Cork for Eco Branded Merchandise
1 September 2023
Cork is one of the most sustainable materials
Cork comes from the bark of a particular oak tree, known as Quercus suber L. So, all cork products come from 100% natural plant tissue which unlike other wood products, is harvested from the cork tree and doesn’t result in the tree being cut down. In fact, the harvesting process is entirely sustainable and doesn’t harm the tree at all.
Most cork trees grow in the western Mediterranean, where the climate is ideal, the trees requiring a lot of sunshine, high humidity and low rainfall to grow well. The main country associated with cork is Portugal is the world’s main exporter, however, other countries like Spain, Algeria, France, Tunisia and Morocco also grow and export cork.
How is cork harvested?
A specially designed axe with a wedge-shaped handle is used to pry each cork panel from the tree. These axes are incredibly sharp and slice through the outer layer of bark without damaging the actual trunk of the tree. The harvesters then cut horizontal slices across the base of the trunk of the tree, and at the top, just below the lowest branches.
And it does not harm the tree?
With the amount of bark that is removed during harvesting, the cork oak is the only tree that could survive the process.
A cork tree must grow for 25 years before it can be stripped for the first time. Cork trees are only harvested during the summer, between May and August. This is when the tree is going through its most active growth phase which makes the bark much easier to strip without damaging the trunk of the cork tree. After the initial period of 25 years, a cork tree can be stripped and harvested every 9 years. This can continue during the cork trees entire 200-300-year average lifetime. This means a cork tree can be stripped and harvested many times during its life.
It is only after the third harvest of cork, which is known as Amadia, that the cork takes on the high standard that is required for producing cork stoppers. The first two harvests are used to make flooring, insulation and other cork products.
How is cork processed?
After harvesting, the planks are allowed to cure outside for up to six months. A combination of fresh air, sun, wind and rain causes various chemical changes that improve the quality of the cork. The curing process also changes the cork planks, causing them to flatten out as they lose around 20% of their original moisture.
The planks are then steamed in boilers to eliminate any contaminants and separate the outer layer of bark. The cork is finally placed in dark cellars and allowed to cure for a further 3 weeks under carefully regulated temperatures and humidity.
Is Cork Sustainable?
Cork is :
100% naturalBiodegradableRenewableAnd can be recycled
Cork harvesting neither cuts down or harms the cork tree itself, meaning it continues living and is incredibly eco-friendly. And, cork tree farming actually helps clean the air and undo the damage caused by greenhouse gases. Cork harvesting is a truly green process and should be fully supported.
Cork can also be recycled and re-used during the manufacturing process. As already mentioned, all of the material that is taken from the cork tree is used and there is virtually no waste. As well as the largest exporter, Portugal is actually the world’s 4th largest importer of cork, which is then processed, recycled and re-made into new cork products that are then subsequently exported to other countries.
Cork is a fully sustainable and environmentally friendly resource, thanks to the unique nature of its gathering. In fact, cork is one of the greenest alternatives out there and is 100% natural, renewable and recyclable.
