Professional Documents
Culture Documents
OF CORK
CORK THROUGHOUT HISTORY .................................................................................... 02
SUSTAINABILITY ......................................................................................................................... 16
MORE THAN
60 MILLION YEARS 25 MILLION MORE THAN 10
AGO... YEARS AGO... MILLION YEARS AGO...
Cork was used for Amphorae were sealed Cork was used as thermal
household tools, for fishing with cork stoppers. insulation in roofs, to seal
and for sealing vessels. amphorae and as soles for
footwear.
A fresco from the tomb of Rameses, showing Soles from the Roman era (395 to 30 AD), about
scenes of the grape harvest and winemaking. 14.5 cm long.
Cork was used in the boats that All the cells and chambers Dom Pierre Pérignon found cork to
took Portuguese navigators to of the friars of the Capuchin be the ideal solution for sealing his
discover the world. Convent, built in 1560, were wines from the famous Champagne
lined with cork to provide extra region in northern France. This
Cork is still used today, as it comfort. will have been the moment in
was thousands of years ago, history that started the path to the
as buoys and floats for fishing industrialization of cork, since this
nets. had a decisive role in the affirmation
of the qualities of this well-known
wine.
Cork is used for various military purposes Cork has won over the most Corticeira Amorim launches in
in World War II. demanding industries - such as the market, in partnership with
the motor vehicle industry and the O-I, a revolutionary concept for
In the 1950s the first agglomerated cork latest generation transports from wine packaging! Helix combines
tiles with vinyl film appear on the market. aeronautics to aerospace travel - an ergonomically designed cork
with highly efficient and versatile stopper and a glass bottle with an
In the 1990s patents are registered for solutions in response to very high internal thread in the neck, creating
the use of cork in transmission belts and technical requirements. a sophisticated solution of superior
tyres. One of the major goals of cork for technical performance. Thus, Helix
the 21st century is to strengthen combines all the benefits of cork
In recent decades Confédération the field of innovation in high and glass - quality, sustainability
Européenne du Liège is created as value-added applications for and premium image - which is now
well as the International Code for Cork the market. boosted by the advantages of an easy
Stopper Manufacturing Practices (quality to open (no corkscrew required) and
control for cork stopper production). easy to close wine bottle (the cork
stopper can easily be reinserted).
SUBER L.
greenish yellow petals with a
rosy tinge at the edge.
The females are protected by
a scaly dome.
THE ACORN
It is the fruit of the cork oak
and the seed for new cork
oaks. It is the basic food of
the Black Alentejo Pig, a
TIME TO GROW native breed for which the
Alentejo cork oak forest is the
The cork oak is native to the Western Me-
natural habitat, where it roams
diterranean Basin, where there are ideal freely. It eats 10 kg of acorns
growing conditions: per day and gains 60 kg in
• Sandy, chalk-free soils with low nitrogen weight in just three months.
and phosphorus content, high potassium
level and pH from 4.8 to 7.0;
• Rainfall from 400-800 mm per year;
• Temperature from -5º C to 40º C;
• Altitude of 100-300 m. THE BARK
It is a covering formed by the
microcells that goes by the
name of cork.
Lignum
20 METRES IN HEIGHT | 200 YEARS
Bast
Cork
THE WOOD
The world’s largest cork oak is Portuguese and is registered It is a good fuel for
in the Guinness Book of Records. It weighs about 102 tons, open fires and making
and it produces enough cork every nine years to make
10,000 stoppers. charcoal.
The life cycle of cork as a raw material be- THE KNOW-HOW AND MANUAL SKILL
gins when it is stripped: when the tree is OF THE CORK STRIPPER
25 years old and the trunk circumference
Stripping the cork oak is an ancient and
reaches 70 cm when measured 1.3 metres
manual process that requires very careful
from the ground. Subsequent strippings
and experienced hands to prevent dam-
take place at intervals of at least nine years,
age to the bark or the tree.
between the months of May and August.
The cork oak can be stripped 15-18 times Aged 34 years - 2nd stripping provides
throughout its life, at intervals of nine secondary cork, which has a more regu-
years. lar structure and is less hard. This is also
transformed into agglomerates for con-
Aged 25 years - The cork is stripped for struction and other materials.
the first time, obtaining virgin cork. The ir- Aged 43 years - 3rd stripping provides
regular structure and extreme hardness of amadia or reproduction cork, which has
this corks means it doesn’t yet have the the ideal properties for the production of
ideal quality for the production of cork quality stoppers. From this point onwards,
stoppers. This cork is used for other ap- and for about one century and a half, the
plications, such as flooring or insulation. cork oak will offer cork of excellence every
nine years.
SPAIN
PORTUGAL
MOROCCO
AT L A N T I C O C E A N
THE 736,000 HECTARES OF
CORK OAK FOREST IN PORTUGAL
ACCOUNT FOR ABOUT 50% OF THE
WORLD PRODUCTION OF CORK!
SPAIN, FRANCE, ITALY, MOROCCO,
ALGERIA AND TUNISIA PRODUCE
THE REMAINING 50%.
