About Cork Plant-based Textile

Cork leather fabric, also known as cork fabric or cork "leather," is a type of textile material made from the bark of the cork oak tree. The process of making cork leather involves stripping the outer bark layer from the cork oak tree, which is a sustainable and eco-friendly practice as the tree can regenerate its bark.

The bark is then processed and transformed into a pliable and durable material that can be used in a variety of applications, including fashion, accessories, and upholstery. The resulting fabric has a texture and appearance that is similar to traditional leather, but with unique and natural variations in color and texture.

Cork leather fabric is often preferred over traditional leather due to its sustainable and eco-friendly properties, as well as its resistance to water, stains, and scratches. Additionally, it is lightweight and easy to work with, making it a popular choice for designers and manufacturers.

Cork has low conductivity to noise and vibration. This is because the gaseous components contained in cork are enclosed in small impermeable compartments, isolated from each other by a moisture-resistant substance.

The air inside the cells makes it an  excellent insulator, leading to very low thermal conductivity, over a wide range Of temperatures.

Cork is also a natural fire retardant, it burns without a flame and does not emit toxic gases during combustion.

It is the only solid which, when compressed on one side, does not increase in volume on another; and as a result of its elasticity it is able to adapt, for example, to variations in temperature and pressure without suffering alterations.

Over 50% of its volume is air, which makes it very light -it weighs just 0.16 grams per cubic centimetre and can float.

Because cork does not absorb dust, it helps protect against allergies and does not pose a risk to asthma sufferers Impermeable to Liquids and Gases. Thanks to the suberin and ceroids contained in the cell walls, cork is practically impermeable to liquids and gases. Its resistance to moisture enables it to age without deteriorating.

Cork is extremely resistant to abrasion. Thanks to its honeycomb structure, its resistance to impact or friction is greater than that of other hard surfaces.

The natural texture of cork combines softness and flexibility to the touch with a naturally uneven surface. The variable degree irregularity is given by the type of cork used and the finish chosen.

Cork is a material of natural origin, 100% renewable, reusable and sustainable. Choosing it as raw material contributes to a cleaner and more balanced environment. James&Co cork products are made with 100% natural FSC certified cork raw material guaranteeing that it has been responsibly sourced and produced. The material is harvested & produced in Portugal. The products are made in a sustainable factory in China.