Our cork bow tie is made of 100% natural cork (“cortiça”). Our cork fabric is sourced from a supplier in Portugal that has been harvesting cork for almost 100 years.
We think cork is one of nature’s most amazing materials. Cork is:
- naturally hypoallergenic – it does not absorb dust
- a natural fire retardant – it burns without a flame and does not emit toxic gases during combustion
- light and buoyant – over 50% of its volume is air
- practically impermeable to liquids and gases – this resistance to moisture enables it to age without deteriorating
Each cork bow tie has a one-of-a-kind pattern created by nature. If you are looking for a unique gift idea or an exceptional addition to your wardrobe, you’ve found it!
More facts about the cork oak
Cork is the bark of the cork oak tree. It is harvested by hand using traditional methods between May and August when the tree is in its most active phase of growth. Cork production is considered a sustainable industry because the tree is not cut down or harmed to obtain its bark. Over the course of its 200+ year life span, the cork tree can be stripped of its bark up to 17 times. After harvesting, the tree’s capacity to absorb gases increases while its bark is regenerating; the more it is harvested, the more the cork tree protects the environment. It is estimated that every year cork oak forests retain up to 14 million tons of carbon dioxide, contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
Cork forests are a habitat for over 200 animal species and 135 plant species, some rare and endangered. Perfectly adapted for warm climates and arid soil, cork oak forests protect against erosion and desertification. They are barrier against forest fires, due to their weak combustion properties and play an important role in the regulation of the hydrological cycle. These forests are a perfect example of the balance between preserving the environment and sustainable development.
The cork oak is an ancient tree and is believed to have survived the ice age over 25 million years ago. In ancient Greece, cork oaks were revered as a symbol of freedom and honour. In Portugal, the importance of the cork oak has been recognized for hundreds of years – it has been protected by law since the early 13th century!