In 2018, when we produced the prototype, we realized that although this textile had already been used in fashion shows and exhibitions, the recipe had resistance limitations, which did not allow its use in a daily context with SOBRI’s quality and sustainability standards. After researching this new approach and the potential of biosynthetic fabrics in reducing CO2 emissions from the textile industry, we realized that although polymers from fossil fuels are still used, this is one of the least toxic solutions and one of the most likely to be successful at scale in the creation of resistant, waterproof fabrics based on a truly circular economy.

Over the past 3 years, SOBRI has worked with TINTEX to improve the strength of the jersey while increasing the percentage of organic matter and cork used. In 2021, we reached a new version which uses natural cork powder in the form of a coating layer in a raw cotton base - this new recipe, unique in the world, is made of approx 60% organic matter and represents a key step in the use of natural cork in technical textiles that can become 100% biodegradable.

We are committed to keeping working on the creation of a fabric made entirely in Portugal that, like cork, is durable, recyclable, and biodegradable. We believe that the urgency in finding new alternatives to fossil fuels, combined with the scientific advances in the creation and synthesis of biopolymers, will allow this to become a reality in the coming years.

Read the article about the partnership

MASK - B.CORK 05.20

• Handmade at home in Porto

FLAT CAP

• Handmade in Porto by Mr. José Baião from Chapelaria Centro da Moda, the oldest hat shop in Porto, open since 1897.

The agglomeration of the granules is achieved through the resins of the cork itself, more specifically the suberin, which works as a natural binder.

The Expanded cork agglomerate is thus produced through a process of agglutination of virgin cork granules, mostly falca (the name given to cork from the pruning of cork oak branches), and is achieved through an industrial process without additives. After the granulation and cleaning processes, the agglomeration of the cork is done using overheated water steam, at a temperature between 300ºC and 370ºC, using a steam boiler, in which +90% of energy consumption is biomass (from waste of its own industrial process).

Thus, we obtain blocks that can have various densities and that are then cut to be used mainly as thermal and/or acoustic insulation. In recent years, this 100% ecological and recyclable raw material has attracted increasing interest from designers and architects around the world.

SOBRI uses it in furniture and homeware items, and we explored other creative ways in made-to-order pieces.

FURNITURE 01 & 02

• Handcrafted in Benedita, Portugal

HOMEWEAR

• Made with a CNC in Benedita, Portugal.

The starting point for the production of this textile is the natural cork obtained by stripping the cork oaks, every 9 years, without cutting down the tree - you can find out more here (Link)

The cork leather is then produced from laminated sheets of natural or very thin layers of agglomerated cork (usually 50-500mm thick) glued to fabric, textile support, or paper, depending on the resistance and maneuverability needed for each use case.

This cork application reveals the texture and ribbing of the natural cork, which you can feel when you touch it. They are produced in various patterns, and due to their malleability and touch, they are used mainly in “leather” goods, fashion, or stationery.

As with any raw material, there are numerous types of cork leather. These differences are mainly visible in terms of how cork is glued and in the types of materials used as a base. These differences impact the quality, durability, and above all, the naturalness of the cork leather.

After more than two years of testing and researching suppliers, we chose to use in our products the cork leather produced by one of the sector’s leading companies, SEDACOR. The raw material developed in S. Paio de Oleiros guarantees a minimum use of glues; the base is made of organic cotton, and its black dyeing is done with water-based paints, without chemicals or products toxic to the environment.

We combined different thicknesses of the leather to better fit each product's needs, and our brand signature was fire-heated manually on each product.

CARD HOLDER AND WALLET

• Handcrafted in Milheirós de Poiares, Portugal.

BASEBALL CAP

• Handcrafted in Romariz, Portugal.

NOTEBOOK SLEEVE, DESK, AND MOUSE PAD

• Handcrafted in Benedita, Portugal.

BRAND SIGNATURE

• Made in Barcelos, Portugal.

This project was launched in 2013 with a view to designing high-efficiency surfboards making use of Portuguese raw materials and technology, thus enabling Garrett McNamara to face the most extreme surfing conditions that exist in Nazaré. In this context, at Garrett McNamara's own request, a project in partnership with Mercedes-Benz and Amorim Cork Composites was started in the last quarter of 2014

The cork surfboards were first developed using a stringer entirely made of cork to replace the traditional wood stringers. This, in addition to the flexibility that cork offers, translates into a board that feels light and responsive. This innovation prevents cutting down trees for making the traditional wood stringers - a forward-thinking, innovative, and environmentally conscious measure as a result of a greener and more sustainable surfboard production method.

