Iberian Import Co.

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Welcome To Iberian Import Company

Most of us know cork as something used as a wine bottle stopper. At Iberian Import Company we have come to know cork as so much more.

Cork comes from the bark of the cork oak tree which grows throughout regions of Portugal, Spain and France. Once a tree is 20 years old it can be harvested. The thick cork bark is hand stripped by skilled cork farmers usually using machetes. The Cork Oak is the only tree in the world that can be stripped of its bark and not die -- thus making the harvesting of cork 100% sustainable. That tree can then be harvested again every 9-10 years. Harvesting the bark will help trees grow faster and live longer. A typical cork tree can live up to 300 years, and is quite beautiful with its twisted branches. The world’s largest cork forest and the majority of the worlds cork is from Portugal.

It is here, in Portugal where we have found amazing and unique handmade cork products. Purses, Necklaces, Hats, wallets, even umbrellas. It’s through an innovative multi stage process that transforms the raw cork into beautiful works of art.

Once harvested, the raw cork is first boiled in water to make it expand, it’s then shaved down to very thin sheets, about the thickness of tissue paper. Multi layered sheets are then glued to cotton fabric backing. Cork is naturally water resistant, but a final environmentally-friendly sealant is applied to make it stain-resistant, and scratch-proof. This entire process also makes the fabric incredibly soft. It is now that it can be used in the same manner as leather and other upholstery grade fabrics, and it is now that it is delivered to the hands of skilled Portuguese artisans who produce these incredible European inspired collections we’re bringing to you at Iberian Import Company.

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