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corkolores: Sustainable juggling balls made of cork!

corkolores: Sustainable juggling balls made of cork!

13.09.2023
Our new product line made of cork leather
 "Corkolores" includes sustainable juggling balls made of cork, which are manufactured in Germany. These juggling balls are the result of our efforts to develop an almost 100% natural product. The surface is made of cork and cotton, the threads are made of cotton and the colors are of natural origin. The balls are filled with bird millet from local cultivation (from Franconia).
Our juggling balls are suitable for both beginners and professionals. They are the ideal size and weight enough to be easy to catch and throw. Each ball is unique and has been made with attention to detail. The natural materials ensure a pleasant feel and durability and with the enclosed instructions you can easily learn to juggle!
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corkolores juggle
corkolores Juggle – High-quality pro juggling balls made from cork | Sustainable and environmentally friendly

corkolores Juggle – Discover the Art of JugglingThree balls, two hands and endless possibilities: corkolores Juggle is made for taking your first steps into juggling – or for continuing to refine your technique.Each juggling ball measures approx. 6 cm in diameter and weighs around 110 g, providing a comfortable size and weight for teens and adults, from the first controlled throws to a smooth three-ball cascade.The soft millet filling allows the balls to give slightly in your hand and helps keep them from simply rolling away after a missed catch.Learn to Juggle – and Keep ImprovingJuggling is easy to start and offers plenty of room to keep improving.The included guide introduces the three-ball cascade step by step. With every throw, you can develop your timing, rhythm and feel for the right trajectory.This makes corkolores Juggle suitable both for beginners and for anyone who already juggles and wants a distinctive set for regular practice.Cork, Cotton & MilletThe outer shell is made from cork textile with a cotton backing. We use cotton sewing thread instead of polyester, the balls are filled with millet and the colours used are solvent-free.Because cork textile also contains adhesives and other components, we deliberately do not describe corkolores as “100% natural”. Instead, we communicate the materials we use as specifically as possible.You can find out more about the development of corkolores and our material choices on our corkolores page.Hand-Sewn in GermanyThe individual panels are cut from cork textile, filled with millet and then hand-sewn in Germany.The characteristic cork surface feels pleasantly warm and tactile and gives each ball its own individual character.Product DetailsContents: 3 × juggling balls in red, yellow and green, gift box, juggling guideOuter material: cork textile on a cotton backingFilling: milletSewing thread: cottonColour: solvent-freeDiameter: approx. 6 cmWeight: approx. 110 g per ballRecommended age: 12+Hand-sewn in GermanySafety InformationWarning: Not suitable for children under 3 years. Small parts. Choking hazard.Manufacturer ContactTicToys GmbHinfo@tictoys.deErich-Zeigner-Allee 6404229 LeipzigGermany

Regular price: €44.90
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corkolores Juggle4Kids | Cork Juggling Balls for Kids

corkolores Juggle4Kids – Discover the Magic of JugglingLet your child discover the magic of juggling! corkolores Juggle4Kids is a juggling set designed especially for children taking their first steps into throwing, catching and juggling.At approx. 4.5 cm in diameter and around 65 g each, the three balls are smaller and lighter than conventional adult juggling balls, making them comfortable for smaller hands to grip and control.The soft millet filling gives the balls a pleasant feel and helps keep them from simply rolling away when dropped. Kids can experiment, practise and gradually experience the moment when individual throws start turning into real juggling.Step by Step to Your First Juggling SuccessJuggling starts simply: first one ball, then two – and eventually three.The included illustrated guide accompanies beginners through their first exercises and leads step by step towards the classic three-ball cascade.Juggling is not only about keeping balls in the air. It combines movement, rhythm, concentration and hand-eye coordination – and, above all, it's a lot of fun when something suddenly works that seemed impossible just a moment before.Cork, Cotton & MilletWe also looked closely at the materials used in corkolores.The outer shell is made from cork textile with a cotton backing. We use cotton sewing thread instead of polyester, the balls are filled with millet and the colours used are solvent-free.Because cork textile also contains adhesives and other components, we deliberately do not describe corkolores as “100% natural”. Instead, we prefer to communicate clearly and transparently which materials are actually used.You can find out more about the development of corkolores and our material choices on our corkolores page.Hand-Sewn with Attention to DetailThe individual panels are cut from cork textile, filled with millet and hand-sewn in Germany.The characteristic cork surface feels pleasantly warm and tactile and gives every ball its own individual character.Product DetailsContents: 3 × juggling balls in red, yellow and green, 1 × illustrated juggling guideOuter material: cork textile on a cotton backingFilling: milletSewing thread: cottonColour: solvent-freeDiameter: approx. 4.5 cmWeight: approx. 65 g per ballRecommended age: 6+Hand-sewn in GermanySafety InformationWarning: Not suitable for children under 3 years. Small parts. Choking hazard.Manufacturer ContactTicToys GmbHinfo@tictoys.deErich-Zeigner-Allee 6404229 LeipzigGermany

