Interesting Facts about Cork

 

Cork is 100% Natural. 

Yes. One-Hundred-Percent.

What is cork? It’s the bark of the amazing cork oak tree. That’s “just” what cork is: a 100% organic and 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. 

 
Cork is a sustainable material. 
No tree is cut down or damaged to get cork. Each cork oak tree lives on average between 150 and 300 years and the cork harvest is done in nine-year cycles. If you do the maths, each cork oak tree supplies cork over 50 times. In other words, cork is a renewable raw material. Grandparents, parents, children, grandchildren… How many generations live through 150 years? 
 
Light as a feather. 
So light it floats. Over 50% of cork’s volume is made of air. Yes, air. Cork weighs only 0.16g per cubic centimetre. 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.
 
Cork is elastic and resistant. 
A bag made with a raw material that has 50% of its volume made of air? We understand the scepticism but the truth is that cork is a unique raw material. Cork can handle great pressure without breaking, by simply stretching and coming back 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.
 
Cork is resistant to moisture and impermeable.  
The walls of cork cells are covered in suberin and ceroids, making cork practically impermeable to liquids and gases. In addition, its great moisture resistance avoids oxidation and decay, allowing it to age without deteriorating. Just because it’s a natural product don't mean that your bag/item is going to wear out quicker, on the contrary, it will last and last.
 
Cork is extremely smooth. 
There’s not much to say about this property. 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 a this incredible material. Touching a cork product is a pleasure for your sense of touch.
 
Cork is resistant to fire. 
Cork is a natural fire retardant. Additionally, it doesn’t produce toxic gases during combustion.
 
Cork is comfortable and hypoallergenic.  
The microscopic gas pads that form its cells make cork an extremely comfortable material. Cork also has a unique ability to absorb impact and relieve pressure over joints and spine. But there’s more: the natural temperature of cork is very similar to that of the human body, thus contributing to increasing the sense of comfort. Cork is also almost odourless and products that use cork don’t acquire unpleasant smells. Finally, cork does not absorb dust and helps to prevent allergies.
 
Cork is easy to clean. 
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 a ensured regardless of the number of times the product is washed. And we know too well that this is not the case with every material.