Cork

Cork is an inherently sustainable resource, being both biodegradable and renewable.  Cork material is harvested from the cork oak tree (Quercus Suber), but instead of needing to cut down the tree to source the benefit of the raw material as is done with the majority of all other wood species, the bark (or outer skin) of the tree is peeled off, and the tree is left to regenerate. The cork oak is a slow growing tree that can live from 170 t0 250 years, which enables the stripping and harvesting of the cork to occur 16 times during its lifetime on average. The harvesting cycle typically occurs every 9-12 years, but only occurs once the tree is allowed to mature from sapling to an age of approximately 25-30 years, at which time the trunk has at least a circumference of 70 cm.  This initial growth period allows the cellular structure within the tree to mature, so there are functional consistencies. Cork, as a raw material, is mainly small microscopic pockets of air encapsulated by the cork fiber lignin. This cellular structure gives cork products tremendous thermal and acoustic properties, as the air is acts as “insulation”.

One of the important sustainability factors of the cork trees are their Carbon sequestration properties and characteristics.  According to the World Wildlife Federation, a cork tree that has its bark removed every 9 years will absorb 3-5 times as much CO2 than a similar tree that is left idle.  The tree and bark stores the CO2, and then it accepts more as new growth occurs. Industry estimates show that the CO2-retention capabilities of Portugal’s cork forests are estimated to be as high as five per cent of the country’s annual emissions, or in excess of 4.8 million tons per year.

Main Cork product categories:

• Cork Flooring
• Cork Textiles / Clothing
• Cork Stoppers
• Cork Jewelry
• Cork Crafts

Cork Attributes/ Benefits:

• Thermal Insulation – cork historically was used in refrigeration applications, such as in the walls of freezers
• Impermeability – Since the inter-connected pockets of air are truly so tiny and microscopic, cork is considered impermeable, though at the same considered a breathable material which is desirable for the use of bottling wine.
• Softness – the pockets of air compress and then expand again, never collapsing within the product core, giving the cork a resilience and memory. It has excelled for use as flooring due to the softness under foot, as it is often recommended for people with back pain who stand on a floor for an extended amount of time.
• Design Flexibility – the beauty of the cork raw material is that it can be cut in numerous ways that enable veneers of differing aesthetics to be made into highly decorative surfaces. Cork conglomerate is a recycled cork material is also readily available, and often used in conjunction with veneers.
• Buoyancy – Cork floats, and has been used as buoys, floating decoys, and as runners for pontoons and other water craft.
• Slip resistance – cork, due to the softness and bounce-back, is very slip resistant, and has been used extensively on the deck of naval ships.

Current Cork Use:

Currently cork is being used mainly in the bottling, interior decorating, and lifestyle product applications. The reserves of the cork are increasing at a steady rate due to the growth of the cork plantation establishments. Though this fact is at odds with various wine manufacturers who need a reason to switch to alternate capping methods, the industry growth is profound and undeniable.

Future Cork Use:

The future of cork, and the growth of the industry, is open to one’s imagination. The use of cork in the bottling industry will undoubtedly remain strong due to the “enthusiast” belief that cork is better than plastic or screw tops. For interior use, cork use will also grow, especially with the increase awareness in “sustainable” and “green” construction techniques, the desire for people to decrease toxins in indoor environments, and the life-cycle benefits afforded cork interior products. Product development in the other segments will also invariably grow, as will new developments which will introduce new products to the market.