What is Cork?
Cork is composed of the bark of the cork oak tree (Quercus Suber) that mostly grows on the southwest Europe and northwest Africa regions, being the majority here in Portugal (34% of the world cork forests)
Cork forests – or ‘montados’ in Portuguese – rank among the top biodiversity hotspots in the Mediterranean and Europe. They are home to a staggering 135 plant species and 42 bird species, many of which are endangered or critically endangered.
How long has Cork been around?
This material has been used for quite some time, as cork bottle stoppers were found in Egyptian tombs dating back thousands of years. The Ancient Greeks also used it to make fishing net floats, sandals, and bottle stoppers. Two thousand years ago, Romans widely used cork in a variety of ways, including life jackets for fishermen.
Is the Cork tree harmed when it's harvested?
Harvesting cork it’s an ancient method that can only be done by experts. Cork trees are harvested, not cut down. This process not only doesn’t harm the tree, it’s actually good for them. This is completely sustainable and renewable. Stripping a cork oak of its bark also enhances the ability to absorb carbon dioxide; the seven million acres of cork forest around the Mediterranean offset 20 million tons of CO2 each year.
Each time cork is harvested; cork bark regenerates itself (and in doing so absorbs CO2). In fact, cork trees live between 100 and 300 years.
Cork is a natural, environmentally friendly material. It biodegrades completely and can be easily recycled without producing any toxic residues.
The cork harvesting process requires a 9-year interval between each harvest, and the first harvest can only take place after the cork oak trees have grown for 25 years. Only the cork harvested for the third time and above, from trees that are at least 43 years old, can meet the production requirements for cork stoppers. Every year, more than 12 billion wine bottles are sealed with cork stoppers out of a total global wine production of about 18 billion bottles. In addition to cork stoppers, cork can be used to make many other products. The recent invention of cork fabric has revolutionized the cork industry's development prospects, highlighting cork's most celebrated qualities, including durability, versatility, recyclability, low allergy, and the ability to insulate and preserve natural sound. Moreover, the manufacturing process of cork products is extremely simple. Cork fabric is ideal for sewing bags and suitcases, while cork cords are perfect for making handmade jewellery and EM campers and canines EM collars.
Cork and Climate Change
Harvesting cork bark assists in the absorption of CO2 – a greenhouse gas that causes climate change. In fact, harvested cork trees absorb 3-5 times more CO2 than non-harvested trees. Cork oak trees in Portugal alone help offset 10 million tons of carbon every year. Cork trees are also important producers of oxygen.
Portugal and the Portuguese people have long recognised the value and the importance of preserving this historic Mediterranean tree. In fact, the cork tree is protected under legal dispositions since the Middle Ages. Presently, it enjoys many more protections and safety regulations due to the understanding of its importance to the environment and economy. Local and national legislation help ensure our heritage is preserved and maintained. Laws and regulations are established to protect this natural resource across the more than 736.000 ha (hectares) of cork tree forest. Portugal is the leading country in the cork industry worldwide. It accounts for more than 100,000 tones of cork produced annually (representing 49,6% of all world cork production).
In 2016 in Portugal, the cork “community” accounted for more than 670 registered companies. Together, it’s estimated they employed more than 9000 people, a number that continues growing in recent years. Including such different areas as cork stoppers for wine bottling, cork insulation for the building and construction, cork wallpaper and tiles for interior design, cork fabrics for fashion and design, Portuguese cork companies are leading the way cork is perceived and used all around the world.
Portugal is the worldwide leader in the manufacture and export of cork products, with over 1 billion euros of cork products exported annually, and with the values growing every year. Cork exports represent 2% of all Portuguese exported goods.