Why cork is becoming sustainable design’s favourite material

If you thought Cristiano Ronaldo, wine, and pastel del natas were the only great things to come out of Portugal, think again.

The relatively small European nation holds the title of being the world’s largest supplier of cork. It is home to 1.6 million acres of cork oak forests, primarily located in the southern Alentejo region.

These cork trees are famous for being incredibly sustainable. They are carbon positive, absorbing five times more carbon from the atmosphere while growing than they release while being harvested.

This is because cork can be perpetually harvested without the need to cut down the tree itself. Cork bark takes around nine and twelve years to grow back fully, but it is a renewable resource as long as forests are harvested in a proper manner.

What makes cork even more attractive to designers is its biodegradable properties. It can be replaced and discarded without polluting the environment for eternity. We can’t say the same for plastic, foam insulation, and other synthetic materials.

Cork also makes a great addition as a wall covering, due to its anti-microbial and moisture-resistant properties (hence why it is used as a stopper in wine bottles) and it is also shock absorbent, which allows its soundproofing qualities.

Not to mention, the fact that cork is a natural material brings a sense of warmth and closeness to nature that many are looking to bring into modern city homes.

Whether it’s through accented wall panelling, furniture, or storage units – the possibilities are endless. Designers are continuing to experiment with its capabilities and a diverse range of products are even available from independent sellers on Etsy.

As creatives continue to test the capabilities of various sustainable materials, all that’s left for consumers to do is lean in.