Interestingly, I read a recent article in the newspaper about the cork industry. I had to think about this for a minute or two, because the only cork I could think of in use is cork from wine bottles.
Cork – A Product with Many Uses
However, cork is becoming very popular because industries are looking for alternative to using plastic and having a sustainable product. Cork is a renewable and biodegradable natural material.
Today, cork is used in flooring, clothing, warm insulation, shoes, furniture and much more.
Years ago, I toured Frank Lloyd Wright’s house of Fallingwater which was finished in 1938. Frank Lloyd Wright used cork slabs throughout the house and guest house for bathroom walls and floors which was innovative for the times.
Never Cut a Cork Oak Tree Down
The thing with Cork Oak trees, is that the bark is harvested in a special way to save the tree. Interestingly, the trees live up to 200 years. Because it is a special tree, experienced workers are trained to carefully remove the bark and to leave the tree alone. The cork oak then regenerates its bark. So, the cork bark is only harvested every nine years to keep the tree healthy and alive.
The Cork Oak is naturally a slow growing evergreen tree which grows in the Mediterranean area. Portugal, Spain, Algeria, Tunisia, Italy and France all grow cork oak trees.
Ending Notes on the Cork Industry
In ending today’s blog, I never really thought much about this simple product but I think I am going to see more of it used in the future. In fact, the article stated that it might be soon be replacing plastics as the go to material of the future.
So, we are always looks for new resources which are renewal and, of course, very useful.
In fact, I didn’t have to go far to find a cork usage in my home. I turned over a coaster at my desk and guess what? It has four circles of cork glued in the corners to prevent slippage of the coaster while holding my drink.
Cork usage continues to be a good idea.
Resource Sites: jontheroadagain.com, Frank Lloyd Wright’s House of Fallingwater and the Washington Post, Feb. 21, 2024, “This Ancient material is displacing plastics” by Marta Vidal.