Materials
Cork
Cork is the bark of the Cork Oak (Quercus Suber). It is formed by dead cells of the tree, empty inside and closely linked to each other, which protect it from external factors. The cork regenerates naturally after approximately 9 or 10 years, and in its extraction, colloquially called “la saca”, the tree is neither damaged nor cut.
The cork oak lives on average about 200 years and it is present mainly in Portugal and Spain, which account for more than half of the world’s production. Although they also exist in other countries in southern Europe, such as France and Italy; and from North Africa, such as in Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia.
In Spain, it is distributed mainly between Andalusia, Extremadura, Catalonia and Castilla La Mancha. The Natural Park of Los Alcornocales in the mountains of Cádiz and Málaga, is the largest in the world and one of the best preserved.
Cork is a 100% natural, renewable and biodegradable material. In addition, it has numerous properties:
- Strong and durable due to the lignin and polysaccharides in its cell wall.
- Good thermal insulation due to the size of its cells and the high gas content
- It is a light material since the cork cells have 90% occupied by air.
- It has a high impermeability to liquids and gases due to its high degree of suberin.
- High resistance to movement due to the high flexibility of its fabrics
- Flame retardant and hypoallergenic due to its alveolar structure
Why do we use cork fabric?
This material has incredible characteristics as it combines the natural properties of the cotton and the cork fabrics. The cotton, at the base, provides strength and flexibility, while the cork provides insulation and waterproofing.
It is an ecological fabric since both cotton and cork regenerate naturally, and none of the plants is damaged in the extraction process. Furthermore, for every kilo of cork transformed into a product, 50kg of CO2 are absorbed from the atmosphere because the gas remains fixed in the cork itself.
In addition, being a natural product, the fabric remnants are always different from each other, so each product is unique. It is a durable, tear-resistant fabric that does not fray and does not wrinkle. Since the cork fabric is waterproofing, it can be washed and ironed.
The cotton
Cotton is a textile fiber with natural origins that grows around the seeds of the cotton plant (Gossypium). This fiber grows in different proportions and lengths around the seeds of the plant, and is usable for the industrial process of manufacturing fabrics, being today one of the most important natural fibers in the world.
It is harvested once a year and its cultivation requires long periods of high sun, moderate rain, and warm and constant temperatures, preferably in heavy soils. Although nowadays, these plants are cultivated in every continent, except the Antarctica.
Cotton fibers have optimal properties for making textile products:
- Thermal protection due to the hollow structure of its fibers
- High resistance due to the flexibility of its fibers, which have one of the highest breaking points among natural fibers.
- High breathability due to the space between the fibers that allows air to pass easily and prevents the appearance of fungi
- Hypoallergenic due to its alveolar structure, which prevents irritation, itching and allergies.
Autor de la fotografía: Jim Black
Why do we use cotton fabric?
It is a 100% natural, renewable and biodegradable material. No plant is damaged or cut in the extraction of cotton.
It has properties that make it perfect for textile manufacturing, being very versatile for the design and production of all kinds of products.
In addition, it is a soft and pleasant material that provides maximum protection to the skin that is in contact with it.
Finally, cotton crops are O2 generators and therefore have positive effects on the environment.
Are other materials used in the production of our products?
Yes. Unfortunately, it has not yet been possible for us to make a product made from 100% natural and/or recycled materials. So for now our products include accessories in metal, polyester and plastic.
Our objective in the upcoming years is to continue increasing the percentage of natural and/or recycled materials with which we make our products. If you know how to help us achieve the goal, please contact us!
