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.
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
All our cork material has been tested and passed for:
- Color fastness
- Resistance to flexing
- Abrasion resistance
- Tensile strength
- Flammability
- Water resistant
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
