Cork is the outer bark of the Cork Oak tree, Quercus Suber. Cork oaks are found in forests surrounding the Mediterranean Sea. Portugal is the world's largest cork producer, but Cork Oaks are also cultivated in Spain, Italy, France, Morocco, Tunisia, and Algeria.
Cork is easily stripped from the tree from May to August by skilled cork harvesters, and the tree itself is not harmed in any way. The tree forms new protective layers of cork quickly after its bark is removed. And the best part- stripping the cork bark is actually beneficial to the health of the tree, as well as the environment! This is because the cork oak is able to absorb much higher levels of carbon dioxide after the bark is harvested.