Uniquely Sustainable
About Us
Our Steps Towards a More Sustainable Future
SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS
Our blend of rubber & 100% Natural Cork used in our soles, combined with the Sustainable & Recycled materials, allows us to use the least amount of natural resources as possible making ASPORTUGUESAS uniquely sustainable.
NEGATIVE CARBON FOOTPRINT
Cork is a natural CO2 retainer, able to capture 740 times its weight from the atmosphere. Since the entire ASPORTUGUESAS manufacturing process produces minimal emissions, our CO2 balance is negative, contributing to a much cleaner atmosphere.
MANUAL EXTRACTION
The process of extracting cork is an ancestral art, done exclusively by hand. Due to the delicateness of the procedure, workers are extensively trained and no power tools or mechanical tools are used.
STRONG LOCAL ECONOMY
All work is done exclusively by local workers, from the extraction to the manufacture of the footwear. This allows for more jobs to be created and maintained in more rural areas of the country, and for cork workers to be the highest paid in the Portuguese agricultural sector.
ZERO TREES CUT
The cork oak is the only tree whose bark is self-regenerating. This allows for it be extracted every 9 years. Thanks to this unique feature, cork can be harvested without damaging the cork oak, allowing it to live on average up to 200 years.
GREEN COMMUNICATION
In every collection we launch, we ensure that our displays, packaging and promotional materials are sustainable. Whenever possible, we use recycled or recyclable materials, with as little ink as possible.