Asportuguesas uses several sustainable materials, such as cork and rubber. The cork is harvested from trees every 9 years, during which time the tree can continue to grow (up to 200 years old). Because harvesting the cork is a delicate process, the workers are thoroughly trained and no power or mechanical tools are used. This also limits the emissions from the process.
Portuguese cork production has many environmental benefits. A peeled cork tree converts 3 to 5 times more CO2 to oxygen than other trees. Because the production process of Asportuguesas causes few CO2 emissions, this ensures that the CO2 balance is negative. Therefore, these cork flip flops contribute to a cleaner atmosphere.
Because the production takes place in Europe, the manufacturers must comply with all European labour laws and regulations. This way we can be sure that the shoes are made in ethical conditions.
Unfortunately, little information about the other materials used in the shoes can be found. Asportuguesas combines the cork with rubber to make quality soles, but it is unclear if they use natural rubber. There is also little information about other materials used in the shoes, such as cotton, cactus leather, or wool. This makes it difficult to verify whether these are sustainable or recycled materials.
Cactus leather, for example, seems like a sustainable material but it is often mixed with synthetic polyurethane (PU), which makes it lose its sustainable characteristics. Here you can find out more about the different types of vegan leather and their ecological impact.