Cork surfboards with Amorim Cork Composites’ Corecork technology, relatively thin, strong face sheets bonded to thicker, lightweight core materials. These boards were the result of a joint work from dozens of designers, researchers, aerodynamics and materials development experts, and the professional surfer Garrett McNamara himself, all of whom gave their contribution to the production process of an ideal surfboard capable of enduring and riding the monster waves at Nazaré Canyon.

Three surfboards, out of a total of 12, have already been delivered to Garrett and are strategically distributed over 4 locations worldwide so the surfer can move rapidly in search of the largest waves in the world without having to carry the boards when traveling the globe.

*Information and photos are from amorimcorkcomposites.com

GENCORK, with the creative direction of SPECTROOM, creates mostly panels in expanded cork agglomerate that are used for acoustic coating, have a 3D effect, and can be customized, exploring a low-tech ecological material and high-tech manufacturing processes. “The expanded cork agglomerate is transformed through computational algorithms based on generative design, with strong inspiration in biology, mathematics, and geometry. The development of cork panels explores the industrial digital manufacturing processes, opening up a new spectrum of possibilities and generating a new formal aesthetic. This creative system not only optimizes the thermal and acoustic properties of cork but also adds artistic value.

https://www.gencork.com

https://www.instagram.com/gencork/

BLACKCORK, with charitable direction from Toni Grilo, is mainly dedicated to the development of furniture and intends to place expanded agglomerated cork - until recently a material mostly used for thermal and acoustic insulation in construction - at the forefront of sustainable design.

http://blackcork.pt/

https://www.instagram.com/blackcork_furniture/

The main material for the creation of this guitar is expanded cork, which is made from reused natural cork (such as cork stoppers), and is normally used as a coating and thermal insulation in buildings. The remaining 25% of this unique guitar is reclaimed wood used for the arm and the center of the body, resulting in a lighter and more ecological instrument.

Currently, the designer/musician is already developing a new guitar while improving the craft of this beautiful first model. Another novelty expected for 2020 is a carrying case for the instrument, made from natural cork boards (90%) and wood that will give a reliable and light structure. All the wood used on the guitar or in the carrying case is recycled. “It’s a fun process, going to the carpentry and never knowing what we’re going to find, it’s almost like a chef who goes every day to the market and prepares his dishes with fresh, seasonal products.”

Thus, all products created by João have a stylish design, a minimal footprint, a strong Portuguese trait, and a unique perspective on how to use cork.

www.instagram.com/mailand.guitars

The studio has become well-known for its innovative use of cork in high-end product design, architecture, and large-scale production manufacturing. Recognised as an African “ambassador” for cork by Portuguese producer Amorim, Laurie has pushed the boundaries of the material to achieve several world “firsts” – including the world’s largest cork pendant light and cork cabinet, both of which have been exhibited by Southern Guild.

Laurie Wiid’s work comes from a conceptual and artistic environment, an angle on various topics of contemporary culture, with a focus on traditional handcrafting in combination with avant-garde techniques. By combining handcrafting and specialist techniques, Wiid transforms materials into life-enriching and durable objet d’art.

Laurie opted for a hands-on approach to studying design and manufacturing. He apprenticed to Otto du Plessis and Charles Haupt at Bronze Age Foundry as well as to a carpenter for three years, and from 2009 to 2013 he worked closely with leading South African sculptor Wim Botha as his assistant. During this time, he started designing and manufacturing his own ceramics and furniture and collaborating with fellow creatives.

http://wiiddesign.co.za/

https://www.instagram.com/wiid_design/

https://www.birkenstock.com/gb/natural-cosmetics/

http://www.melanieabrantes.com/

https://www.instagram.com/melanieabrantesdesigns/?hl=pt

From the Montado to the factory, the process encompasses various stages that ally traditional techniques with cutting-edge technologies, resulting in toys that deliver the maximum original experience to the educational act of play.
Elou Cork Toys presents itself as an innovative brand that, although new to the market, intends to revolutionize the way children interact with their toys, enhancing cork’s benefits to children’s knowledge acquisition and motor, cognitive, and sensorial stimulation. To do so, it offers a wide range of natural toys of minimalist conception, whose central premise lies in the idea that playing is not only a leisure activity, but also a significant part of the child’s personal development that comes naturally throughout her growth and whereby she acquires multiple skills and competences while framing her personality and building an emotional identity.

https://www.eloucork.com/

https://www.instagram.com/eloucork/?hl=pt

Baume encourages individuality and allows us to fully customize the watch we want. Their online configurator offers 2160 possibilities for customization, including elements such as size, case, hands, dial, strap, and engraving.
Within the range of environmentally friendly materials, BAUME has recently begun to use cork leather straps in different colors.

