People often stop to ask me where I got my bag from...its not because its expensive, or that its an expensive fashion brand or even thats its a crazy bright colour! They ask me because it looks so unique. It doesn't look like leather, it definitely doesn't look platic-y, its something so different and beautiful. Thats the thing about cork leather, in my humble opinion, its the sustainable fashion industry's most well-kept secret.
So what is cork leather? Where does cork leather come from? What do you make with cork leather and most importantly, how is cork leather one of the most eco-friendly vegan alternatives to animal and plastic / faux leather?
What is Cork Leather? How is Cork Leather made?
Cork leather is sourced from cork trees, mainly found in the Mediterranean. In fact, almost half the world's supply of cork comes from Portugal, which is the largest international supplier of cork leather. Cork leather is used in a wide range of products from wine stoppers to household items to yoga mats and blocks.
Using age-old traditions and know-how, the trees are harvested by stripping off their barks without damaging the tree itself. The cork blocks from the trees, after being left to air-dry for six months to increase their elasticity, are processed and cut into fabric sheets.
How is Cork Leather eco-friendly and sustainable?
In comparison to other plant-based leather alternatives, cork leather is extremely environmentally friendly. The cork tree is not damaged or cut down in the process of extracting the cork. Instead, when the bark is stripped from the trees, they are then left to regenerate for a certain period of time, till they are ready for the next cycle (typically between 7 - 9 years). This allows the trees to absorb even more carbon from the atmosphere! In addition, the process of cork harvesting extends the lifespan of the tree by around 300 years.
The cork oak forests found in Portual and Spain are also home to a rich habitat for some of the most critically endangered species of wildlife in Europe, such as the Iberian Lynx. In fact, the cork bark provides insulation to the trees during the summer fires and further protects the trees and their rich habitats.
What are the Benefits of Cork Leather?
Cork Leather is 100% vegan and of the best plant-based alternatives to animal leather. Other reasons for cork leather's popularity are:
Eco-friendly
Cruelty-free
Organic
Chemical-free
Hypoallergenic
Plastic-free
Durable
Light-weight
Water-resistant
Scratch-resistant
Stain-resistant
Durable
How is Cork Leather different from Pu or Faux Leather?
PU / faux leather, although may be vegan, its still plastic and the end products have a higher carbon and chemical footprint than plant-based leather alternatives. PU leather also takes a long time to decompose.
At House of Ethics, we believe that cork leather makes an excellent alternative to both animal and faux leather. This is why, all our bags, wallets and accessories are made with 100% cork leather that is certified by PETA, the gold standard for vegan and cruelty-free products in the industry.
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