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If this is true for ourselves, many parents have learned that they are even more careful with their children. It’s one thing for us to make a decision for ourselves to eat unhealthy foods. However, as the caretakers of our children, who rely on us to provide for them and take care of them, we feel differently. Many of us find ourselves encouraging healthier eating habits than the ones we adopt for ourselves.

What we don’t always realize is that we are affected by far more than just the foods we ingest. The products around us affect us as well. They may cause allergic reactions, or are just made out of materials that generally aren’t good for us. That is one of the reasons we encourage and promote the use of cork alternatives for yoga, as well as other areas.

Children’s toys are often made of foam and plastic – it’s cheap, it’s lightweight, it’s brightly colored. Just what a manufacturer wants. But is it good for our children? Is it safe for them? Cork toys, such as building blocks, are lightweight and hypoallergenic. They also have a degree of elasticity to them. This, combined with their minimal weight, makes them safer than wooden toys even in situations where the children throw the toys. They come in a calm, light brown tone which can have a soothing effect on children. It allows them to focus on building, and not the bright colorful visual stimulation. The blocks are also made as classic children’s blocks, without interconnecting pieces. This forces the child to concentrate on gently balancing the blocks, rather than pushing pieces to “click” together.

Another benefit of cork toys is the example it sets for our children in conserving the environment. While your adorable one-year-old may not know the difference just yet, they will. And if you have older children at home it is an opportunity to explain how important it is to use biodegradable materials, to avoid chopping down trees, and to be more aware of the way we treat the world around us – planting trees, recycling, and more.

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But what is amazing about cork is not only the material itself which is natural but also the way the cork is produced. The cork is made from the bark of the cork oak tree (also known as Quercus Suber), and this bark can be harvested again and again without cutting down the tree, so that the same tree produces cork for many years.

So what’s the process?

First of all – it takes about 25 years until the tree is ready for its first harvest. The tree needs to reach a circumference of about 28″ when measuring the part that is at a height of about 5′ from the ground. The first cork harvested from the tree is not the same cork that will come next time. This is called “virgin” cork and its structure is not very uniform. It can be used for certain (mostly decorative) purposes but is less suitable for the manufacture of other products such as cork stoppers.

After the cork is harvested, the bark renews itself and can be harvested again every 9 years, for about 150 years!! While the first cork produced is not uniform enough to be used for the production of all the cork products we are familiar with (and the second harvest is not quite uniform enough either), by the third harvest, the bark is relatively smooth both inside and outside. This is what is needed to make the products we know (and love!).

The process of harvesting the cork is not simple and the expertise of the harvester greatly affects the quality of the cork produced. For example, the larger the piece of bark that is harvested, the more valuable it is. The art of cork harvesting is often passed down from generation to generation, with all the secrets to proper cork peeling and how to maximize the cork harvested from each tree.

After the cork barks have been collected, they “stabilize” for six months, under concrete slabs. At this stage, it is very important to preserve the cork and make sure that it does not come in contact with substances that can be harmful. Therefore, the cork wouldn’t be placed on wooden pallets for example, which may contain parasites that will destroy the cork.

After half a year of stabilization, the cork is boiled in large vats to disinfect them. After the disinfection phase, the cork is classified according to quality, which determines what to do with each piece. For example, you may have noticed that not every wine cork looks the same. Some corks are made of “natural” cork – that is, cork cut from the bark in its natural form into a cork stopper – and some corks are made of agglomerated cork – which is actually cork that has been ground up and put back together in the shape of a cork stopper. This agglomerated cork is also used for bulletin boards we see that are made of granular grains.

The corks (and other products) made from cork granules can be made more easily – you can use smaller or thinner pieces of bark. Therefore, these corks are often cheaper. Its structure is such that it is also more fragile and less durable over time, so we will usually see it as a wine cork for wines intended for relatively quick drinking (within a few years).

This use of cork granules to create products also makes the cork very eco-friendly – pieces that are not the right size or thickness aren’t thrown out but rather used to produce hundreds of products we use every day – billboards, trivets, yoga blocks, stoppers for bottles and jars and more!

Cork is a natural, hypoallergenic, light and insulating material – and now you also know why it is particularly eco-friendly too!

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One of the main reasons to opt for cork fabric is that it is an amazing vegan substitute for leather. The cork is harvested from the bark of the tree so that not only is it not made from animal byproducts, the tree itself is not cut down to harvest the cork! The bark regenerates itself making cork one of the most environmentally friendly materials there available.

