Cork may be one of today’s most under-utilized renewable resources for creating home goods and fashion.

Under the umbrella of parent, Novacortica S.A., (a company which produces natural cork disks for Champagne), Portuguese-based, Pelcor, has been busy for the past six years finding new ways of using Cork Oak to create an extensive line of goods for the home, fashion accessories, and now — clothing.  Why is this so exciting?  The way Pelcor manufactures is so planet-friendly, and the collections look and feel so great.

Eco upsides:

• The cork is manually harvested by skilled debarkers in order to not harm the trees.
• Portugal’s Cork Oaks will supply good quality cork every nine years throughout the tree’s lifespan of approximately 150 years.
• Cork Oak forests need no chemical herbicides, fertilizers or irrigation.
• In addition to the Cork Oak’s capacity to produce oxygen, the tree also has a unique cell structure that enables it to retain carbon dioxide, a principle cause of global warming.
• Planting of cork trees has prevented desertification of dry regions in southern Portugal, reducing soil erosion and providing a livelihood for local populations.

Many of Pelcor’s soft, lightweight eco accessories are available via Florida-based distributor, Nature’s Cork.  Visit their new website here.  I had the chance to touch the gown and bag, (above R), both made from the cork tree; the material feels very soft, yet durable – similar to a fine organic cotton.