The idea to make toys out of cork, which is one of the largest natural carbon sinks of the earth, started in 2020. In 2021, after thorough planning and development, we founded Korko together with Amorim, the world's largest cork producer, and Hape, one of the world's leading brands for children's toys. In this joint venture, the best knowledge is bundled to jointly develop cork toys that meet the highest demands in terms of sustainability, quality, material, design and play value.
We are perfectly aligned with the United Nation 17 Sustainable Development Goals with various ongoing programs in pursuit to our mission.
CORK
has many unique properties
compared to other materials.
CORK OAK
Cork is the outer bark of the cork oak tree, which grows mainly in the Mediterranean region. Because of its light and soft texture, it is a rare "good wood" material. Korko has taken a fancy to the excellent properties of cork and applied this material to toys, bringing a different and fresh experience to children. Because of the unique materials, Korko blocks are more wear-resistant and durable and also moisture-proof, moth-proof and bacteria-proof, which naturally extends children's play experience.
SUSTAINABLE
The cork oak tree has a life span of 250-350 years. It takes each cork oak 25 years before it can be harvested for the first time. After the virgin cork has been stripped (first harvest), a new layer of cork begins to grow. After being stripped, the cork planks rest for 6 months in the factory’s yard, a period in which they stabilize. In a context of increasing concern for the environment, it is important to stress that cork is the only tree whose bark can regenerate after each harvest - leaving the tree unharmed. Regular stripping of the cork oak also strengthens another of its surprising features: its ability to absorb carbon dioxide. A stripped cork oak absorbs, on average, five times more CO2.
SOFT & SAFE
Cork has many unique properties compared to other materials:
(1) The unique internal structure makes its texture soft and
elastic;
(2) Strong thermal insulation and sound insulation;
(3) Moisture-proof, moth-proof and wear-resistant;
(4) It is not easy to cause allergies, and it is friendlier
to people who are prone to allergies at home. So there is no
need to worry about children being scratched or bruised by
toys while playing, allowing children to roam in the joyful
world of cork toys.
SUPERB & SUPER-LIGHT
Korko blocks are made of high-quality cork material, which is environmentally friendly and sustainable. On the basis of the extraordinary material itself, each Korko block is extremely lightweight and thoughtfully designed without edges and corners for children. Cork materials also possess remarkably wide applications. For example, this material can be also utilized in garment, home furniture, even aerospace and other fields. Together with Korko, let's be the guardian of Mother Earth!
Education
Educational Value
In order to better empower children’s early development, Korko inherits the educational philosophy of Fröbel, a German pedagogue who was hailed as “the father of early childhood education”. In memory of Froebel Gift, Korko utilizes the main shapes according to Fröbel’s educational toys, with each set using 8 shapes, such as circles, cubes, rectangles, columns and triangles, in order to give children more play potential and building possibilities. Korko is not just a toy, but a good helper to aid children’s early development.
Exploring Spirit
With the development of children's grasping abilities and arm strength, children of different ages begin show many special characteristics, which are the methods in which they begin to feel objects, explore the world, and exercise their physical abilities. Thanks to the special materials, each Kroko block is extremely lightweight and thoughtfully designed without edges and corners. Kroko building blocks can not only enhance children’s imagination and creativity, but also exercise their hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.
Aesthetic Cultivation
Pythagoras, an ancient Greek philosopher, believed that the linearity of beauty and all other forms of beauty must contain symmetrical forms. Korko advocates symmetrical aesthetics and integrates them into each building block. From the design of the structure to the selection of each particle, Korko strives to achieve orderly neatness and symmetry so as to benefit children’s early aesthetic cultivation.