Baume draws experience and insight from the Richemont Group’s horological expertise, a lineage that enables the development of innovative, quality timepieces while challenging the conventions of traditional watchmaking.

www.baumewatches.com

www.instagram.com/baumewatches

Created in 2014 by Susana Godinho, the brand creates unique personalized rugs inspired by nature and that provide any space with a special atmosphere aligned with the global trends in interior design.

The brand is committed to the environment at all stages of the product life cycle, from the collection of raw materials to the final product.

The rugs are made from Portuguese cork, recycled cotton or wool, sourced from the waste of domestic textile factories, which share the same concerns for the environment and sustainable practices.

Backed by Amorim Cork ventures, the designer is based in the north of Portugal, and the rugs can be found in houses all around the globe.

www.sugocorkrugs.com

www.instagram.com/sugocorkrugs/

They are currently developing their own type of cork agglomerate, made from compressed, burned cork bark, and are using it to create temporary architecture installations and home design pieces.

This project can be seen in Porto, at the Earlymade store - Rua do Rosário, 235, in the ambit of Bombarda Simultaneous Vernissages.

www.instagram.com/studiocorkinho

www.studiocorkinho.com

At number 295 Rua do Almada, Porto, you will find a new type of accommodation, which can be seen as a gallery, showroom or simply as a comfortable space to spend a few days.

In this modular space in constant reinvention, everything was carefully selected and conceived to offer a natural comfort sensation, combining the versatility and unique characteristics of cork with other materials, such as wood and steel.

The cork house is a space made in Portugal and where the whole atmosphere reflects the philosophy and values ​​of SOBRI, combining unique design pieces and the commitment to offer a unique personalized experience.

Book your stay: AIRBNB

Showroom by appoitment only: sobri@sobri.pt

83673/AL

THE BREAKFAST

Press:

• Observador

• NIT

Press:

• Timeout Porto

• NIT

The agglomeration of the granules is achieved through the resins of the cork itself, more specifically the suberin, which works as a natural binder.

The Expanded cork agglomerate is thus produced through a process of agglutination of virgin cork granules, mostly falca (the name given to cork from the pruning of cork oak branches), and is achieved through an industrial process without additives. After the granulation and cleaning processes, the agglomeration of the cork is done using overheated water steam, at a temperature between 300ºC and 370ºC, using a steam boiler, in which +90% of energy consumption is biomass (from waste of its own industrial process).

Thus, we obtain blocks that can have various densities and that are then cut to be used mainly as thermal and/or acoustic insulation. In recent years, this 100% ecological, recyclable raw material has attracted increasing interest from designers and architects worldwide.

SOBRI uses it in furniture and homeware items, and we intend to keep exploring other creative ways as made-to-order pieces.

Most of those factories are small, family owned in business for decades, who felt the ups and downs of the industry. Some still remember the previous up, but all remember the decline of the 90’s, when most of the industry based on cheap labor almost died.

At that time, the world had discovered the new El Dorado of the even cheaper Chinese labor and the undervalued Portuguese industry (Textile, leather goods, furniture, ceramics, among others), which barely survived, and was forced to evolve.

During the last 20 years, many factories re-opened, and the ones that did survive the entire time survived through innovation, quality products, and the capacity of producing small quantities at a high speed to market, helping the main fashion and design powerhouses achieve incredible results in Europe and the US.

More recently, the Portuguese economy and the Porto region in specific gain a new breath. This new boom in the region was due to the exports of its factories, the arrival of international investments, and, mostly, the huge growth in tourism.

But until when? Is this really sustainable?

We created SOBRI in 2018 to combine this history, legacy, and the cultural diversity available around us, and share with you our vision of a more sustainable future, where we all have a key role to play.