Corkor
Overview
Corkor makes beautiful bags and accessories from cork. It turns out that cork, beyond being everyone’s favorite wine keeper-fresher, is a highly functional leather substitute that’s naturally waterproof, stain & scratch resistant, easy to clean, and sustainable. Corkor bags are the full package, with a unique look and feels, their rave reviews speak for themselves.
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The Details
Based: Barreiro, Portugal
Cost: $$ {$30 – $180}
Products: Backpacks, crossbodies, clutches, satchels, wallets
Materials: Cork
The Look: Earthy & contemporary; textured look in primarily browns, beiges, reds, and black
Eco-Love & Ethics
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- Super sustainable materials; use FSC® certified cork (meaning they ensure renewable harvesting of the cork oak forest – they remove the outer bark of the cork tree, without harming it, and the bark regrows and can be harvested again and again.)
- Small batch production to avoid waste, water reutilization systems, and local sourcing/manufacturing in Portugal
- I reached out to Corkor to ensure that their production is ethical (because although it’s alluded to on their site it’s not stated explicitly), and they replied saying, “Yes, our workers are treated ethically and sustainably. Our workplace is legal, and fair, and does not cause mental or physical harm. We pay above the minimum wage in Portugal and provide continuous training. We have workers from different countries and all of them are legal, with no underage workers. All of them have their payments fully and on time every month.”
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Corkor Quote
A handful of local Portuguese artisans produce perfectly finished pieces in our workshop. Traditional craftsmanship combines with small batches, to ensure you get premium quality, without the premium price.
