Tree bark is a vital protective layer to the inner tree, preventing moisture loss and acting as a barrier to pathogens, insects, and fungi. When most types of tree bark are removed, even when only a thin ring of bark is around the trunk, the tree will die; however, cork bark can be harvested without harming the tree; why is that?

I talk (or think) about cork all day, every day. I have for years. Explaining the process of the cork harvest and how the bark immediately begins to re-generate has always made me feel good.

There are many different definitions of sustainability, with two of the more common definitions highlighting best what sustainability means. Cork is an excellent example of sustainability under both of these definitions.

 I am here to spread the cheerful joy of the incredible cork tree and its delightful bark. If nothing else, to shed some light on the negative carbon footprint from the world of consumerism.

Cork is the bark of the cork oak tree. Once harvested from the tree, it allows new bark to grow in its place without killing or damaging the trees (think sheering a sheep). 

One tree with harvestable bark is the cork oak tree, which is from the beech family and under the oak genus, meaning it produces acorns, and its leaves are arranged in a spiral shape. Oak trees are known for their hardiness and come in more than 600 subspecies. A few properties make the cork oak tree (Quercus suber) stand out from the hundreds of other types of oak trees. These properties also make it an intriguing tree for environmental protection and suitability. 

The cork oak tree (Quercus Suber) is an ancient variation of the oak tree that has withstood the test of time. Cork bark is made up of three layers on the tree. The outer and middle layers can be harvested, leaving the inner layer on the tree. The outer two layers of bark will then regrow, allowing for the tree’s bark to be harvested again and again.

In the past, the floors of our gyms, yoga studios, and other workout spaces have been made of unforgiving, rigid, or non-sustainable materials in the name of being easy to clean. Cork is a natural and renewable resource carefully hand-harvested from the cork oak tree and can be used as comfortable and sustainable flooring perfect for workout spaces.

There is just something about a Christmas Tree, the smell of a real one, finding the perfect size and shape for the room or rooms. So, we’ve come up with something for the crafter who can’t throw anything away just in case you need it someday (you know who you are). This is your time to shine. Pull out those ‘someday this will come in handy’ boxes, and let’s make some trees, a tree farm, a whole forest!

Add a dash of sustainability to your holiday decor with these quick cork puff ornaments. These soft, plush ornaments can be flat-packed to save space in your holiday decorations box and won't shatter like glass blub ornaments.

When you are remodeling, the choices can be overwhelming! Even once you have decided you want to install cork flooring, there is still the question: is glue down or floating flooring best for my home? Here is our guide for selecting the right flooring installation type for your home.

Embarking on a room re-do can be an exciting yet daunting prospect. From figuring out a budget to deciding on what key aspects of the space are most important to you and your family, many decisions need to be made. 

Vast portions of Portugal are covered in montado or cork oak forests. Unlike the traditional forests of North America, the montado is a blend of trees and grassland, creating a home for a wide variety of animals. Many cork forests have been converted into agricultural farming or property development. This caused mass displacement of some of the animals of the cork forest. Some of these displaced animals are now listed as threatened or endangered species.

With all the recent focus on sustainability and climate change, we thought it would be an excellent time to remind everyone of some reasons to use natural cork in your packaging. 

Being in the cork business, we were, of course, more conscious of environmental issues than most folks. We prided ourselves then, as we do to this day that we were dealing with a totally natural and sustainable material like cork. 

After working for months and years to develop your brand and build your distillery, you know that packaging is a vital element of selling your final product. But in many cases, the design of the closure is often left to the last minute. The closure is one of your product's critical components and typically the only "moving piece" your customers will interact with. You want to wow them as they hear the telltale "pop.” 

Choosing the right thickness wall tiles can make or break your project! It's essential to understand each thickness's functionality and limitations to decide which fits your project best. We offer three thickness options for our patterned wall tiles to fit a variety of needs.

For several years our primitive planter has been a staple for natural gardening enthusiasts. We have been working behind the scenes to make a companion planter ideal for the in-home gardener who needs to maximize space on a counter or table. The new urban planter sits flat on a surface. It can be set on a deck railing, table, or the ground, opening up new options for natural bark planters. 

After working for months (and years) to come up with your brand and build your distillery, bottle closure decisions often get left to the very end. But the closure is one of the critical components of packaging, and a part of the final product that your customers (not to mention reviewers, judges, and journalists) will interact with.

In 2015 we began a rooftop garden using raised bed planters and soil with a cork aggregate. Since 2015 it has provided us with fresh vegetables every year!