. The finishing touches involve refining the surface texture and adding any necessary final touches to the products.

What makes cork bark leather stand out is its chemical-free production process. Unlike traditional leather manufacturing that involves harsh chemicals like chromium and formaldehyde, cork's production is entirely natural, making it an environmentally friendly and sustainable choice.

What makes cork a carbon-negative material?

Cork oak trees are excellent carbon sinks, meaning they absorb more carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere than they release. This is because the tree must turn the absorbed CO₂ into the energy required to grow back its bark. According to research, cork oak forests can store up to 14 metric tons of CO2 per hectare. When cork bark is harvested, the tree continues sequestering carbon dioxide, contributing to its carbon-negative status.

The result is that for each ton of cork harvested, the cork forest absorbs 70 tons of CO₂ from the atmosphere. Remarkably, a single cork for a bottle of wine represents 70 times its weight in carbon sequestering¹.

The benefits of cork in fashion

In fashion, cork's versatility shines. Its water resistance, durability, and soft texture make it ideal for crafting various items, from bags and shoes to belts and wallets. Moreover, the cork naturally breaks down over time. Making it highly eco-friendly, cruelty-free, vegan, hypoallergenic, and antimicrobial—an excellent choice for sensitive skin or allergies.

How to care for items made from cork

Caring for items made from cork bark leather is relatively straightforward and akin to caring for other quality materials. Here are some care tips:

Cleaning: For everyday cleaning, use a soft, damp cloth to gently wipe away dust or dirt from the surface of the cork. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as they might damage the material. A mild soap solution and water can be used sparingly for tougher stains, followed by gentle blotting and air drying.

Protection: Store cork items in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to maintain its quality and appearance. Exposure to prolonged sunlight might cause fading or drying out of the cork.

Water Resistance: While cork is naturally water-resistant, avoiding prolonged exposure to water or excessive moisture is advisable. If your cork item gets wet, gently blot the excess moisture with a clean, dry cloth and allow it to air dry naturally at room temperature. Avoid using heat sources like hairdryers as they might damage the material.

Avoid Sharp Objects: Cork is durable but can be punctured by sharp objects. Handle cork items carefully, avoiding contact with sharp or abrasive surfaces to prevent scratches or punctures.

Conditioning: Unlike animal leather, cork bark leather typically doesn't require conditioning or specific treatments. Its natural properties allow it to age gracefully without needing additional care products.

By following these simple care tips, you can help preserve the quality and longevity of your cork bark leather items, ensuring they look great and remain durable over time.

Cork vs. leather

Choosing cork over leather offers several compelling benefits. Firstly, cork's eco-friendly production stands out as a sustainable alternative. Harvested from cork oak trees without harming them, cork embodies renewable and environmentally conscious sourcing. The process allows trees to regenerate their bark, fostering a cycle of sustainability and longevity. Compared to leather, which often involves significant environmental impact through deforestation, water pollution, and chemical-intensive tanning processes, cork's production leaves a notably smaller ecological footprint. Its sustainability aligns with a growing global consciousness towards responsible consumerism, making it appealing for those seeking environmentally friendly options.

Secondly, cork's inherent properties make it a durable and versatile material. Its unique honeycomb structure grants exceptional resistance to abrasions, water, stains, and scratches, ensuring longevity and enduring quality. Unlike leather, cork's resilience doesn't compromise on aesthetics or functionality. It maintains its appeal over time, ageing gracefully and developing a distinctive patina. Beyond its durability, cork's flexibility enables its use in various fashion items, from bags and belts to shoes and accessories. It offers many stylish and practical options for eco-conscious consumers seeking sustainable, cruelty-free alternatives to traditional leather.

How long does cork leather last?

Cork is a naturally durable material that will last upwards of 50 years, but the longevity of any item depends on its application and use. For example, if left intact, a cork used in bottling wine will last for 50 years or more. A wallet or card holder subject to daily wear and tear may last 4-8 years.