Cork for Eco Branded Merchandise

1 September 2023

Cork is one of the most sustainable materials

Cork is a versatile materials with a wide range of applications from the corks in your wine bottles to flooring panels. It is also widely used in promotional merchandise as the cover of notebooks, the barrel of a pen or the sleeve of a coffee cup.

Cork comes from the bark of a particular oak tree, known as Quercus suber L. So, all cork products come from 100% natural plant tissue which unlike other wood products, is harvested from the cork tree and doesn’t result in the tree being cut down. In fact, the harvesting process is entirely sustainable and doesn’t harm the tree at all.

Most cork trees grow in the western Mediterranean, where the climate is ideal, the trees requiring a lot of sunshine, high humidity and low rainfall to grow well. The main country associated with cork is Portugal is the world’s main exporter, however, other countries like Spain, Algeria, France, Tunisia and Morocco also grow and export cork.

How is cork harvested?

A specially designed axe with a wedge-shaped handle is used to pry each cork panel from the tree. These axes are incredibly sharp and slice through the outer layer of bark without damaging the actual trunk of the tree. The harvesters then cut horizontal slices across the base of the trunk of the tree, and at the top, just below the lowest branches.

And it does not harm the tree?

With the amount of bark that is removed during harvesting, the cork oak is the only tree that could survive the process.

A cork tree must grow for 25 years before it can be stripped for the first time. Cork trees are only harvested during the summer, between May and August. This is when the tree is going through its most active growth phase which makes the bark much easier to strip without damaging the trunk of the cork tree. After the initial period of 25 years, a cork tree can be stripped and harvested every 9 years. This can continue during the cork trees entire 200-300-year average lifetime. This means a cork tree can be stripped and harvested many times during its life.

It is only after the third harvest of cork, which is known as Amadia, that the cork takes on the high standard that is required for producing cork stoppers. The first two harvests are used to make flooring, insulation and other cork products.

How is cork processed?

After harvesting, the planks are allowed to cure outside for up to six months. A combination of fresh air, sun, wind and rain causes various chemical changes that improve the quality of the cork. The curing process also changes the cork planks, causing them to flatten out as they lose around 20% of their original moisture.

The planks are then steamed in boilers to eliminate any contaminants and separate the outer layer of bark. The cork is finally placed in dark cellars and allowed to cure for a further 3 weeks under carefully regulated temperatures and humidity.

Is Cork Sustainable?

Cork is :

100% natural

Biodegradable

Renewable

And can be recycled

Cork harvesting neither cuts down or harms the cork tree itself, meaning it continues living and is incredibly eco-friendly. And, cork tree farming actually helps clean the air and undo the damage caused by greenhouse gases. Cork harvesting is a truly green process and should be fully supported.

Cork can also be recycled and re-used during the manufacturing process. As already mentioned, all of the material that is taken from the cork tree is used and there is virtually no waste. As well as the largest exporter, Portugal is actually the world’s 4th largest importer of cork, which is then processed, recycled and re-made into new cork products that are then subsequently exported to other countries.

Cork is a fully sustainable and environmentally friendly resource, thanks to the unique nature of its gathering. In fact, cork is one of the greenest alternatives out there and is 100% natural, renewable and recyclable.

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Raster versus Vector - advice for the decoration of branded promotional merchandise

