Cork is a natural material and is characterized by many good properties: It is water- and dirt-repellent, resistant, heat-resistant and is often used as a vegan leather alternative due to its special feel.
Worldwide, Portugal is one of the largest cork producers. Approx. 30% of the cork oaks grow here and 51% of the world trade is handled here.
What makes cork production so sustainable?
Cork oaks protect the soil from erosion and sequester CO2, which is enhanced by regular peeling. Thus, a peeled oak can absorb up to three times more CO2 than a tree that has never been peeled. Cork oak forests have a high biodiversity.
A cork oak is peeled for the first time after 25 years, then on average every 9 years. They can live up to 200 years. The associated agriculture is one of the best paid and thus allows many jobs.
There are no toxic dyes and preservatives used in the production of cork, which means that groundwater is not polluted.
Cork can be recycled.
