How does the bark of an Oak-cork tree become cork fabric?
Cork is a unique creation of nature that comes from a specific oak tree (Quercus suber). Cork has been used for thousands of years in many ways, but is commonly known in its connection to the wine industry. Cork trees occupy vast areas of the Mediterranean west basin and can also be found along the Atlantic coast. The ‘cork tree’ grows in the southern provinces of Portugal and is constantly reproducing. It requires a lot of light, relatively little rain and little humidity and thrives in high altitudes (up to 1,400 meters above sea level). 1. Cork oaks are harvested for the first time when they reach a circumference of 80cm. A tree will not reach this size until it is at least 25 years old. Virgin cork has a coarser structure. Only the second harvest will produce the necessary finer quality, but patience is needed since cork oaks can only be stripped every 9 years. Cork is harvested during the summer months, because it is easier to remove the bark when sap levels are at their highest p
