Cork is not only a renewable resource that regenerates every nine years; harvesting the bark of cork oak trees regularly allows these trees to absorb more CO2 than when they are not harvested.

 

What Are Renewable Materials, and Why Are They Sustainable?

Renewable materials are made from natural resources that can be replenished on a cyclical basis. For instance, all wood-based products are renewable because trees "grow back" when forests are sustainably managed. All natural plant materials, in their raw form, are biodegradable and sustainable. 

 

Infographic describing on the left the cyclical harvest of cork and on the right how cork is transformed into fabric from which everyday products are made – illustrated by the example of the manufacture of cork fabric bags, such as that of eKodoKi.

 

Why is Cork a Renewable, Sustainable, and Eco-Friendly Material?

Cork is a 100% renewable resource because the bark of cork oak trees can be harvested every nine years without harming the tree, thanks to its remarkable ability to regenerate. Cork oak trees, which grow predominantly in Mediterranean countries (particularly Portugal and Spain), are among the best-known carbon sinks in the world. The bark, known as cork, contains high levels of suberin, a waxy substance that acts as a natural carbon sequestration agent, locking away carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The cork oaks themselves also sequester carbon.

 

Portugal is the world's largest producer of cork, with a market share of almost 50%, while Spain produces about 30%. Although cork oaks can also grow in other regions, their production is not always commercially suitable.

 

A harvested cork tree absorbs 3-5 times more CO2 than a non-harvested tree. It is estimated that cork oak forests absorb up to 14 million tonnes of CO2 each year. For every kilogram of cork produced, cork oaks absorb an average of 55 kilograms of CO2 from the atmosphere. These trees are sometimes referred to as "The lungs of the Mediterranean".

 

By stripping the cork oak tree of its bark, the tree can absorb much higher levels of CO2.

 

Cork forests — almost all now FSC-certified (ensuring they are responsibly managed) — are home to a unique ecosystem. The preservation of these forests helps maintain ecological balance and promotes biodiversity in both flora and fauna.

 

 

Cork forests also act as natural watersheds, absorbing rainfall and releasing it slowly into the ground, preventing soil erosion and reducing the risk of flooding. These forests help replenish groundwater reserves and regulate water quality, contributing to water conservation. They are essential to the local ecosystem and help prevent desertification in arid areas, such as those along the Mediterranean rim.

Cork oak trees can live for over 180 years and produce, on average, 15 bark harvests during their lifetime. There are enough cork oak trees today to last for over 100 years.

 

The cork oak tree (in latin: Quercus Suber) is a tree with a voluminous bark with suberose tissue (the cork).

 

The production of cork has a low environmental impact compared to other materials, such as plastic or aluminium. Cork production involves minimal processing and does not require large amounts of energy, water, or chemicals. It also generates fewer greenhouse gas emissions than most materials, making it a more sustainable choice. Furthermore, every piece of cork removed from the tree is used in some way, ensuring nothing goes to waste.

Cork is 100% natural, durable, renewable, vegan, non-toxic, and one of the most eco-friendly resources.

 

How is Cork Harvested?

The process of harvesting cork begins with stripping the bark from the oak tree trunk. Harvesting is an ancient manual process that uses specially broad, hand-forged hewing axes called “machada,” and is done by experts known as “descorticadores,” who ensure the tree is not harmed so that its bark can regrow. The first stripping takes place when the tree is between 20 and 30 years old and does not meet the quality requirements for industrial use. The next stripping occurs nine years later.

 

Descorticadores first make a vertical cut along the cork, choosing the deepest crack in the cork bark. Then they open the bark and insert the edge of the axe into the cut and twist it.

 

How is Cork Fabric Made?

The harvested cork is boiled and steamed at high temperatures to soften it (making it more elastic) and clean it, removing tannic acid and resins. The cork planks are then sorted by quality. For cork fabric, the cork is left to dry for almost six weeks, boiled in water again, and flattened with a large press to create flat planks.

After that, the cork is cut into usable blocks, which are further cut into three layers. Only the middle section, which is the densest and highest quality, is used; the inner and outer layers are used for other products.

 

After harvesting, the cork is first stacked in the open air for six months under rain, wind and sun, which flattens and strengthens it.

 

 

From here, there are two different techniques to produce cork fabric. Cork fabric can be produced from fine laminated sheets of 0.3 to 0.4 mm, similar to wood veneer, to achieve a traditional textile look. Sometimes, these slices have natural holes so the applied backing fabric will shine through, becoming part of the intended look. These thin cork slices are glued onto a textile by hand, which requires high precision. The cork sheets are laminated with a machine onto a fabric support backing bonded by suberin, a naturally occurring adhesive in cork that gives it strength and shape.

 

For cork fabric, the cork pieces are cut into three layers and only the middle, densest and best quality part is used.

 

The thin cork sheets are placed by hand on a backing fabric in many possible sizes and patterns.

 

Lamination of cork onto fabric.

 

Another technique for making cork fabric involves cutting the blocks into smaller pieces (granules) to create different agglomerated patterns, gluing them back into a block, and slicing them again to continue the process as described above.

 

There are many variations of cork fabric – marbled, striped and flocked (agglomerated) – and natural cork has many natural tones that can be combined to achieve different effects.

 

To produce cork fabric, no heavy metals or their compounds, organic solvents, mineral fibres, or formaldehyde are used. No toxic glue is needed, as the natural resin from the trees is strong enough to serve that function. Only water-based tinting or printing is applied.

 

What Are the Qualities of Cork Fabric, and Why is it a Material of Choice for Making Bags?

Cork is no longer a material of the past. With new patterns and colours being explored every day, it is inspiring the creativity of designers, artists, and architects who are rediscovering the beauty of cork:

• Pleasant warm and soft touch: Cork has a unique texture and luxurious feel, a great quality for everyday bags.
• No chemicals or toxins: Cork fabric is produced without the harmful chemicals still found in leather bags.
• Vegan-friendly: No animal products are used, making cork bags ideal for the vegan community—a great alternative to leather bags!
• Moisture and stain resistant: Easy to maintain and clean with just soap and water.
• Long-lasting and durable: Cork ages without rotting, mainly due to its resistance to moisture.
• Waterproof and fire-resistant: Perfect for protecting the contents of a bag.
• Lightweight: Cork’s open-cell structure makes it ideal for lightweight bags.
• Easy to cut and sew: Cork fabric is similar to leather or vinyl but easier to work with.
• Versatile designs: Cork fabric can be cut using various techniques, such as CNC (computer controlled cutting blade), laser cutting, waterjet cutting, or traditional steel moulds (suited for large quantities).
• Variety of patterns and colours: Cork fabric can be marbleized, striped, or flocked (agglomerated) and can be tinted or printed with any pattern in many colours using water-based inks.

 

Why is an eKodoKi Cork Bag a Good Choice?

eKodoKi cork bags have a unique look and make sophisticated fashion statements. Cork is a gift from nature, perfect for people who love eco-friendly materials and care about nature and the future, without compromising on quality or style. Not only is a cork bag light to carry, but it also has a durable quality that lasts for many years.