All About Cork Fabric
Key characteristics about Cork fabric
- Sustainable: Cork is harvested from the bark of the cork oak tree, which is not cut down. The tree's bark regenerates, making it a renewable resource. Cork forests also sequester large amounts of carbon dioxide.
- Durable: It is abrasion-resistant and has high tensile strength.
- Water-resistant: Its natural properties make it impermeable to liquids, and it is often treated with a water-based sealant to enhance this quality.
- Lightweight and pliable: Cork fabric is soft and flexible.
- Hypoallergenic and antimicrobial: It has low surface dust absorption and is resistant to mold and micro-organism proliferation.
- Aesthetically unique: The fabric has a natural, organic appearance with unique textures, divots, and variations that make each item one-of-a-kind.
Key facts about cork forests
- Location: Primarily in the western Mediterranean basin, with Portugal, Spain, Algeria, and Morocco holding about 90% of the world's cork oak forests.
- Biodiversity: They are a global biodiversity hotspot, supporting a rich array of plant and animal life, including endangered species like the Iberian lynx.
- Sustainability: The cork bark is harvested without cutting down the tree, which lives for over 200 years. The first harvest occurs around year 25, with subsequent harvests every nine years.
- Climate regulation: Cork oak forests are important for sequestering carbon, with a harvested tree storing up to five times more carbon than an unharvested one.
- Ecosystem function: They protect against desertification, conserve water and soil, and provide a livelihood for local communities.
- Human impact: The health of the ecosystem is directly linked to human stewardship, as sustainable management practices are crucial for its continued existence. The demand for cork products is a major economic driver for the conservation of these forests.