Renew Body & Spirit
why cork?
Cork oak tree
Cork is one of the most natural and sustainable materials on earth. It has a long history of use dating back thousands of years. Cork is the outer layer, or bark, of two different kinds of oak trees both grown in the Mediterranean and Iberian regions. When the trees reach 20 years old, the outer layer is harvested for the first time. The trees are then harvested again every 9 years after that to keep them healthy and growing.
growth
Cork trees live for over 150 years, are never cut down, and regenerate bark every 9-12 years. Cork is harvested using a hatchet that makes vertical and horizontal cuts that won't hurt the living part of the tree. Once removed, the slabs are left to cure in the sun and rain for up to 6 months. Older cork trees produce better quality cork, meaning producers are best served by allowing the trees to grow undisturbed. This provides excellent habitats for local wildlife.
oxygen
The process of stripping cork of their bark absorbs enormous amounts of carbon dioxide while releasing even more oxygen into the air. This improves air quality and simulates even more growth for surrounding plants.