About Us

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!