Regular price: €39.90
In addition to the "Juggle" juggling ball set, we have also developed a new game: Roule! This game is an innovative and sustainable version of the classic boules game. Due to the new design, the "balls" can not only be thrown, but also rolled and stacked. There are various game ideas for how to play for points. Roule can be played indoors and outdoors and is suitable for all ages.
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corkolores Roule
corkolores Roule | Cork Boules Game for Indoor & Outdoor Play

corkolores Roule – Boules ReimaginedRoll, throw, stack – and suddenly boules becomes a completely different game! corkolores Roule takes the basic idea of the traditional French game and turns it into a versatile skill game for kids and adults.Instead of heavy balls, the set uses six soft Roules made from cork textile. The basic aim is to place your Roules as close as possible to the target – but that's only the beginning.Thanks to their special shape, the Roules can be thrown, rolled across the floor and even stacked on top of each other, opening up a wide range of new challenges.Roll, Aim & Build TowersIn the classic game, players try to place their Roules as close to the target as possible. You can knock other Roules away, block positions or try to roll with maximum precision.Or change the rules completely: stack the Roules into towers, award points for different positions or invent your own challenges.The included guide introduces several game ideas and shows just how many ways there are to play Roule.From the Living Room to the ParkUnlike traditional boules balls, the Roules are soft and comparatively quiet, making the game suitable not only for gardens, parks and beaches but also for appropriate indoor spaces.At around 7 cm in diameter and approx. 200 g each, the Roules are comfortable to handle and designed for kids and adults to play together.Cork, Cotton & MilletThe Roules are made using the same carefully selected materials as our corkolores juggling balls.The outer shell is made from cork textile with a cotton backing. We use cotton sewing thread instead of polyester, the Roules are filled with millet and the colours used are solvent-free.You can find out more about the development of corkolores and our material choices on our corkolores page.Product DetailsContents: 6 × Roules in 3 colours, 1 × target, 1 × storage bag, 1 × game guideMaterials: cork textile on cotton backing, millet filling, cotton thread, solvent-free colourDiameter: approx. 7 cmWeight: approx. 200 g per RouleRecommended age: 5+Suitable for: indoor & outdoor playMade in GermanySafety InformationWarning: Not suitable for children under 3 years. Small parts. Choking hazard.Manufacturer ContactTicToys GmbHinfo@tictoys.deErich-Zeigner-Allee 6404229 LeipzigGermany

Regular price: €89.90
With "corkolores by TicToys" we show that it is possible to manufacture high-quality products in Germany. We believe that sustainability, quality and fun can go hand in hand. We are proud that we can take a small step towards a more sustainable future with our juggling balls and the Roule game. To finance corkolores we had a crowdfunding campaign on the  Startnext  in October 2023. We are delighted that 153 supporters contributed 13232€ to make corkolores a reality!
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Corkolores Juggle - Premium juggling balls
 Our juggling ball sets "Juggle" and "Juggle4Kids" are the result of extensive research and development. They are specifically tailored to the needs of adults and children aged 8 to 12. 
 The "Juggle" juggling ball is perfectly sized for adult hands. Its weight and feel have been optimized to ensure a pleasant and effective juggling experience. Whether you are a beginner who is just learning the art of juggling or an experienced juggler who wants to improve your skills - the "Jugg" is your ideal companion.  
For our younger jugglers we have developed "Juggle4Kids". These balls are smaller and lighter to suit the smaller hands of children aged 8 to 12. Despite the smaller size, "Juggle4Kids" offers the same excellent juggling properties as "Juggle", making them the perfect choice for young beginners! 
Both Juggle and Juggle4kids are available as a set of 3 in the exclusive gift box with detailed instructions for learning to juggle. Both versions of our juggling balls have been tested and optimized many times to ensure that they are not only environmentally friendly, but also functional and durable.
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corkolores Roule as a new variant of the classic game Boule 
"corkolores Roule" is an innovative reinterpretation of the French classic game Boule (Italian: Boccia). In contrast to conventional Boule games, in which balls are thrown, the "balls" in corkolores Roule are designed so that they can be rolled, similar to a bowling ball. 
 Another highlight of corkolores Roule is the possibility of stacking the rolls on top of each other. This unique design opens up a whole new dimension of the throwing game and enables a variety of new game options. The enclosed instructions present different variants of how to throw for points and stack towers.
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corkolores Roule is made of the same high-quality materials as our Corkolores Jugg. The rolls are comfortable to hold and are suitable for both children and adults. They are soft, silent and pose no risk of injury, making them an ideal indoor leisure game. 
Corkolores Roule is also great fun as an outdoor game. The action-packed game of skill brings family and friends together and guarantees hours of fun in the park, on the beach or on the lawn - experience a completely new type of throwing game!
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TicToys-Spielideen - Corkolores Roule


Sustainable toy design: Why corkolores is almost completely natural

Our journey to creating truly natural juggling balls began with choosing the right material. We were particularly excited about cork because it embodies the idea of ​​sustainability in its purest form: cork is obtained from the bark of the cork oak, which grows back every nine years without the trees having to be felled. This protects the forests and promotes biodiversity. In addition, cork oaks bind large amounts of CO2 as they grow, which helps reduce greenhouse gases. Cork is biodegradable and can be composted at the end of its life. Most of the cork is grown in Portugal, which ensures short transport routes and fair production conditions within Europe.

