Algarve has Eco-Fashion Advantage

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To the residents of Algarve Portugal, a cork tree is no different than a maple tree is to an American. The cork oak forest stretches for miles in the southern part of Portugal and provides much more than the eye can see. These beautiful Mediterranean wonders can grow up to 82-feet tall and live for approximately 300 years.

Centuries ago, winemakers of the region discovered that bark from the cork tree was perfect for processing into a convenient, airtight but natural lid for wine bottles. This tradition of natural cork stoppers still exists today. One area cork manufacturer, Novacortica S.A.,had an employee that began to examine the cork fabric more closely and an eco revolution started. The first test came at Spain's International Trade Show where Novacortica S.A. welcomed visitors under a uniquely designed umbrella made entirely with cork skin. After rave reviews, the employee, Sandra Correia formed a company in 2003 to expand on the different natural uses of cork skin.

Cork trees possess a personal attribute of protection that protects not only their survival from heat, cold, fungus and fertilizers but also creates balance of environmental sustainability to their region of the world. As though all knowing in its important job, the cork tree also regenerates from the periodic peeling of its skin used in processing cork. Unlike any other type of plant cell structure, the cork tree's individual plant tissue offers a rejuvenation of anything close by.

As with protecting the outer layer of the tree, the cork skin is a great insulator, fireproof and abrasion resistant. With these three qualities alone, unveiling as a textile for clothes, personal care items and home decoration has made cork the newest eco-friendly material on the market. In addition, cork skin is hypoallergenic, durable, waterproof and is vegetable based. The chemical composition of natural cork is incredible. Made of millions of tiny honeycomb cells, each one is filled with 60% gaseous elements that explain the lightness, remarkable compression and the elasticity.

Cork bags that hold everything from cell phones, makeup, laptops and more are starting to make a statement among young people that want to be eco-focused on the environment while having the best protection for belongings. Resembling leather or corduroy, cork breathes fashion everywhere it is used. Cork leather belts make an awesome apparel accessory choice with no fear of wearing thin or cracking. The nature of cork skin is similar to that of leather and is easy to care for with soap and water.

The cork oak tree is a highly protected species that has been in existence for millions of years. Skin peeling is only allowed once every nine years and only with the most delicate in care. More than half of all the hectares of the cork evergreen are located in Southern Portugal with other regions including Spain, France, Italy, Morocco and Northern Africa. A wonderful quality of material, cork skin is a great investment.

Sandra's company, Pelcor, carries a wide range of home designer products, shoes, clothes and even dog collars, one of which was presented to President Obama for his dog, Bo. You can learn more about available products of Pelcor by visiting the website at www.pelcor.pt. Compatible only to the rainforest for complete bio-diversity and genetic superiority, you can now own a sliver of natural creativity that will last for many years.


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Published in: News and Updates