Corozo Buttons

WILDA.ECO organic, vegan corozo buttons

Corozo buttons - vegan ivory

Our buttons are made of 100% natural and vegan material sourced from the nut of the Tagua tree, also known as corozo. This unique raw material, while technically a nut, is also the seed of the Tagua tree. Its scientific name, Phytelephas, draws from the Greek roots phyton – for plant – and elephas – for elephant, referencing both the size of the corozo seeds and their similarity to elephant ivory. With its white, smooth, and silky interior, corozo has often garnered the nickname “vegetable ivory”.

Tagua trees grow in disparate areas and cannot be cultivated by massive corporations. That aligns the corozo industry closely with native farmers who have deep knowledge of the rainforests and respect the tree’s basic necessities. According to CORPEI, the Commercial branch of the Foreign Relations Ministry, the Tagua industry supports 30,000 families in Ecuador alone.

The sustainable harvesting process involves using only mature nuts that have naturally fallen from the trees in the rainforests of Ecuador, ensuring responsible, eco-friendly practices. Unlike other nuts, such as almonds, which require shaking the tree, corozo nuts fall to the ground after hardening for about eight months.
The harvested nuts are then imported to Portugal for processing. The processed materials are sent to Kaunas, Lithuania, where buttons are manufactured specifically for us, matching the fabric colours of our clothing line perfectly and making them an integral part of the WILDA.ECO brand. Furthermore, our buttons are Oeko-Tex certified, guaranteeing their safety and longevity.

Corozo buttons are not only sustainable but also have unique features that set them apart. They resist scratches, high temperatures, and sweat, making them perfect for everyday wear. Moreover, their natural grain gives each button a unique look, adding a touch of elegance to our garments.

Sources:
Fascinating Facts About Corozo Buttons
The story of the corozo buttons