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Cork oak after the "harvest"
Unfortunately, we quickly discovered that the reality is often different. Our enthusiasm for the so-called "cork leather" (cork textile) turned into disappointment when we discovered that often only a wafer-thin layer of cork is glued to a polyester carrier material and then coated with polyurethane (PU). We see this as greenwashing: a natural material is pressed between two layers of plastic and sold as ecological.

Our search for alternatives led us to inspiring projects such as the Bag Affair label by Ronja Nielsen, who shared her experiences in developing truly natural cork leather products. But we also came across plastic that looked like cork and cheap cork leather from China, where the cork is sent all the way around the world for processing.

Ultimately, our research trip (by bike! - click here for the blog post) took us to Portugal and Spain to a Spanish manufacturer who made it possible to produce cork leather on a cotton backing and without PU coating exclusively for us! Not using a coating allowed us to use our own, ecological toy paints, which we apply in our own toy workshop in Leipzig. To ensure moisture resistance and prevent paint abrasion, we also use a high-quality natural resin-oil mixture made from natural raw materials.
We source untreated cork leather from Spain and refine it in our Leipzig toy workshop!
When making our balls, we chose a durable cotton yarn that brings us one step closer to our goal of completely avoiding fossil materials. As a filling material, we rely on a tried and tested classic for professional juggling balls: millet. Unpeeled millet offers an ideal filling shape, feel and weight for so-called "bean bags" and has always been used to fill such balls. Although we experimented with various other natural materials, we ultimately decided not to reinvent the ball, especially since we can source the millet from a local farmer in Franconia.
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Our juggling balls are filled with locally grown millet!
Now for the inevitable compromises and obstacles on the way to a completely sustainable toy: Our cork leather is also glued to the carrier material, which is unfortunately not possible without fossil raw materials at the moment. Our hard oil coating against moisture and abrasion also contains a residual amount of non-organic PU. Therefore, our balls are unfortunately not - as originally planned - completely natural and therefore not biodegradable. However, we will continue to work on achieving this goal and are open to all advice and suggestions along the way!

Another problem that we unfortunately cannot avoid is the use of a cotton carrier. Cork is too fragile as a material to meet the stability requirements. Cotton is criticized in particular for its high water consumption, and even organic cotton has a poor ecological balance. Nevertheless, the choice of a natural raw material over the frequently used synthetic carrier material polyester was crucial for us. We even tested linen as a carrier material, but this was too stiff for our application and also not affordable. However, we promise to keep up with developments in this regard, because our goal is to continue to create biogenic products, preferably from locally grown raw materials.
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handmade juggling balls from the first prototype series
Design process and manufacturing in Germany
Manufacturing in Germany is a huge challenge, especially in an industry where most production processes have been outsourced to China to take advantage of lower labor costs there. Making our juggling balls requires a lot of manual labor and attention to detail that goes far beyond what is required to make a T-shirt, for example.

This high-quality craftsmanship comes at a price. Just sewing a single ball costs us €2.50. Added to this are the costs for the cork leather, the dyeing, the millet filling material, the filling and sewing, the packaging, as well as the instructions and the packaging itself.

For comparison: A complete juggling ball set, which is also hand-sewn, can be bought on Alibaba for less than €2! This drastic price difference highlights the working conditions in China, where low wages and less strict environmental and social standards lead to such low prices.
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We are aware that our juggling balls cannot be offered at dumping prices in Germany due to the high costs of high-quality materials and fair wages. With this project we also want to draw attention to the global inequalities in terms of living and working conditions.

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Comments (4)

Rutger

November 21, 2023 20:08

Hallo, kaufen kann man corkolores Roule noch nicht oder?

Matthias

November 22, 2023 09:58

Hallo Rutger, corkolores wird ab Dezember in unserem Store erhältlich sein! Liebe Grüße, Matthias // TicToys

Amelie

January 16, 2024 05:48

Hallo liebes Tictoys-Team, könnt ihr mir 3 eurer Corkolores Juggle - Premium Jonglierbälle zusenden? Ich möchte mit dem Jonglieren beginnen und mit euren wunderschönen Bällen wird mir dies gelingen :-) Danke vorab für eure Rückmeldung! Viele Grüße, Amelie

Matthias

January 18, 2024 10:14

Hallo Amelie, die Jonglierbälle kannst du ganz einfach hier bestellen: https://tictoys.de/corkolores-juggle/ Liebe Grüße und viel Erfolg beim Jonglieren lernen! Matthias

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