Apart from the fact that it is a vegan and eco-friendly material, cork has other qualities that make it excellent for fashion items:

** Natural texture – the fabric is characterized by a special look that really highlights the texture and grain of the wood. Just as no two trees are the identical – every wallet, every bag, every hat will be unique and special, with its own texture.

** Lightweight – the cells that make up cork are filled with air. This means that the material itself (and therefore products made from it) are significantly lighter than similar products made from other materials. While this may seem less crucial when it comes to a belt, when it comes to a wallet or purse, the difference can be quite significant!

** Water resistant – The cork bark has a wax-like substance called suberin. Suberin protects the cork so that it doesn’t get damaged by the water. There are even umbrellas that are made of cork! So you can walk around with your bag and hat in the rain without worrying about it being ruined. Cork is also antimicrobial and doesn’t get moldy, so aside from being not being damaged by the water itself, they are protected in this respect as well.

** Smooth and soft – the cork most of us are familiar with is not necessarily the smoothest or the softest material. Most people do not think of a bulletin board as something particularly fun to run your hand over. But cork fabric is something completely different – it is soft and pleasant to the touch, as well as flexible.

** Durability – the cork feels very luxurious, but that does not mean it isn’t durable! The cork does not get worn out easily, so the products are also suitable for everyday use. Even if the bag gets a little dirty, it can be cleaned with a damp cloth, perhaps with a drop of soap if necessary.

We hope you are as in love with cork fabrics as we are and are all set to buy your first (or next!) cork fabric wallet, or maybe you prefer a belt? Check out our products here.

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Doing yoga has become increasingly popular in recent years. In the past, it was reserved mainly for the more New-Age types, preparing for or returning from their latest trip to Goa. Today, more and more people are realizing its importance – the connection between body and soul, the combination of breathing and physical exercise, improving flexibility and more. There are different types of yoga and you can practice in a studio or at home, alone or in a group.

Yoga is done with a mat and often with special yoga blocks (also known as yoga bricks). The mat is there to cushion the surface when doing yoga, instead of doing it directly on a hard floor. The blocks can be integrated in several ways. Sometimes, we use blocks to support different parts of the body in different positions, like the back or head. The blocks also help in positions that are difficult for us because of the distance to the floor. In this way, the blocks “bring” the floor closer to us and help with positions that may require a little more flexibility.

What does all of this have to do with cork? Both mat and blocks are made of different materials. Yoga mats are usually synthetic and made of different types of foam. Yoga blocks are often made of foam, but sometimes also made of wood. At Nature’s Cork® we offer blocks and mats made of cork! Why cork? We’re glad you asked

Why use cork products?

Cork is harvested from the bark of the cork tree, and naturally regenerates every 9 years or so. Therefore, cork is a particularly ecological material. Unlike wooden blocks, which are also made of a natural material, cork is harvested without cutting down the tree so there is no harm to the environment. When we understand the importance of the connection between mind and body, we need to remember the connection between ourselves and the natural world around us. Using cork products allows us to better ourselves without harming the world around us.

Cork has other benefits. Cork cells are filled with air, so cork products are especially light. When it comes to yoga blocks, lighter blocks are more convenient to practice with. And speaking of convenience – cork products have another advantage! The cork blocks are less rigid than the wooden blocks so making them more comfortable as well. The yoga mats are also particularly comfortable – whether it is the soft, smooth feel of a cork fabric mattress or the combination of cork and recycled rubber that allows for an extra grippy surface.

Cork is also odorless and hypoallergenic, so it’s ideal for anyone who suffers from allergies or asthma, or is just sensitive to synthetics.

In addition to blocks, we also have cork rollers and yoga wedges, which are used for various exercises. All of our yoga products can be seen here.

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Cork is a material made from the bark of the cork oak tree (Quercus Suber, if you’re feeling fancy). The bark of the tree is usually processed and used to make other products, such as tableware, yoga bricks, and fashion accessories. Some products use natural, unprocessed cork.
Where does cork come from?

The country with the most cork is Portugal. While it only accounts for approximately 34% of the cork trees (by the square footage of land), it manufactures almost 50% of the cork worldwide, and is therefore known is the cork capital of the world. Our products are all imported directly from Portugal, because after 70 years of dealing with cork, we know that’s where the best quality cork comes from. We not only sell the cork we import, we also use it to make other great new products. 
Why is using cork products better than using wooden products?

