Cork fabric has a unique contribution to make as an environmentally friendly material. Here are just some of the reasons why it is such an amazing resource:

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• It is a natural renewable resource - cork bark grows back in around nine years ready to be harvested again.

• Its production is sustainable, and the end product is eco-friendly and recyclable. Your cork item can be composted at the end of its life.

• Minimal waste is generated during its harvest, processing or production.

• No pesticides are used in the farming of cork oak.

• No additives, tanning or finishing substances are used to process raw cork into cork leather.

• It is beneficial to soil and air quality in and around cork forests.

• Cork forests take approximately 14.7 tons of CO2 per hectare from the atmosphere and in general 14 million tons annually.

• Cork oaks that have been stripped absorb three times as much CO2 as an unpeeled tree meaning that greenhouse emissions are reduced by the cork bark manufacturing process.

• A cork oak has a 200 year life span – with a commercial lifespan of around 150 years.

• Cork forests are some of the most biodiverse areas on the planet.

• Cork production supports the local community’s economic stability by creating rural employment and industry, maintaining traditional methods of harvest and manufacture and providing financial revenue.

Cork fabric is a versatile, natural and renewable product. The cork I use has been PETA certified (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) as vegan and cruelty free.

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Cork provides a sustainable plant-based alternative to leather, perfect for vegans or environmentally conscious people looking for a stylish, practical and sustainable replacement for leather or highly manufactured goods.

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It’s incredibly tactile, feeling soft and flexible to the touch. It is lightweight, hypoallergenic, naturally water resistant and easy to keep clean – just give it a wipe with a damp cloth.

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I source high quality cork fabric directly from a trusted supplier in Portugal. It is strong, durable and doesn’t mark or tear easily but you are advised to avoid rubbing it against sharp or rough surfaces where possible.

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Caring for Cork Products

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Cork fabric is a natural product that can be cleaned with a damp cloth or mild detergent where necessary. It is naturally water resistant but when wet, it should be left to dry naturally.

 

Like any natural product, and similar to leather, it will soften and develop a patina with age and use.

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Although cork fabric is hardwearing and scratch resitant, please avoid rubbing it against sharp or rough surfaces.

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Cork fabric is what is known as a self-healing fabric that is often used in patterns that involve 'raw' edges (not sewn into an interior seam). The manufacturing process involves laminating very thin layers of cork onto a cotton or polycotton backing. I seal any raw edges to minimise the chance of the cotton backing fraying.

 

Despite every effort to avoid it, in the event that you notice a 'wispy' thread along any edges, please don't be concerned, they can be easily dealt with by briefly and carefully running a the flame from a lighter or match over them to gently singe them off. This does not affect the integrity of the product in any way.

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Cork fabric is manufactured from the bark of cork oak trees that mainly grow in Southwest Europe and Northwest Africa.

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The bark is stripped from the trees manually by workers using traditional methods. This does not harm the tree and it grows back over nine years ready to be harvested again.

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Once stripped, the bark pieces are stacked and left to dry for six months after which it is steamed and boiled to soften it and increase elasticity so the bark pieces  can be flattened. This also sterilises the cork  - which is essential as pesticides aren’t used in the cultivation of cork oak trees.

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Next, the middle section of the bark pieces (the densest portion of the bark used in the best quality cork fabrics) are put under heat and pressure to press into blocks. 

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Finally, this is shaved into fine slivers and applied to a cotton backing fabric, creating the beautiful cork fabric that I work with.