by David Platt • 5 February 2025

Understanding Vector Files vs Raster Files for Eco Promotional Products When it comes to branding on eco promotional products, understanding the different file types is crucial. Whether you’re creating logos for reusable water bottles or designing training manuals, the choice between vector and raster files significantly impacts the quality, scalability, and versatility of your designs. In this blog, we’ll explore the characteristics of these two file types, their applications, and why choosing the right format matters for both print and digital media. --- What Are Vector Files? Vector files are a digital image format based on mathematical formulas that define shapes, lines, and colours. Unlike raster files, which are made up of pixels, vector files use points and paths, allowing them to remain resolution-independent and infinitely scalable. Common vector file formats include **.SVG** (Scalable Vector Graphics), **.AI** (Adobe Illustrator), and **.EPS** (Encapsulated PostScript). Advantages of Vector Files 1. Scalability: Vector files can be scaled up or down without any loss in quality. Whether you’re designing a logo for a promotional pen or a large conference banner, vector graphics remain crisp and clear. This scalability makes them ideal for **printing on eco promotional products**, signage, and manuals. 2. Editability: Vector files are highly editable. Designers can easily adjust individual elements like shapes, colours, and sizes without compromising image quality. This flexibility is particularly useful for **custom branding**, where logos or designs need modifications for various products. 3. Small File Sizes: Vector files are typically smaller than raster files because they store mathematical data rather than individual pixels. This makes them faster to load, ideal for web use, and easier to share across platforms. Applications of Vector Files Vector files are perfect for projects that require sharp, scalable designs. Their primary uses include: - **Eco promotional products**: Logos for reusable bottles, tote bags, and stationery. - **Print materials**: Brochures, business cards, and training manuals. - **Signage**: Pop-up banners and large-scale graphics. - **Web graphics**: Icons, infographics, and logos for websites. --- What Are Raster Files? Raster files, also called bitmap images, consist of individual pixels that make up the image. These files are resolution-dependent, meaning their quality is determined by the **pixels per inch (PPI)** or **dots per inch (DPI)**. Common raster file formats include **JPEG**, **PNG**, and **TIFF**. Advantages of Raster Files 1. Photorealistic Detail: Raster files excel at capturing detailed and complex images, such as photographs or digital paintings. This makes them ideal for **photographic designs** used in digital or print materials. 2. Image Effects: Raster files support various effects, such as shading, filters, and blurring. These capabilities allow designers to enhance photos or create artistic visuals for **social media posts, eBooks**, or website banners. Applications of Raster Files Raster files are better suited for detailed, photorealistic designs. Their primary uses include: - **eBooks and digital materials**: Low-resolution images for screens. - **Web graphics**: Social media posts and website banners. - **Photography**: Printing high-resolution photos for promotional use. - **Complex artwork**: Digital illustrations or detailed graphics. --- Vector vs Raster Files: Key Differences 1. Scalability - **Vector Files:** Infinitely scalable without loss of quality, ideal for logos and large-format printing. - **Raster Files:** Lose quality and become pixelated when enlarged. 2. Editability - **Vector Files:** Easy to edit individual elements (shapes, colours, etc.), making them versatile for product branding. - **Raster Files:** Difficult to edit without compromising quality. 3. Resolution Dependence - **Vector Files:** Resolution-independent; sharp at any size. - **Raster Files:** Resolution-dependent; quality depends on the original PPI or DPI. 4. File Size - **Vector Files:** Smaller file sizes, suitable for web use and quick loading. - **Raster Files:** Larger file sizes due to pixel data. --- Why File Choice Matters for Eco Promotional Products When creating branded materials for eco promotional products, the right file type ensures your designs are visually appealing and consistent across all platforms. Here’s why: - **For Print:** Vector files are essential. Logos and graphics need to be sharp and scalable for different product sizes, from mugs to banners. Vector files also work best for high-resolution branding on training manuals or reusable promotional items. - **For Digital:** Raster files are better suited for low-resolution displays, such as eBooks, social media posts, and websites. However, remember that even digital logos and icons can benefit from vector files for faster loading and a crisper appearance. --- Partnering with Pavilion Earth for Your Eco Promotional Needs At Pavilion Earth, we understand the importance of getting your branding right, whether it’s for a biodegradable tote bag, a stainless steel water bottle, or digital training materials. Choosing the right file format is just one step in ensuring your promotional products reflect your values and your brand’s quality. Our team can guide you through the process of selecting and preparing the correct file types for your eco promotional products. Need help deciding between vector and raster files? Let us assist you in optimising your designs for maximum impact. Contact Pavilion Earth today to discuss your promotional product needs and branding goals. Together, we’ll make sure your materials stand out while staying eco-conscious.