Tree bark is a vital protective layer to the inner tree, preventing moisture loss and acting as a barrier to pathogens, insects, and fungi. When most types of tree bark are removed, even when only a thin ring of bark is around the trunk, the tree will die; however, cork bark can be harvested without harming the tree; why is that?

I talk (or think) about cork all day, every day. I have for years. Explaining the process of the cork harvest and how the bark immediately begins to re-generate has always made me feel good.

There are many different definitions of sustainability, with two of the more common definitions highlighting best what sustainability means. Cork is an excellent example of sustainability under both of these definitions.

 I am here to spread the cheerful joy of the incredible cork tree and its delightful bark. If nothing else, to shed some light on the negative carbon footprint from the world of consumerism.

Cork is the bark of the cork oak tree. Once harvested from the tree, it allows new bark to grow in its place without killing or damaging the trees (think sheering a sheep). 

One tree with harvestable bark is the cork oak tree, which is from the beech family and under the oak genus, meaning it produces acorns, and its leaves are arranged in a spiral shape. Oak trees are known for their hardiness and come in more than 600 subspecies. A few properties make the cork oak tree (Quercus suber) stand out from the hundreds of other types of oak trees. These properties also make it an intriguing tree for environmental protection and suitability. 

The cork oak tree (Quercus Suber) is an ancient variation of the oak tree that has withstood the test of time. Cork bark is made up of three layers on the tree. The outer and middle layers can be harvested, leaving the inner layer on the tree. The outer two layers of bark will then regrow, allowing for the tree’s bark to be harvested again and again.

In the past, the floors of our gyms, yoga studios, and other workout spaces have been made of unforgiving, rigid, or non-sustainable materials in the name of being easy to clean. Cork is a natural and renewable resource carefully hand-harvested from the cork oak tree and can be used as comfortable and sustainable flooring perfect for workout spaces.