Le paysan clutch - Dimensions

What is Cork?

Cork is a remarkable material that begins its journey in the Mediterranean as the bark of the cork oak tree (Quercus suber). This natural wonder is hydrophobic, making it naturally water-repellent.

The Harvesting Process

Cork oak trees experience their first harvest after 25 years of growth. Expert laborers, with a precise and careful touch, use axes to peel the bark from the trees, ensuring no damage is done to the tree's living parts. Remarkably, a cork oak can offer up to 1.5 tons of cork over its lifetime, which can span up to 300 years. The cork is then processed through boiling to soften it and is ultimately transformed into a workable material without the need for harmful chemicals or practices. This process not only leaves the trees unharmed but actually enhances their ability to absorb carbon dioxide — to the tune of 3-5 times more than unharvested trees, making a substantial contribution to carbon offset.

From Bark to Fabric

The journey from rugged bark to supple fabric is one of patience and expertise. After the initial harvest, which is not used for fashion, the bark is left to weather naturally for six months. Following this, it is boiled for increased pliability and then crafted into thin sheets, which are supported with a fabric backing. The result is a high-durability, unique textile that stands out for its resilience and aesthetic appeal.

Why Choose Cork? The Benefits:

• Eco-Friendly: Cork oak trees regenerate their bark and capture more carbon dioxide in the process, helping to fight climate change.
• Natural: Comprised of pure cork attached to a backing of cotton or PU, maintaining its organic integrity.
• Unique: No two pieces of cork are identical, each with its own distinctive pattern, unlike standardized animal leather.
• Sustainable: A renewable resource that regrows every nine years, cork is a testament to sustainability in material production.
• Plant-Based: Harvested from trees without harm, cork provides a cruelty-free alternative to animal-derived materials.
• Soft & Durable: Despite its botanical origins, cork is surprisingly soft, yet resilient enough for use in various fashion items and even in aerospace by agencies like NASA.
• Stain and Scratch Resistant: Designed to withstand the elements, cork maintains its pristine condition over time.
• Insulating & Hypoallergenic: Cork's low conductivity makes it an excellent insulator, and its dust-repelling qualities make it hypoallergenic.
• Water Resistance: Cork's natural substance, suberin, acts as a waterproof barrier, making the material inherently impermeable. This allows cork to resist moisture effectively, contributing to its longevity without succumbing to deterioration typically associated with water exposure.
• Wear and Tear Resistance: The material's honeycomb structure lends it a high friction coefficient, adding to its robust nature.
• Slow Burning: An inherent fire retardant, cork's slow combustion rate offers an additional layer of safety.
• Extreme Lightness: With more than 50% of its volume being air, cork's lightweight nature is unparalleled.

The cork used in our products is sourced from reputable suppliers in Portugal, ensuring quality and sustainability from bark to finished product. We needed a leather alternative to make our bags more durable and to complement the vintage fabric and cork emerged as the optimal choice. Our conviction in this material reflects our dedication to both craftsmanship and environmental stewardship.