About the Founder & Author

picture of CORKSTORE founder and writer Anne Hurley

Anne Hurley - Author & Founder

Founder of James&Co brands pioneering plastic-free alternatives and author of books challenging the myths of sustainable fashion.

Short Bio

Anne is an Australian business owner, author and sustainability advocate. She is the founder of James&Co, the brand originally known for vegan leather jackets and now recognised for pioneering accessories made from innovative plastic-free materials such as cork, washable paper and organic cotton.

Following a career as a lawyer and telecommunications executive, Anne turned to business after the tragic death of her son James. She founded James&Co as a way to create products that aligned with her ethical values.

In line with her career in the digital economy and products business James&Co, Anne began writing books exploring the truth behind sustainability claims in fashion, exposing misleading marketing and highlighting the urgent need to move beyond both leather and plastic-based faux leather.

Three Careers. One Constant: Writing.

Anne's career has spanned three fields — law, telecommunications and sustainability entrepreneurship — yet one element has remained constant throughout: writing.

She began her professional life as a lawyer. Analysing complex issues, applying legal principles, advocating in Courts and specialising in commercial law.

Her career later moved into the telecommunications industry during a period of rapid technological change, in particular the rollout of the National Broadbank Network (NBN) in Australia.

Anne wrote books and articles about law and teleccommunications and today writes about sustainability, materials and the environmental impact of fashion. Through books, articles and the brands she founded — James&Co, CORKSTORE and Earth Totes — she explores alternatives to leather and plastic-based materials and the future of sustainable products.


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Books and Writing

Read more about the books

James&Co Brands

  • Black 'James&Co' logo on a light gray background

    Innovative sustainable material accessories such as washable paper

  • Black 'EARTH TOTES' logo on a white background

    Organic cotton mesh bags designed to replace disposable plastic bags

  • Natural cork accessories offering a renewable alternative to leather

Frequently Asked Questions

Does CORKSTORE sell retail, wholesale or dropshipping?
CORKSTORE is wholesale only.
Who can become a CORKSTORE stockist?
We supply exclusively to verified retail businesses, including gift stores, pharmacies, eco-lifestyle shops, and other stockists committed to sustainable products.
How do I become a CORKSTORE stockist?
Complete our Stockist Signup form.
How do I access pricing and place an order?
When you submit the Stockist Signup Form you’ll receive a password to access the password-protected Pricing Page, where you can view pricing.
What are your minimum order quantities (MOQs)?
MOQs vary by product and are outlined in the Pricing Page. Most product MOQs start at 25.
Can I order samples before placing a full order?
Yes. Samples are available so you can assess quality, material, and design before committing to larger quantities.
What materials are CORKSTORE products made from?
All products are made from 100% FSC-certified natural cork, sourced from Portugal. They are plastic-free, cruelty-free, and biodegradable.
Are your products vegan and plastic-free?
Yes. We use no animal leather and no synthetic PU or PVC. All CORKSTORE items are vegan, plant-based, and plastic-free.
Where are your products manufactured?
Our cork is sourced from Portugal, and all products are ethically manufactured in a certified sustainable factory in China.
Do you offer international wholesale?
Yes we do.
What are the lead times for delivery?
We do not keep large amounts of inventory in stock. For most orders, allow 20–30 days for products to be delivered.
Do you offer private label or custom branding?
Not presently, but happy to have a discussion.
What is your return policy for wholesale orders?
We accept returns for damaged or defective items. Please notify us within 7 days of receiving your order. Change-of-mind returns are not accepted on wholesale orders.
Where are CORKSTORE products made?
The cork for our products is grown and manufactured in Portugal. Our products using Portuguese cork are manufactured at a factory in China.
Are your cork materials certified?
Yes. Our cork is 100% FSC-certified, ensuring it’s responsibly harvested from managed forests.
What packaging is used for a CORKSTORE product?
Our products are all labelled with paper wrap labels or paper tags. Sent from warehouses in paper or cardboard boxes. No plastics.
What makes CORKSTORE different?
CORKSTORE is an Australian business and brand leading the shift toward sustainable, non-plastic products. Since 2012 when we started James&Co we’ve crafted elegant, leather-free accessories using plant-based, plastic-free materials—no PU, no compromises. We’re proud to be part of the global move toward conscious, stylish living.
Do you donate to charities out of your revenues?
We donate 1% of each purchase price to Suicide Prevention Australia to help reduce deaths by suicide.