Cork has been used for centuries as a practical renewable resource and recently it's making a come back. What you might not know about cork is that it comes from the bark of the cork oak tree. This means there's no need to chop trees down to harvest the material. The bark is simply sliced off the outside and regrows over time, ready to be harvested again in the future. Cork can also be recycled into new products. This makes it the ultimate sustainable material.
The cork tree is planted and matures at around 30 years. It is then harvested for its bark, and shipped to processing factories to turn cork into a usable product.
Plastics and leather are on their way out due to the harmful effects on our people, animals and climate. Cork is impermeable to gas and liquids, it's naturally antibacterial and flexible making it perfect for a huge range of products.
Here are our favourite innovative products pushing the barriers with this epic material.
This Aussie brand has developed a bottle bag that allows you to carry your large water bottles as a backpack or shoulder bag. It's the perfect companion for long walks or gym classes. It's made from 100% cork leather and is not only practical but cute as hell too. Never forget your reusable bottle ever again. BONUS - Carrymore give back 1% For The Planet.
Cariuma is a Brazilian based shoe brand using cork as just one of their sustainable matierials in their shoes. Each sneaker is designed to be high quality and low impact. Cork is used in the insoles of these epic eco-sneakers. BONUS - Cariuma plants a pair of trees for every pair of shoes sold.
Australian owned brand MOBECO is using cork as an alternative to plastic based yoga mats and self massage tools. Cork is a great alternative due to its water resistance, durability and flexibility. MOBECO will even recycle your old items for you. Say goodbye to unsightly bright coloured foam rollers and mats. BONUS - MOBECO plants 1 tree with every order.
Mazda is using cork in their new range of hybrid vehicles. The cork ads a natural yet stylish finish. The Mazda MX-30 features a hybrid engine and unique modern style, as well as sustainable materials that reduce emissions without compromising that Mazda feeling. BONUS - Mazda also has a fully electric car coming soon!
Wow what a brand, the Aussies at koala made a couch from this stuff! The water-resistant material not only withstands most accidental spills, it looks stylish to suit any home, making it an awesome alternative to animal leather. BONUS - they work with WWF to save habitats of our endangered Aussie creatures.
It's looking good for the future if we start making changes now. We need to be recycling the plastic currently in existence into new long lasting products and whenever purchasing something new, carefully considering the impact it will have on our future generations. Mother Nature simply cannot take anymore hits. There are amazing alternatives to plastic and some epic pioneers paving the way. Support sustainable brands wherever possible.
Have you seen a product made of cork that we havn't listed? Comment below so we can check it out.
Shop sustainable cork self massage tools and yoga equipment here.
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