ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Cork material

Cork material is made from the outer bark of a cork oak tree. Just like how you have skin on your body that protects your insides, the tree has bark that protects the trunk. Cork is special because it is very light and spongy, almost like a sponge. People take the cork bark off the tree in a way that doesn't hurt it so that they can make things out of it.

Because cork is so spongy, it is really good at absorbing impact and shock. That's why you might see cork used to make things like shoes, flooring, or even some sports equipment like baseballs or cricket balls. It's also a great insulator, which means it can keep things warm or cold. That's why sometimes you will see a bottle of wine with a cork stopper - it helps seal the bottle and keeps the wine fresh.

Another cool thing about cork is that it is sustainable. That means it's a material that doesn't harm the environment. The cork oak tree can be harvested for its bark multiple times over its lifetime without being cut down. Plus, cork is biodegradable, which means it breaks down naturally over time and doesn't fill up landfills. So, cork is not only good for making things, it's also good for the Earth!
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