Why We Use Cork for Our Makeup Packaging
A rapidly renewable resource that doesn't harm the trees, cork is anti-microbial, durable, and backyard compostable, making it the ultimate choice for true sustainability.
What is cork?
Cork is the bark of a cork oak, or Quercus Suber. The bark of the cork oak typically grows three to four inches thick after its first twenty years. This bark is harvested from the same tree every nine years without harming the tree, which will continue to grow for several hundred years. Harvesting is rotated to make sure trees remain healthy and have time to renew. We love that zero trees get cut down in this process.
Where does cork come from?
Most of the world’s cork is grown in Portugal today as it has been for many decades. The longevity offered by the harvesting of cork from oak trees creates a robust economy beneficial to the local communities in Portugal. Our cork comes from Portugal on a ship to the US landing on the east coast.
How our palettes are made
Our palettes start out as large panels designed to be countertops or work surfaces in industrial spaces looking for eco-friendly alternatives to finishes. To create the cork panel, the harvested cork is first made into wine corks. The excess, or waste, is collected for the panels. Once the excess cork is collected, the cork is heated to form the shape. This is where the extra magic happens. Cork trees have a waxy, tannin-rich substance called suberin that permeates the bark to protect oaks. This suberin acts as a natural glue when heated, adhering to itself.
The closed cell structure of the cork is naturally non-porous so it resists stains and does not harbor bacteria. This makes Suberra an ideal for use in moisture-filled environments like bathrooms.
Normal cork is usually 12-16 pounds per square inch, our cork is harder at 31 pounds per square inch, the same density as oak wood.
The cork blocks we use for our palettes are also used for countertops and work surfaces. It is tested by a third party that rates 100% bio-based material and is completely compostable. Even though it is made from 100% recycled cork material, it is strong enough for countertop and commercial food service areas. It was absolutely the perfect choice for our palettes and we look forward to trying different designs in the future.