Sustainable fashion has become a buzzword
In recent years, as more people become aware of the environmental impact of the fashion industry, which is known for being one of the largest polluters in the world, there has been a growing trend towards sustainable fashion, which aims to reduce the industry's negative impact on the environment and society.
However, the question remains: is sustainable fashion really sustainable?
Let's take a look at how cork can be used in sustainable fashion to answer this question.
Cork: A Sustainable Material for Fashion
Cork is a sustainable material that is often used in fashion as an eco-friendly alternative to leather.
Cork is harvested from the bark of cork oak trees, which grow primarily in Mediterranean countries like Portugal, Spain, and Italy.
The cork oak trees are not cut down during the harvesting process, which allows them to continue to grow and absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
The harvesting process is also done entirely by hand, making it a sustainable but labor-intensive industry.
The Manual Harvesting Process of Cork
The manual harvesting process of cork is a traditional practice that has been passed down for generations.
Harvesters use a special tool called a hatchet to carefully strip the outer bark from the trunk of the cork oak tree. The inner bark, which is softer and more pliable, is then removed in large sheets.
The cork oak tree is not harmed during this process, and the bark grows back over time, allowing for multiple harvests throughout the tree's lifespan.
Cork in Fashion Products
Cork can be used in a variety of fashion products, including shoes, bags, and accessories. Cork products have become increasingly popular in recent years, as consumers become more aware of the negative impact of traditional leather products on the environment and animal welfare.
However, while cork is a sustainable material, the production of cork products still requires resources and energy.
The production of cork requires harvesting, processing, and transportation, all of which contribute to carbon emissions.
Additionally, the production of cork products requires other materials and resources, such as zippers, lining, and hardware, which may not be as sustainable, however carefully selected.
Making Sustainable Fashion Truly Sustainable
To truly make sustainable fashion sustainable, it is important to consider the entire lifecycle of a product, from its production to its disposal. This means that sustainable fashion should prioritize materials that are not only sustainable but also require minimal resources and energy to produce.
It should also consider the end of life of a product and prioritize materials that are biodegradable or easily recyclable.
We @TheCorkCollection absolutely love Cork as it's the most wonderful sustainable material that can be used in fashion, but we believe that it's also important to consider the entire lifecycle of a product to make sustainable fashion truly sustainable.
By prioritizing materials that are not only sustainable but also require minimal resources and energy to produce, and considering the end of life of a product, sustainable fashion can become a more viable alternative to traditional fashion.
