Save a Tree - Use Cork!
Bangor Cork is proud to provide high quality, eco-friendly cork supplies for home, design, and craft uses
We love cork for many reasons, including its variety of home and craft applications. One main reason why we appreciate cork is because it is an environmentally sustainable material with distinctive features.
Cork forests are some of the most sustainable and environmentally harvested forests in the world. According to the Cork Forest Conservation Alliance, approximately 6.6 million acres of Mediterranean cork forest extend across Portugal, Spain, Algeria, Morocco, Italy, Tunisia, and France. These oak forests support one of the world's highest levels of forest biodiversity, second only to the Amazonian Rainforest.
What makes cork sustainable?
No tree is cut down to harvest cork. The cork comes from the outer bark of the cork oak tree. To harvest cork, it is stripped off the tree by hand about every nine to twelve years. After harvesting, the tree continues to form new layers and restore its protective barrier. Each tree can produce cork for about 200 years. As the trees mature, the harvests produce thicker cork that is even better quality. Because cork is all-natural, it has distinct properties that make it a versatile material.Cork is unique
Because cork comes from nature, it offers a variation of unique grain, texture, and color choices. No two pieces of cork are the same.Cork is recyclable
Cork is both recyclable and biodegradable. Even during the manufacturing process, cork waste is reused and ground to make agglomerated cork products. Cork powder and chemical components removed during processing can be recovered as useful fuel sources and byproducts. Because of this, cork is increasingly being incorporated into "green" homes and designs.Cork has an unmatched cellular structure
Cork’s surface is antistatic, antimicrobial, and water-resistant (not completely water proof unless you seal your cork properly), which makes it great for people with allergies. It also contains a waxy, fire-resistant substance called suberin, which makes cork naturally fire-resistant.Cork is resilient
Cork is a lightweight, low-density material that has incredible buoyancy. The durable material is one of the most insulate of any natural material, due to the low conductivity of heat, vibrations, or sound. It is the only solid material that retains its width while compressed vertically. The capability for the material to rebound to its original shape makes it resistant to wear and tear, increasing longevity.Go Green with Cork
You can benefit the environment by using cork products in your next project. Not only will you be using an eco-friendly material, you will be saving the cork forests and supporting thousands of family farmers. Common uses for cork in the home include:- Cork wall coverings
- Cork flooring or underlayment
- Kitchen or bathroom backsplashes
- Cork coasters and placemats
- Cork furniture
- Décor
Check out our Project Ideas page for more creative uses for cork, and if you're not sure where to begin, our Installation Guides are packed with helpful tips and tricks to get you started.