Cork Leather 4.2

The Cork Leather business name originated from the term used to describe a strap of cork straight from the cork oak bark. It is flexible, versatile and durable and an alternative to animal leather, but is water and oil proof.

Cork is a primary material that is natural, sensually tactile and durable.
It is obtained from the renewable cork oak bark. The cork bark harvesting process benefits the tree by prolonging its life to as long as 300 years. This process takes place every 9 years after the original debarking at between 25-40 years of age. the canopy continues to spread its branches and as an evergreen continuously fruits producing acorns for the local wildlife, particularly wild pigs and dear.

After a clean simple processing, the oak bark can take many forms, from the soft sheen of cork-paper to the more robust materials used for belts and shoes or the pliable and soft satiny finish used for handbags, hats, and jewellery.

Cork Leather offers various products ranging from fashion to corporate, including handbags, wallets, key rings, shoes, jewellery, aprons, computer bags, wine bottle carriers, USB drives, iphone and ipad covers, belts, hats, and even an unique umbrella!

Paulo and Manuela were both born in Portugal but have lived in Australia since they were young and travel back to Portugal regularly to visit family and friends. And, over the last few years have witnesses an emergence of Cork products onto the market including beautiful bags, shoes, hats and jewellery to name a few.

A dream to bring it to Australia and showcase it (show it off actually) has finally materialized with the opening of Cork Leather Store in Brisbane.

Our mission is to offer this quality artisan product that is above all ecologically sound, environmentally friendly to anyone who cares to look great, have a story to tell about their new conversation starter fashion item and reduce their environmental footprint.

We aim to educate the public about the benefits of using cork as an alternative to animal leather, it's durability and beauty.

We also like to clarify that cork oaks are not an endangered species but in fact a protected species for ecological reasons. It is protected by law from felling.

By growing the demand for cork products the cork industry will be sustained, ensuring that the Cork Oak forests (Montados) in Portugal will live for at least another 1000 years. The Montados prevent desertification and sustain a wide range of endangered species peculiar to the Iberian peninsula of Portugal. The huge organism that are the Montados are also recognised as an ecological structure that is preventing the arid deserts of Africa from moving North into Europe.

From a more practical human side, the cork industry is sustaining thousands of workers and their families Portugal wide. The art of debarking the tree is passed down from generation to generation and if nurtured will support many generations to come.

Our aim is to create a strong brand presence in our online store Australia wide in order to create greater product demand, in order to open more concept stores in other key cities, so that customers can experience the remarkable cork products with their own hands. You have to feel it to understand it. Its like hugging a tree, there is an natural understanding that is exchanged through the cork sharing its unique beauty and feeling with you and you giving back through your admiration of the cork look and feel.

We are excited and proud to share this unique product with everyone, and hope you enjoy it as much as we do!