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.