The Remarkable Cork Oak
The cork oak (Quercus suber) is an evergreen tree from the oak family, known for its resilience and adaptability. It thrives in dry climates and on nutrient-poor soils and owes its name to the thick cork bark, which can be sustainably harvested throughout its life. In fact, a single tree can produce up to 700 kilograms of cork during its lifetime – without ever being cut down.
Cork oaks begin their productive life at about 25 years of age, once the trunk has reached a circumference of 70 cm. From this point on, cork can be harvested every nine years, in a cycle that lasts up to 150 years. The trees can often live for over 200 years. Each harvest promotes natural regeneration, making cork extraction a sustainable and tree-friendly process.
A Natural Ally for the Environment
Portugal's cork oak forests, known as Montados, play a crucial role in the fight against climate change. Covering an area of approximately 736,000 hectares, they absorb nearly 5 million tons of CO₂ annually. These forests are also rich in biodiversity and provide a habitat for many rare and endangered species, such as the Iberian lynx, Barbary deer, and Spanish imperial eagle.
Portugal is the world leader in cork production, supplying about 50% of global cork, with the Alentejo region alone producing approximately 190,000 tons annually.
Cork Fabric — The Natural Alternative to Leather
Cork is a truly versatile material. Just one square centimeter contains approximately 40 million air-filled cells, making it lightweight, flexible, water-repellent, insulating, sound-absorbing, and completely biodegradable.
Our suppliers use this innovative material to create a variety of modern, high-quality accessories – from bags, wallets, and backpacks to hats, belts, and more. Many of our products are vegan and handmade, combining traditional Portuguese craftsmanship with environmentally conscious design.