What Is Qurkies?
Qurkies are play blocks made from cork… yep, cork! These aren’t your typical plastic toys. Completely natural and sustainable, Qurkies bring a fresh twist to classic building blocks. They’re sturdy yet soft, so no worries about hurting your feet or making a racket while playing. Plus, they’re compatible with original Duplo® blocks, which means endless fun mixing and matching. And if you want to add a personal touch? You can customize them with names or logos. All in all, Qurkies are the perfect eco-friendly gift for kids and adults alike.
Main Benefits of Qurkies
Here’s why Qurkies stand out:
- Silent Play Fun: No annoying noises when blocks click together.
- Soft: Gentle on feet and hands, unlike hard plastic blocks.
- Sustainable: Made from natural cork, a renewable resource.
- Compatible with Duplo®: Mix and match with your existing sets.
- Personalized: Print names or company logos for a unique touch.
- Bulk Purchase: Buy large volumes without extra packaging waste.
The Story Behind Qurkies
Qurkies were dreamed up by Ruud van den Heijkant, a Dutch product designer and dad of two. He saw plastic toys as having “the ecological footprint of a dinosaur” — not exactly the legacy you want to leave your kids. So, he set out to transform an iconic plastic toy into something natural and eco-friendly. The idea took off, and in 2018, Qurkies were successfully funded through Kickstarter. It’s a story of innovation meeting responsibility, with a playful twist.
Why Cork?
Cork is the star material behind Qurkies. It’s harvested from the bark of cork oak trees — but here’s the cool part: the tree isn’t cut down. The bark is carefully stripped off like a coat, and thanks to nature’s magic, it grows back. A cork oak can be harvested for the first time at 25 years old, then only once every nine years after that. Each mature tree produces about two Qurkies blocks per day. Plus, stripped cork oaks absorb four times more CO2 than those left untouched. Cork forests soak up a whopping 14 million tons of CO2 every year, earning them the nickname “the lungs of the Mediterranean.”
Qurkies Products and Options
Qurkies aren’t just blocks — they’re a whole experience. They fit perfectly on Duplo® blocks, so you can combine sets for even more creative play. Want to make them truly yours? Personalize your blocks with names or logos, whether for gifts, events, or branding. And if you’re looking to buy in bulk, Qurkies offer options without extra packaging, cutting down on waste. It’s all about fun, flexibility, and sustainability rolled into one.
Qurkies and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production — Using renewable cork and minimizing packaging.
- SDG 13: Climate Action — Cork forests absorb significant CO2, helping fight climate change.
- SDG 15: Life on Land — Supporting cork oak ecosystems and biodiversity.
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being — Safe, non-toxic toys for children.
Contact and Company Info
Qurkies is based in the Netherlands, with a clear mission to bring eco-friendly play to families everywhere. For those interested in learning more or reaching out, here’s the info:
Qurkies
Vinkenberg 1
4847 CP Teteringen
+31 (0)6 294 386 94
KVK 86714899
