Cork fabric

Cork fabric is an ecological, sustainable material made from thin layers of natural cork—the bark of the cork oak (Quercus suber)—which are pressed and laminated onto a textile backing, most commonly cotton or polyester. Although cork has been used for centuries in products such as stoppers, footwear, and linings, its use as a textile-like fabric is a modern trend in sustainable fashion, especially since the 21st century. Cork harvesting is highly sustainable: the bark is carefully stripped from cork oak trees every nine years without harming the tree. After harvesting, it is cleaned, dried, processed into sheets, and then bonded to a textile base through pressing and lamination. Cork fabric is lightweight, flexible, water-resistant, hypoallergenic, and pleasant to the touch, while retaining the characteristic texture and matte appearance of natural cork. In the textile industry, it is used for bags, backpacks, wallets, shoes, fashion accessories, decorative items, and innovative garment design. It is valued as a vegan alternative to leather, as well as for its sustainability and easy maintenance, making it increasingly popular in ethical fashion and eco-friendly product design.