Are you thinking of wallets, bags, suitcases, and other everyday essentials? Probably not, but despite our ignorance, some believe that cork leather is actually the best vegan leather on the market for quality products. What do you think of when you come across the word "cork"? Many of us imagine a half-empty bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon or a cork on a Merlot, and we can't wait to finish. Or maybe we're considering darts at our local bar. Read on to learn more about this material, its benefits to consumers and the environment, and why it's regarded as a viable alternative to animal leather. You might be wondering now, "What is cork leather?" After all, although we know cork itself, many of us don't know much about cork leather or where it comes from. Interestingly, cork is derived from a single tree - the cork oak, Quercus suber - native to southwestern Europe and northwestern Africa. At least half of the world's cork production comes from Portugal alone, where most cork suppliers are based. This tree species covers about 8 percent of the country and accounts for 28 percent of its forests. An evergreen tree, the cork oak has large, gnarled bark that can be harvested for corks every nine years. The tree is known for its ability to sequester (lock up) large amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2), which helps offset greenhouse gas emissions. In fact, cork oak forests are estimated to sequester 14.7 tonnes or more of carbon dioxide per hectare per year. This tree grows well in the dry climate of Portugal and is pyrogenic, meaning it is fire tolerant and burns slowly. Once the bark is collected, it goes through a six-month process of drying, steaming, boiling, slicing, and gluing to a cloth backing. The end product is what is called cork leather. It is frequently used in the production of fashion accessories, upholstery, insulation, and flooring. Cork leather's popularity is growing as more people realize its sustainable, ethical, and ecological credibility. Man has used natural cork for thousands of years. In fact, we've been using corks to seal bottles and other containers for 5,000 years. Cork was found in ancient Egyptian tombs, and we know that the Greeks, Romans, and Babylonians used it for many different purposes. Taking advantage of cork's physical properties (buoyancy, water resistance, high abrasion resistance), they manufacture sandals, fishing nets, tackle, and flotation devices, and even use it as a building material and flooring for homes. 
In 1209, the Portuguese enacted the first known agricultural law to protect their cork oak forests. Trees are protected today - you cannot cut down a tree or any of its bark without special permission. These laws have paid off, as Portugal has thousands of kilometers of cork oak forests, which are currently expanding at a rate of 4% per year. If consumption remains the same, the cork supply should last at least another 100 years. As early as 1688, French monk Dom Pérignon combined cork stoppers with wire to close his champagne bottles, thanks to the material's flexibility, durability, and impermeability. Fast forward to 1892, and American William Painter invented the cork-lined bottle stopper, which was mass-produced until it was finally replaced by a plastic pin in 1955. Throughout modern history, innovation has brought new ways to use cork. For example, the medical community uses it as a temporary skin covering for people with severe burns, while others use it to produce biodegradable phone cases. Now you might be curious about how to make cork veneer. How exactly does the bark of a tree become a soft, supple, and attractive leather-like material made from animal skins? One of the most critical elements of the whole process is time. Cork oak bark is only harvested for the first time when the tree is 25 years old. Even so, the first harvest is not available. Professional pullers can scrape off the bark every nine years; if done consistently, it benefits the tree's ability to sequester carbon dioxide. It is also believed that harvesting the bark can prolong the tree's life by up to 300 years. Once the bark is collected, it is dried for six months; then, the cork chips are boiled and steamed to increase their elasticity. At this point, they are molded into blocks and then cut into slices. Finally, to make vegan cork leather usable for items like purses and bags, a cotton or polyurethane (PU) backing is added for support. 
Cork leather
There are many advantages to cork leather. We've categorized these into physical, sustainable, and ethical benefits to keep things simple. Cork leather has many advantages. For simplicity, we divide these benefits into physical, sustainable, and ethical ones. Where to start? Since more than 50% of its volume is made up of air, cork is so light that it can float. The same cellular structure that allows it to flow also makes it waterproof and flame resistant, making cork leather the ideal material for consumer products. Another reason why cork leather is suitable for bags, shoes, and other accessories is that it is extremely durable. You will have a hard time scratching, tearing, or staining. Soft and soft to the touch, cork leather is easy to sew and naturally suitable for purses and purses. Corrosion resistance is another key advantage. For people with allergies or sensitive skin, cork is a great option because it's hypoallergenic, which means it doesn't absorb dust. The material is also highly resistant to heat, cold, and sound insulation, so much so that it is found in NASA space shuttles. Are the corks durable? Since sustainable products meet our current needs without jeopardizing the needs of future generations, the answer is yes. As the bark of cork oaks naturally regenerates every nine years, it can be harvested sustainably. The harvesting process does not harm the tree, and in fact, it prolongs its lifespan. So is cork biodegradable? Again, yes. Not only is it completely biodegradable, but it can also be reused and recycled in many cases. Cork leather can be composted outdoors as it is all-natural. The leather manufacturing process does not cause water or air pollution or generate harmful waste. While toxic chemicals are essential for tanning animal hides in many cases (see our article on vegetable tanned leather for more information), they are not necessary when producing cork leather. Usually, vegetable dyes are used to make cork leather in different colors. 
Finally, with the cork oak being the source of the cork leather, the expansion of the cork leather industry encourages players to protect the forest, which also benefits plants, including the endangered Iberian lynx, which share this habitat biodiversity. This also contributes to carbon dioxide sequestration, especially since harvested cork oak trees have been shown to absorb three to five times more carbon dioxide. Cork leather is a vegan and mostly natural material (minus, in some cases, the PU backing). If you are against the use of animal products, cork leather is arguably one of the best alternatives to leather. No animals were involved or injured during production. Like any material, cork leather has its drawbacks. Although durability is often seen as a strength, it should be noted that cork leather is not as durable or durable as premium leather. Visually, cork leather lacks the rich depth, creamy softness, and natural tone of premium vegetable-tanned leather. Cork leather looks like wood, and each sheet has a unique pattern. It's also hard to get used to if you're used to working with animal skins that have been treated to promote uniformity. In addition, cork leather does not have the characteristic earthy character of high-quality animal leather. And it's not yet considered a timeless material associated with style and sophistication. A base fabric that is often attached to cork leather is polyurethane (PU). PU is a synthetic plastic that takes thousands of years to biodegrade and emits toxic fumes when burned. This definitely reduces the environmental benefits of choosing vegan leather. 
Cork leather is versatile and can be used to make many different types of products. Most often used to make wallets, bags, luggage, and other eco-friendly accessories such as card holders and belts. Other products made from cork leather include shoes, jewelry, and jackets, as well as corset linings, hats, and upholstery. Some of the more exotic products include spacesuits and body armor. Many highly respected fashion brands experiment with cork leather or often incorporate it into their products. Calvin Klein used the material in shoulder bags, handbags, and other items. Svala, Matt & Nat, and Tentree sell cork leather wallets; sustainable designer Stella McCartney incorporates cork leather into many of her vegan shoes and handbags. Cork leather is an attractive and viable alternative to animal leather due to its many beneficial qualities and inherent durability due to cork's status as a vegan and eco-friendly material.