Cork fiber is harvested from the bark of a specific type of oak tree that naturally re-grows its bark, making cork a renewable resource in an industry that employs thousands of family farmers. Utilizing this natural lightweight product for fabric is a large leap in the right direction for the textile and apparel industry. 

Raw cork is harvested through a process that doesn't actually involve cutting down any trees.  During its average 200 year lifespan, a cork oak tree can be harvested up to 16 times for the thick and rugged bark. The bark grows back naturally after harvest, causing no harm to the tree, and every gram of it is turned into a usable material. 

Cork oak forests cover approximately 2.5 million hectare across the Mediterranean region and most of them are located in seven countries: Portugal, Algeria, Spain, Morocco,France, Italy and Tunisia. Cork oak forests are considered superb habitats for wildlife and plant diversity.

Cork oaks share forest with other oak varieties, wild olive trees and maritime pines, as well as endangered species such as Barbary Deer, the Iberian Imperial Eagle and the Iberian Lynx. Maintaining cork oak forests and harvesting the fiber also keeps several family farmers employed, skilled and aware of the natural growth patterns of plants and wildlife in their areas. 

Cork is nature's new leather!  Besides being 100% eco-friendly and 100% sustainable, it's also hypoallergenic, water resistant, durable and lightweight.

Cork is also easy to care for... simply use a gentle liquid soap and wipe with a damp cloth.  We love that!

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http://ecosalon.com/fiber-watch-off-of-wine-bottles-and-into-clothing/