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Cork Leather - The perfect eco-friendly leather alternative!

The cork fabric our personalised cork wallets, purses and bags are made from is harvested from the Cork Oak tree. When the Cork Oak has reached 20 years of age, the bark is stripped from the tree by a skilled cork harvester with a machete. The Cork Oak is the only tree in the world that can be stripped of its bark and not die, which makes our cork wallets 100% sustainable. The same tree can be harvested every 10 years for over 200 years. This is why our  cork leather makes an excellent alternative to leather.

 

Below are some frequently asked questions about our amazing cork leather.

 Is cork leather durable?

Cork leather is naturally waterproof, scratch proof, fire repellent and very sturdy. On top of that our vegan wallets and bags feel great.

How is cork leather made?

The raw material is the bark of the cork oak tree. This is harvested by skilled craftsmen who pass on their skills through generations. Removing the bark from the tree is a very eco-friendly processes. The tree is never cut down and the bark is removed by hand. Once this is done, the cork tree bark gets boiled and steamed. It is then pressed into a thin layer, which is used to make our beautiful vegan wallets.

Are cork forests endangered?

No, this is a myth. They are very well maintained and there is enough cork material to meet global demand for at least 100 years. Because they are tended to by craftsmen they are protected and actually play a very important role in reducing harmful greenhouse emissions, which are known to be the main reason for global warming and climate change. 

These forests also provide natural habitat for many species such as The Iberian Imperial Eagle, Black Vulture, Black Stork, Barbary Stag, as well as the endangered Ibearian Lynx.

Is cork biodegradable?

Cork comes directly from nature, so it biodegrades completely and can be easily recycled without producing any toxic residues.

How do I care for my vegan cork wallet?

Cork is a waterproof material, so cleaning your wallet with warm soapy water is the easiest way. Just use a damp cloth and rub gently in circular motion. Once clean you can then rinse with water.