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Searching for a branded gift or promotional product? Finding it hard to discover something new, something different? This post will give you a different way of finding what you are looking for by explaining how the industry works and why endless browsing may not be the right approach - or you can watch the video here 1. Understanding how the promotional products industry works a. Promotional Products Distributors The web sites you see on Google are numerous – indeed there are 2,873 distributors in the UK, each selling branded merchandise and each with a website. The web sites vary from the aesthetically pleasing to the overcrowded. BUT you will see the same products on many different web sites – why? b. Promotional Products Manufacturers The number of actual manufacturers is relatively small – a few hundred – each making a single product line, whether that be bags, notebooks, pens or clothing. But the vast majority of the manufacturers will only sell to the Trade – you will find it difficult to access them without the distributor. c. Merchandise Wholesalers In addition to the manufacturers, there an even smaller number of ‘wholesalers’. These Trade only suppliers will stock a huge range of products from many different sources and brand the product with your logo. They may also allow electronic feeds of their products to the distributor websites. d. Images of products So, as you search the myriad of websites presented by Google, you are looking at distributors with potentially the same product lines. ‘But they appear different’ – I hear you say. Yes, that is because each distributor, ourselves included, chooses what we believe to be the best promotional products for a particular price and quality, and the best images. Three problems We may have chosen the wrong products We may have chosen the wrong image The products constantly change so it is really tough to keep the website updated But, remember all the distributors buy from the same sources and virtually all could supply ANY of the products you see….. 2. I don’t know what I am looking for but will know it when I see it! This is true for 95% plus of everyone searching. You do however have some basic parameters: Rough cost per item Estimate of the quantity An understanding of who it’s for An understanding of your brand How the product will be used TIMING This last one is the ‘real kicker’ – you may find what you want but not be able to get it in time – in our experience this happens so often. 3. Alternative approach – a guide So, what is the alternative approach? Have the distributor do the work for you – for FREE We spend every day looking at products, attending industry exhibitions and meeting with manufacturers and wholesalers. We know what is available and when. We can help you clarify a brief and then present you with ideas. We can even quote on a product you have seen elsewhere. See us as your guide. OUR PROMISE – no pushy sales people – happy to chat by email or WhatsApp if you prefer.
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How can you tell which items genuinely meet environmental and ethical standards? How do you know your promotional merchandise is eco? One of the best ways is by looking for trusted third-party certifications. These certifications offer transparency, set rigorous criteria, and help ensure that your branded merchandise aligns with your sustainability values. Here's a quick guide to five of the most respected certifications to look out for when choosing eco-conscious products. 1. FSC – Forest Stewardship Council What it means: The FSC certification ensures that wood, paper, and other forest-based materials come from responsibly managed forests that provide environmental, social, and economic benefits. Why it matters: If you're sourcing promotional items made from wood or paper—like notebooks, packaging, or wooden gifts—FSC certification guarantees that the materials are sustainably harvested. Look for: Products marked with the FSC logo; and check the certificate number on the FSC Certificate Search. Visit FSC official site 2. GOTS – Global Organic Textile Standard What it means: GOTS is a globally recognized certification for organic textiles. It ensures that fabrics like cotton are grown without harmful chemicals and processed in socially and environmentally responsible ways. Why it matters: Many promotional products, like tote bags, T-shirts, and towels, are textile-based. GOTS certification means these items are organic, safe, and ethically produced from farm to finish. Look for: A GOTS-certified label and supplier. You can verify through the GOTS Public Database. Visit GOTS official site What it means: Fairtrade certification supports better prices, decent working conditions, and fair terms of trade for farmers and workers in developing countries. Why it matters: Products like cotton bags, chocolate bars, or coffee mugs with Fairtrade-certified contents ensure ethical treatment of producers and sustainable farming practices. Look for: The blue and green Fairtrade logo on packaging or labels. Visit Fairtrade Foundation (UK) 4. OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 What it means: This certification verifies that textiles are tested for harmful substances and are safe for human use. Why it matters: Even "natural" fabrics can be treated with dyes or chemicals. OEKO-TEX® ensures that every component of the product—from threads to prints—is free from harmful levels of over 100 substances. Look for: The STANDARD 100 label and certification number for verification via the OEKO-TEX® Label Check. Visit OEKO-TEX® official site 5. Cradle to Cradle Certified® What it means: Cradle to Cradle certification assesses products for environmental and social performance across five categories: material health, circularity, clean air & climate protection, water & soil stewardship, and social fairness. Why it matters: This is especially valuable for innovative and multi-material products. It focuses on the entire lifecycle, not just sourcing or disposal. Look for: The Cradle to Cradle Certified® mark and specific level (Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum). Visit Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute Why Certifications Matter for Your Brand Choosing certified eco-friendly promotional products isn’t just about ticking a box—it shows your customers, staff, and stakeholders that you care about ethical sourcing, sustainable production, and long-term environmental impact. These certifications offer peace of mind and add real value to your brand story. At Pavilion Earth, we’re proud to work with suppliers who prioritise sustainability and transparency. Want help finding the right certified products for your campaign? Get in touch with us — we’d love to help.