Both cork products and wooden products are made of natural, biodegradable materials and are therefore better for the environment than many of the synthetic alternatives. However, unlike wooden products, there is no need to cut down the tree to manufacture cork! The cork bark is peeled off and it renews itself every 9 years or so, and keeps renewing itself until the tree dies at the ripe old age of 150-200 years! That makes cork one of the most eco-friendly materials available.
What kinds of products can be made of cork?

Most of us are familiar with the “regular” products – cork stoppers in wine bottles and memo boards. But cork today can (and is!) used for so much more. It is used today in interior decorating with cork wall tiles, there are yoga mats and bricks, cork accessories, and tableware. 
What are the advantages of using cork?

In addition to being very environmentally friendly, cork has other advantages. For example, using cork yoga bricks means using a material that’s more environmentally friendly than synthetic alternatives, but maintains the slight flexibility that wooden bricks lack. Cork is also very lightweight and easy to clean (always a plus!).
What are the disadvantages of using cork?

Cork is a natural, biodegradable material and as such, it won’t last as long as other synthetic materials. For example, cork will dry out if it is exposed to sunlight for extended periods so it’s important to minimize the exposure. Cork, while known for its flexibility, is also fragile and can break if not handled with care.
How should I care for my cork products?

The most important thing is to avoid too much direct sunlight and try to keep your products away from the air conditioning vent, which blows dry air and may dry out your cork. Cork can get wet but it’s best for it not to be submerged in water. If you need to clean your product, you can use a damp cloth to wipe it clean.
How can cork be “vegan”?

The term “vegan” is most commonly associated with food, namely foods made without any animal by-products such as meat, dairy, and eggs. However, the term also relates to the broader sense of a lifestyle that refrains from the use of animal by-products, including leather and wool. Cork is used to make special cork fabric. These fabrics are soft, flexible, and durable, making them an excellent alternative to leather. It is used in accessories such as purses, wallets, hats, belts, and even umbrellas!
Have another question we missed? Feel free to contact us and we’ll get back to you with an answer as soon as we can

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Speaking of density – that is the first thing we have to think bout when we are picking a lid. The coarser the cork granules are, the more resistant they are to water, and are therefore particularly good for long-term use with liquids (such as wines). The finer the granules are, the more elastic the cork is, so it is more suitable for lids that are in constant use, as they are easy to push in and take out.

If you’re using your cork lid for a jar or bottle containing liquids, you may choose to add a special lacquer to help create an even better seal, particularly if it’s a “long-term” seal. 
Our lids are suitable for jars, bottles, ceramic ware, terrariums, and more. It’s important to choose a lid that fits your opening well. When ordering online, you don’t have the option of trying out the lid. Therefore it’s important to measure the opening very carefully and pick a lid based on the diameters of the top and bottom of the lid. Our lids are about 4/5″-1″ thick. 
Ideally, you want your opening to be right in the middle, maybe slightly closer to the smaller diameter so you can press the lid in tightly, and still take it out. This is particularly true of ceramic ware, where the opening is not always a perfect circle and may need to rely a bit more on the cork’s elasticity for a good fit. 

Our factory is unique in that we make custom-sized lids. We make our lids carefully, one at a time, and with lots of love, using techniques passed down from generation to generation.  
Do you want a dose of inspiration? Nitzan Gilad, a talented ceramicist, used our cork lids for her incense holder, completing her beautiful, hand-crafted set. 

In addition to our custom-made lids, we also sell standard size stoppers in a variety of sizes. Another one of our customers (check her out on Facebook or Instagram – Charlotte’s Studio!) used these stoppers for the adorable house-shaped salt and pepper shakers! She even incorporated them into the design as a little chimney. These stoppers are excellent as sealers and are often used in the medical and pharmaceutical fields for test tubes and other laboratory equipment.

The sky is the limit! If you need a certain size lid, or have any other question, let us know and we’d be happy to help!

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Cork is so much more than wine stoppers and memo boards. At Nature’s Cork, we use all the unique qualities that cork possesses to create other products. Cork is used for thermal insulation – perfect for us to make cork trivets and cork coasters in all shapes and sizes. Rubberized cork is cork mixed with recycled rubber and has a certain “grippiness” that makes it just right for a mouse pad. We even use our cork fabric to make awesome bookmarks – a great gift for your favorite bookworm. 

We work with a large number of designers around the world, helping them incorporate cork into their work. This might be a cork lid, custom-made for a ceramic jar or for a terrarium, or it might a custom size cork block to be used for displaying items such as jewelry. The sky is the limit and nothing excites us more than a new idea

Do you have an idea and want to use cork to make it happen? Feel free to contact us and we’d be happy to assist and advise in any way we can to make your dream a reality.

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