Discovering the Wonders of Cork: A Journey through Nature's Sustainable Marvel
- Info Wanderlust
- May 22
- 3 min read
Updated: 7 days ago
Cork is more than just a material. It's a story woven into our travel experiences. When you mark your adventures on our cork maps, you connect with a resource that has a rich history. Recently, we visited Portugal to dive deep into the captivating world of cork production. We're thrilled to share our insights with you, our Wanderlust community!
The Time-Intensive Process of Cork Harvesting
Did you know that a cork oak tree requires remarkable patience before it can be harvested? It takes a full 25 years for the first cork to be harvested. However, this initial yield is often of low quality and unsuitable for premium products. The journey doesn't end there. The tree needs two additional harvests, each spaced nine years apart, before it can produce the high-quality cork we love in wine stoppers and our handcrafted travel maps. So, in total, we wait 43 years for the cork oak tree to reach its prime production potential!
Beyond the Map: Unveiling Cork's Potential
Cork is often linked to wine bottles and travel maps. However, this incredible material has far-reaching applications that many people overlook. Cork can be transformed into various textiles and products, such as:
Shoes
Dresses
Handbags
Hats
Various sustainable goods
The versatility of cork showcases its incredible natural properties. It is lightweight, water-resistant, and exceptionally durable.
Our Sustainable Commitment: Redefining Responsibility
At Wanderlust Creatures, sustainability is not just a trend—it's ingrained in our business philosophy. Over the past 2.5 years, we've carefully saved every offcut from our laser-cut cork maps. Instead of discarding these materials, we are committed to upcycling them into new maps and products. This approach aligns perfectly with our values of environmental responsibility.
By utilizing sustainable materials like cork—100% renewable, biodegradable, and recyclable—we are actively contributing to waste reduction and working to minimize our environmental footprint.
A Lesson in Cork from the Experts
Our journey through the world of cork was greatly enriched during our visit to Evora, Portugal. There, we met with Nelson Seagal at A Romana Artesanato. His knowledge of traditional cork harvesting and processing techniques deepened our appreciation for this extraordinary material. His insights continue to inspire us as we explore innovative ways to use cork in our products.
Why Cork is Our Material of Choice for Travel Maps
Cork’s sustainable attributes make it an ideal choice for our travel maps:
Renewable Resource: When harvested, only the outer bark is removed from cork oak trees. This process allows the tree to regenerate and thrive.
Carbon Negative: Cork oak forests absorb CO2 from the atmosphere, contributing positively to the fight against climate change.
Biodegradable: Unlike plastic alternatives, cork will naturally decompose at the end of its useful life, reducing environmental impact.
Durable Yet Lightweight: Cork maps are easy to hang and display while being durable enough to last a lifetime.
Functional Design: Our cork maps allow you to pin specific locations, adding a personalized touch to your travels.
Aesthetic Appeal: Cork offers a natural decor aesthetic that is visually pleasing.
Join Us on Our Sustainability Journey
As we develop our in-house cork re-agglomeration facility, we look forward to creating even more sustainable products from production offcuts. By choosing a Wanderlust Creatures cork map, you support sustainable practices and become part of our story of environmental stewardship.
We invite you to share your own sustainability stories with us using #ShareYourStory. How are you incorporating eco-friendly products into your travel adventures?
Have you visited Portugal's cork forests or experienced cork harvesting? We’d love to hear about it in the comments below!
Comments