PHILLIP JEFFRIES ECO-LUXURY CORK WALLCOVERINGS
Phillip Jeffries collection of authentic and renewable cork wallcoverings are the ultimate in eco-luxury.
Cork- A renewable source of raw material
The cork tree is the only tree which can regenerate after each harvest of bark. The bark is removed from two thirds of the tree with the first harvest after the tree has reached approximately 20 years of age. A thin layer of inner bark provides the tree with its unique ability to survive and regenerate after being debarked. The removal of the outer bark required special skill and equipment so the inner bark is not damaged during the process
Cork harvesting – A traditional process
After the first harvest, the bark is carefully peeled from the tree every nine years until the oak is around 150 years old. After each harvest, the bark is left in the forest to dry in the sun before it is brought to the factory where it is boiled in order for it to be flattened. The process is an ancient tradition, using the same methods for thousands of years.
Collecting Cork = Collecting CO2
As with other trees, cork oaks convert CO2 into oxygen via the photosynthesis. However, they capture and store additional CO2 each time the bark is harvested and regenerated. Harvested cork trees absorb 3-5 times as much CO2 as unharvested trees! It is estimated that cork forests retain about 14.4 million tons of atmospheric CO2 each year.
The remarkable properties of cork
- Lightweight – Allows for light-weight furnishings & wall coverings
- Durable – Will last repeated impact or rubbing and is impermeable to liquids and gases
- Thermally & acoustically insulating – Among the best insulator of any natural material
- Hypoallergenic – Does not absorb particles such as dust or pollen and is easy to clean
For more information on the Phillip Jeffries collection or to order samples, please contact us