About our Cork

Not all cork is good…

Cork is an amazing natural material. However; not all cork material has the quality standards that BENT&BREE requires, especially when it comes to handbags and accessories. Our factories in Portugal only use superior quality. Actually, only 1% of the cork extracted during the harvesting season is chosen to be used on our collections.

Image: Property of BENT&BREE

Testing

BENT&BREE always takes additional steps in all that they do especially when it comes to quality. We work with highly skilled artisans to make our handbags in Portugal. However; we wanted to take extra steps to ensure that we are providing the best product possible. Most likely, we are the only brand of cork handbags and accessories that have used a U.S based laboratory to test not only the material but also the workmanship of our bags.  I know what you’re thinking…wow we had to destroy so many bags…but it was worth it 🙂

All our bags have been tested and passed for:

  • Zipper strength, operability and performance
  • Snaps fasteners/small strength and attachments
  • Reinforced stress points
  • Handle strength
  • Seam strength
  • Workmanship
  • Lead content including California proposition 65
Cork Material Testing for BENT&BREE

All our cork material has been tested and passed for:

  • Color fastness 
  • Resistance to flexing
  • Abrasion resistance
  • Tensile strength
  • Flammability
  • Water resistant 
Riley Small Backpack

In the end, it’s all worth it . Why use leather when you can have a handbag that is durable, functional and of high quality handcrafted from one of the most sustainable materials in the world?

Remember, our purses and accessories are: Lightweight, durable, vegan, water-resistant, sustainable and easy to clean

https://bentandbree.com/