Cork Leather is a flexible composite material consisting of a thin layer of natural cork bark laminated onto a textile backing. Developed as a plant-based alternative to conventional leather, the material combines the natural characteristics of cork with a range of renewable textile substrates, making it suitable for a variety of interior, furniture and product design applications.

The surface layer is produced from harvested cork oak bark, a renewable material that can be collected without felling the tree. This cork veneer is bonded to a backing selected according to the intended application, with options including organic cotton, hemp, bamboo, wool and recycled denim. The combination of cork and textile creates a lightweight material that is both flexible and durable while retaining the distinctive texture of natural cork.

Cork Leather is intended for applications where conventional leather would traditionally be used, including upholstery, furniture, fashion accessories and other design products. The material can be cut, sewn by hand or machine, and processed using standard textile fabrication techniques, allowing it to be integrated into a wide range of manufacturing processes.

The material exhibits several functional properties associated with natural cork, including water repellence, low weight and resistance to everyday wear. In addition, cork contributes to acoustic dampening and provides a naturally warm, soft-touch surface. Depending on the selected backing, the material typically has a thickness of approximately 0.8–1.2 mm.

Available in a range of colours, patterns and backing materials, Cork Leather can be customised to meet project-specific aesthetic and technical requirements. Both natural cork finishes and coloured versions are offered, allowing designers to select from a variety of visual expressions while preserving the material’s characteristic organic texture.