The myth about cork has lasted for decades. And it still misleads people.

 

In a world where ecological concerns are increasingly shaping consumer choices, there is no shortage of oversimplifications and myths that — despite being false — manage to persist in public perception for decades. One such belief is the idea that natural cork requires tree cutting and harms the environment. For many people, cork = wood, and wood = cutting down trees. At first glance, it sounds logical — but it’s completely misleading.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at one of the most persistent misconceptions about natural cork. It’s time to set the record straight and debunk a myth that unfairly tarnishes one of the most sustainable natural materials known to humanity.

 

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The Biggest Myth About Cork
3. The Truth: Cork Is Not Wood – It’s Regenerating Bark
4. Why More Cork Means More Trees
5. Summary
6. FAQ

 

The Biggest Myth About Cork

Many people still believe that cork is produced by cutting down trees and that its production harms the environment.

Here’s the truth: no trees are cut down to produce natural cork. It’s not made from wood, but from the bark of the cork oak — harvested in a completely renewable way that doesn’t damage the tree. And yet, the myth of “killing trees for cork” lives on, overshadowing the material’s genuine environmental benefits.

Why Is This Myth So Common?

The myth stems from a simple misunderstanding: many people don’t distinguish bark from wood. Since cork is “hard and natural,” it’s often assumed to come from the tree’s trunk — meaning the tree had to be cut down.

Another factor is the influence of manufacturers of synthetic wine cork alternatives, who for years fueled this myth by claiming that choosing plastic or metal closures is a more eco-friendly option. Misinformation — often driven by emotion and slogans like “save the trees” — proved effective, especially where access to reliable information was limited.

The Truth: Cork Is Not Wood – It’s Regenerating Bark

Contrary to popular belief, natural cork isn’t harvested by cutting down trees — it comes from their outer protective layer: the bark. This bark is extraordinary not only because it can be removed without harming the tree, but also because it fully regenerates over time, allowing multiple harvests throughout a cork oak’s lifetime. That’s why cork is considered one of the most sustainable natural resources available.

What Exactly Is the Cork Oak (Quercus suber)?

The cork oak is a unique species that grows almost exclusively in the Mediterranean basin — especially in Portugal (which produces over 50% of the world’s cork), as well as in Spain, Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, southern France, and Italy. It grows slowly but can live for 200–300 years.

What makes the cork oak so special is its thick, flexible, and porous bark, which serves as protection against drought and fire — essential in a hot, dry climate. This bark — not the wood — is the raw material used to produce natural cork. Moreover, cork oaks are among the most resilient tree species, perfectly adapted to poor soils and extreme weather conditions.

What Does Cork Harvesting Look Like? A Process of “Shaving,” Not Cutting

Cork harvesting is a globally unique process that demands skill and precision. There are no saws or heavy machinery involved. Instead, the bark is manually removed using specialized axes, in a method similar to shaving — hence the term often used: “shaving the oak.”

The cork is harvested without harming the tree. The layer beneath the bark — known as the cambium — remains untouched, allowing the tree to begin regenerating immediately. The first harvest is possible only after about 25 years of growth, and subsequent ones take place every 9 to 12 years, depending on local climate and regional practices.

This tradition is not only environmentally sound but also culturally significant — in Portugal, the profession of cork harvester (tirador) is passed down through generations and held in high regard.

How Many Times Can a Tree Produce Cork in Its Lifetime?

Throughout its long life, a cork oak can be “shaved” up to 15 to 20 times, with each harvest yielding several kilograms of raw material. This means that a single tree can provide hundreds of kilograms of cork — without being cut down, without damaging its habitat, and without reducing biodiversity.

From an ecological perspective, it’s a remarkable process: a renewable, biodegradable material harvested locally, without heavy industry and without pollution. All of this is possible thanks to the cork oak’s natural ability to regenerate — an evolutionary gift developed over millions of years.

More Cork = More Trees

One of the most surprising — and inspiring — truths about cork is that the greater the demand for cork, the more cork oaks are planted worldwide. Unlike many other natural resources, where increased demand leads to deforestation, in the case of cork, market growth means protection and expansion of cork oak forests — vital Mediterranean ecosystems.

Demand Drives the Planting of New Cork Oaks

Cork oak forests are not wild, self-sustaining landscapes. In large part, they are traditionally managed agroecosystems that have endured for centuries thanks to continuous use — primarily for harvesting natural cork. For landowners, cork is a key source of income, and its market value and stability determine whether they invest in maintaining and regenerating these tree populations.

When demand for cork drops, these areas are at risk of abandonment or conversion into more profitable but less sustainable land uses — such as monoculture farming or grazing. When demand increases, it becomes worthwhile to plant new trees and care for existing ones. That means consumers who choose products made of natural cork — instead of plastic or metal alternatives — directly support the growth and health of cork oak landscapes.

Cork Forests: Biodiversity Havens and Carbon Sinks

Cork forests — known as montado in Portugal and dehesa in Spain — are among the richest ecosystems in Europe and North Africa. They provide habitat for hundreds of species of plants, birds, insects, and mammals, including endangered animals like the Iberian lynx and the Spanish imperial eagle. Their mosaic-like structure — combining trees, shrubs, meadows, and pasture — promotes biodiversity in a way few other land-use systems can achieve.

Beyond their ecological value, cork oak forests are also powerful natural carbon sinks. Cork oaks are particularly efficient at storing CO₂ — and what’s more, the cyclical harvesting of their bark enhances their carbon sequestration capacity. Research shows that trees regularly “shaved” for cork actually capture more carbon than those left untouched.

Protecting these forests is therefore not just a matter of aesthetics or local livelihoods — it’s a concrete and effective way to fight climate change.

Summary

The myth that cork equals deforestation is one of the most persistent and damaging misconceptions in the environmental debate. In reality, natural cork is harvested from the renewable bark of the cork oak — no trees are cut down — yet many people still wrongly associate it with resource depletion.

The truth is quite the opposite: cork production not only avoids harming nature — it actively supports it. Cork is a natural, renewable, biodegradable, and incredibly durable material. Its life cycle easily outperforms many synthetic alternatives that may seem “greener” on the surface but fall short in reality.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions About Cork

1. Is cork environmentally friendly?

Absolutely. Cork is biodegradable, renewable, and its production has a low carbon footprint. Moreover, it helps preserve cork oak forests, which absorb CO₂ and provide habitat for thousands of species.

2. Are plastic or metal alternatives better for the environment?

Usually not. Producing synthetic alternatives involves a higher carbon footprint, microplastic pollution, and more complicated recycling. Cork outperforms them in almost every environmental category.

3. Where do cork oaks grow?

Mainly in the Mediterranean basin: Portugal, Spain, Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia. Portugal is the world’s largest producer of natural cork.

4. Is it worth choosing products made of natural cork?

Definitely. By supporting the cork market, you’re also supporting the protection of cork forests, local communities, and low-emission solutions. It’s one of the best examples of how smart consumer choices can benefit the planet.