5 Stylish and Ethical Cork Handbags

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If you’re looking for a cork handbag or purse, this article is for you.

Cork bags have gained popularity over recent years for a number of reasons.

Firstly, cork bags are completely natural and vegan.

They also have a range of practical benefits such as being water repellent, stain-resistant and scratch-proof.

Cork is a low maintenance material, and unlike leather, you won’t need to regularly condition it to keep it looking fresh.

Why get a Cork Handbag?

Cork is a material famed for its sustainability.

Cork bag sustainability
Image source: visitportugal.com

When the cork is harvested, the trees aren’t damaged or cut down. Every 9 years, you can re-harvest a cork tree.

When buying a cork bag that’s made in Portugal you can be confident it’s from a good source, as you can’t cut down cork trees without a valid permit from the Portuguese Ministry of Agriculture. This means your cork came from a healthy tree that doesn’t need to be cut down to provide you with your bag or other cork goods.

Best Cork Handbags for Sustainable Style

Without further ado, let’s look at our recommendations for your next Portugese cork bag.

1. Svala

Svala Cork Purse

Svala’s is a vegan brand with a stylish selection of cork handbags.

Each bag is handcrafted in Los Angeles from natural biodegradable cork (speckled with gold for a high-end finish).

The inner lining is made from a blend of recycled plastic bottls and organic cotton.

Svala is a great brand to support — they’ve won awards for their use of innovative, premium, and vegan fabrics, and we’re confident you’ll love their bags.

2. Tentree Cork Cross Body Bag

tentree cork handbag

tentree’s Cross Body Bag is a great option. It’s versatile and can be worn as a clutch, or as a cross-bod.

It’s compact enough to be an everyday bag, but spacious enough to fit all of your essentials.

tentree plant 10 trees for every purchase, and to-date, they’ve planted almost 60 million trees. They work with nonprofits and organizations to provide employment and opportunities for local communities where they plant trees.

The brand is also a Certified B Corp, so you know they’re accountable and transparent.

3. Corkor Cork Purse

Corkor cork purse from Portugal

Corker’s cork bag is PETA-approved, and the classic rustic design will go with almost any style of clothing.

Thanks to three roomy interior pockets you will have plenty of space for everything you need on a day-to-day basis.

The bag closes with a zip at the top and has an adjustable strap for comfort.

If you like the design of this cork handbag but aren’t into the color, that’s okay. It come in 4 different color schemes including a lighter and darker version than the one shown in the picture above.

4. Rutz

Rutze cork handbag

Rutz is a Portugese brand making a range of products all from Peta-approved vegan cork.

The cork is sourced directly from sustainable Portuguese suppliers.

They have a selection of bag styles, but we like this cross-body option that has enough room for your phone, keys, and everyday accessories.

5. Tiradia Cork

Tridadia Cork bags

Tiradia Cork’s bags are made in Aveiro, Portugal, from natural Portuguese cork.

The brand uses natural vegetable dyes to create bags in various colors, including natural cork, black, green, and orange.

These bags are high-end totes that you can use when you’re out for lunch, or running to the grocery store.

Tiradia Cork is PETA-approved vegan, and the bags are hypoallergenic, antimicrobial, biodegradable, and waterproof.

Recap – Best Cork Purses and Handbags

If you’re in the market for a new handbag, a Made in Portugal cork bag is a stellar option. You can be certain that the cork comes from a great source, and the supply chain is sustainable.

These bags are great options, and we’re sure that you’ll love your cork handbag! If you’re looking for other sustainable styles, check out sustainable backpacks and handbags.

One comment

  1. Very good summary, thanks to the blogger.
    In addition to the above, I know that HZCORK is an original cork leather & bag manufacturer and they manufacture from raw cork to cork leather to finished cork bags.

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