About us
Story of KorQoo Eco-Friendly Travel Essentials
My name is Chris from Hampshire, U.K. I created the KorQoo toiletry boxes as alternative to the standard aluminium tins because I became aware the aluminium mining industry has, for too many years, been destroying habitats by deforestation and the polluting of water sources due to the leaching of toxic “Red Mud” waste held in dams, after the refining of the bauxite to produce aluminium.
Even though the industry is slowly moving away from the red mud dams, there are still 1000’s of them around the world that continue to leach into the water sources and are at risk of flooding and being breached.
The stockpile of waste from the aluminium production stands at circa 4 billion tonnes (a BMW mini is circa 1.5 tonnes) and with aluminium being mined at 150M tonnes p.a. it’s increasing every year! One tonne of Aluminium generates up to 4 tonnes of waste, and the recycling rate of that waste is currently estimated to be less than 10% annually. the stockpile is getting bigger, quickly!
The dry stacking of the resultant waste is an alternative, but it can also be hazardous for years. If poorly controlled, the stack is vulnerable in severe weather conditions, dispersal of the dust in the wind, leaching into water sources during rainstorms, etc.
The mines are in some of the most environmentally sensitive parts of the world. The vast area of deforestation, to accommodate the mines, refineries and infrastructure has been, and is, massively damaging for the environment, and the industry is developing new mining sites all the time.
New proposed sites (600 sq miles) in the hills of the Central Highland of Vietnam, or Minim (500 sq miles) in central Cameroon are only 2 examples of the expansion of the industry.
Now Ghana is proposing to start mining (100 sq miles) in the beautiful Atewa forest to home to rare birds, frogs, butterflies, primates and the source of 3 rivers supplying millions of people. https://www.iucn.nl/en/story/the-impact-of-bauxite-mining-in-ghanas-atewa-forest African Forest Programme | Africa | A Rocha It is with this background that I have been motivated to look for an alternative to the aluminium tins, “rather than complain, look for an alternative”. Its taken time and perseverance but we have arrived.Now we are introducing the alternative, utilizing the natural and unique characteristics of cork and products to match the ethos.
Cork, a wonder of the natural world.
The magnificent cork trees will continue absorbing CO2 for up to 200 years locking in more and more CO2 as they grow, up to 20 meters. The cork tree is a naturally occurring CO2 sink and absorbs 3-5 times more CO2 after harvesting, than if it had not been harvested ! it is the perfect alternative. As the harvest is being done manually by highly skilled craftsmen, who are still using the traditional technique, maintenance of the forest and wildlife conservation is actively ongoing. The cork is then sent for processing and used for manufacturing, with any resultant excess and used for our boxes.Benefits of Cork:
- Natural CO2 sink
- Carbon negative
- Low impact harvesting
- Water resistance is very high
- No thread to stick
- Thermal insulation – help preserve products in hot climates
- Naturally elastic
- Soft grip – for those with dexterity issues
- Low maintenance
- Durable robust
- Easy clean and lightweight
We are also introducing a fantastic range of solid toiletries supplied exclusively to KorQoo by our award winning suppliers Goats of the Gorge and Suds. All the wonderful goats milk and Suds Vegan solid bars are a pleasure to use. We love them and believe you will too.
The additional, food grade, silicone travel bottle is an option for toothpaste, creams or lotions you may need. simply open the bottle and fill. The bottles are designed to allow easy access. as the product runs low simply separate the top from the bottom and flex for easy access to the remaining product, No waste!
KorQoo Goats Milk Soap and Shampoo
The award winning Goats of the Gorge, endorsed by Dr Ranji Singh (TV Dr) and Ferne McCann(TV personality), have agreed to supply to KorQoo their beautiful range of soaps and shampoos, lovingly crafted by Nick, courtesy of the milk supplied from a family run Bruton dairy in Somerset, We believe you will love them as much as we do.
The soap leaves the skin glowing and the shampoo leaves a beautiful soft sheen to the hair.
Thanks Nick.
The benefits of goats milk are well researched with many testimonials as to the results, and with the Leaping Bunny accreditation you can be sure nothing has been tested on animals.
They are a great addition to our eco friendly travel range fitting perfectly in the KorQoo soap box.
Sustainable Travel
We prioritize sustainable travel and minimizing impact on the environment. With the KorQoo cork toiletry and soap boxes, eco friendly travel products and environmental travel accessories, you can travel guilt-free knowing that you are contributing to a reduction in mining and a more sustainable future.
Made of cork & bamboo or corn starch and designed to fit our recycled plastic pouches or the larger capacity travel bag, the boxes are ideal for eco-conscious travellers, providing a great choice for both you and the environment.
Environmental Impacts of Aluminium & Bauxite Mining | UKGBC
https://www.iucn.nl/en/story/the-impact-of-bauxite-mining-in-ghanas-atewa-forest
Cork Imports Australia – Sustainable Cork Products & Accessories
KorQoo Vegan Solid Bars
Paula at Suds and Member of the Guild of Craft Soap & Toiletry Makers has been a fantastic find for us at KorQoo, supplying to us an amazing range of vegan, handmade and eco friendly travel products that are pleasure to use.
Whether you are using the moisturising massage lotion, the deodorant or the hair conditioning bar you will be enjoying something very special. Paula has honed her incredible skills over a life time to achieve amazing results and a beautiful product range that we are delighted to stock knowing you too will love them.
The natural world is a wonderful resource and Paula has unlocked the treasure chest and squeezed it perfectly into the KorQoo toiletry box.