From the tree to your shoulder - the magnificent career of a piece of bark
, by Irene Kirchhoff , 2 min reading time
What cork is all about, what cork does for the environment, how a piece of tree bark becomes a Tikiwe® bag
The Journey from Bark to Bag
Cork products are high-quality, exquisite products, whether they are bottle stoppers, flooring, bags, or hats. The journey from tree to us is a very long one.
Henry the Navigator already recognized the value of cork oaks. In the late 13th century, he placed cork oaks under protection. They were not allowed to be indiscriminately felled for ships, masts, firewood, or other purposes. This protection continues for cork oaks in Portugal to this day. The early recognition of the value of cork oaks made Portugal the world leader in cork and prevented karstification, which occurred in other countries.
A cork oak must be allowed to grow for 30 years before it can be stripped for the first time. During stripping, great care is taken not to damage the membrane that grows between the bark and the trunk. It protects the capillaries, which run through the trunk for nutrient supply, from drying out. If it were damaged, 30 years would be lost.
After the first stripping, it can be stripped again every 9 years. If harvested too early, the quality of the cork would be negatively affected. Correct handling is therefore an economic necessity.
After stripping, the cork lies for several months to dry before it can be transported to the factory.
At the factory, everything that humans can use is made from the bark: bottle stoppers, flooring, belts, hats, blouses, jackets, pillowcases, carpets, placemats, or bags.
A cork oak lives for up to 400 years. Throughout its life, it is very diligent. It filters large amounts of CO2 from the air, approximately 1/5 of Portugal's automotive CO2 emissions. It protects Portuguese soil from karstification and provides a safe refuge for many types of fungi (including porcini mushrooms). These, in turn, supply it with nutrients. The open cork forests provide a home for more than 2000 animal species, including endangered species such as the Iberian lynx and the Barbary stag.
Overall, cork oaks are equally important for humans and animals. They make a great contribution to the natural balance.
Because all the bags are grown, harvested, and processed in Portugal by craftsmen personally known to Tikiwe®, we rule out, for example, child labor and poor working conditions. The transport routes are relatively short, and the transport itself takes place via partial loads.
Thus, the bags are not only a beautiful addition to the perfect outfit; they bring joy and a good conscience in every respect.
I wish you much pleasure browsing our shop and, above all,
much joy wearing them!
©Tikiwe®
#tikiwe #kork #veganleatherbag #vegan #sustainable #crueltyfree #handmade
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