PRODUCTION (ton)*
Source: FAO (2010)
FRANCE SPAIN
61,504 ton
PORTUGAL 30.5%
100,000 ton
49.6%
ITALY
ALGERIA
9,915 ton
4.9%
ITALY
6,161 ton
3.1%
FRANCE TUNISIA
5,200 ton 6,962 ton MOROCCO
11,686 to
2.6% 3.5% 5.8%
PORTUGAL
736.775 ha
27%
FRANCE
65,228 ha
ALGERIA
3%
TUNISIA 230,000 ha
11%
85,771 ha
ITALY
4% MOROCCO 64,800 ha
383,120 ha 3%
11%
TUNISIA Source: Portugal: IFN, 2013; Spain: MARM, 2007;
Italy: FAO, 2005; FRANCE: IM Liége, 2005;
Morocco: HCEF Marroc, 2011; Algeria: EFI, 2009;
ALGERIA
Tunisia: Ben Jamaa, 2011
The cork oak is perhaps the most remark- QUALITIES OF THE CORK OAK
able tree in the world! It is also one of the
greatest assets of the Alentejo region. It is > PREVENTS SOIL DEGRADATION
not only highly capable of preventing soil > MAKES SOILS MORE PRODUCTIVE
degradation but it is also a generator of > REGULATES THE WATER CYCLE
high levels of biodiversity.
When seeking nutrients in the subsoil and > FIGHTS DESERTIFICATION
by returning them to the soil through fall- > PROVIDES
RETENTION AND STORAGE OF CARBON
ing leaves and branches, cork oaks im- FOR VERY LONG PERIODS OF TIME
prove the organic matter of soils making > GENERATES HIGH RATES OF BIODIVERSITY
them more productive. > COMBATS CLIMATE CHANGE
They are also responsible for regulating the
>C
REATES EMPLOYMENT AND WEALTH
water cycle, since by stimulating organic IN THE COUNTRY
matter levels they drive better water reten-
tion, facilitating its infiltration into the soil.
(*) S
ource: Instituto Superior de Agronomia (Portuguese
School of Agriculture), 2014
S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y | 21
A PARTNER IN
CLIMATE EQUILIBRIUM
Man and nature have coexisted for mil- Cork oak cultivation will always be asso-
lennia in the cork oak forest, an important ciated with a key role in maintaining the
biodiversity refuge and source of natural atmospheric environment. As the cork oak
resources. forest is responsible for fixing a significant
But the climate threats that the world percentage of carbon dioxide (thanks to
faces today, make it urgent to take action the unique cellular structure of cork) and
and, in the case of the Mediterranean, only also responsible for the regulation of the
sustainable forest management where the water cycle (by retaining rainwater and
cork activity has considerable weight will promoting its infiltration into the ground),
maintain the continuity of cultivating cork the preservation of these forests is crucial
oaks. to the climate balance.
eral European studies on climate change Source: UN Report - Intergovernmental Panel on Climate
state that of all the European regions, the Change (IPCC)
the planet. 2
S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y | 23
24 | THE ART OF CORK
A BARRIER
AGAINST
DESERTIFICATION
17 June marks the World Day to Combat
Desertification and Drought, a day that
is intended to warn and raise the world’s
awareness of a worrying fact of today’s
world: the advance of desertification in
various geographical areas of the planet,
including the desert of North Africa and
Algeria.
The cork oak is the only natural element
capable of preventing this scenario, as
shown by the joint study by WWF (World
Wide Fund for Nature) and CEABN / ISA,
Professor Baeta Neves Centre for Applied
Ecology (Lisbon Agricultural University).
The study “The cork oak, a barrier against
desertification” indicates that desertifica-
tion advance in 2020 will reach a rate of
more than 1,000 m/year if the cork oak
forest is inadequately managed.
S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y | 25
A BIODIVERSITY
TEMPLE
The cork oak forest is one of 35 global The cork oak forest is the
biodiversity hotspots, as it is home to preferred habitat of the
more than 160 species of birds, 37 spe- Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus),
cies of mammals and 24 of reptiles and the most endangered feline
worldwide, and the wildcat
amphibians, some of them endangered
(Felis sylvestris).
species. It is considered one of the richest
ecosystems in the world. In the cork oak
forest there are about 135 plant species
per 1000 sq.m., which can be used for ar-
omatic, culinary and medicinal purposes.
The crown of the cork oak forest is the
perfect shelter during nesting seasons.
The imperial eagle (Aquila adalberti), the
short-toed eagle (Circaettus gallicus), the
booted eagle (Hierattus pennatus) and
Bonnelli’s eagle (Hierattus fasciatus), all of
them endangered, nest in cork oak forests.
Representation of Hooke’s first microscope Drawings of Robert Hooke after observing the
(from the book “Micrographia” by Robert Hooke). cork cells under a microscope (“Micrographia”
by Robert Hooke).
60% of each
plank of cork
is made up of
gases.
27%
Lignin
6%
tannins 12%
45%
6%
polysaccharides
suberin
ceroids
AN INIMITABLE PERSONALITY!
1 CORK
STOPPER = 800 MILLION It is impossible to mimic so many features simultaneou-
sly in a single material! There is no material in the world
CELLS! like cork ... none that is able to unite all of these features:
CHARACTERISTICS OF CORK | 35
CORK AND THE
AMORIM GROUP,
A SUCCESS STORY
The Amorim Group is currently the undis- expectations of some of the world’s most
puted leader in the cork industry world- demanding industries.
wide, contributing like no other player to Its signature is present in the cork stop-
sustainability and innovation in the sector. pers of the best wines, in the most unlikely
The Group has focused, guided by a vision of everyday objects, articles used in Olym-
of sustained growth, on diversifying its pic sports, absorbents of oils and organic
operations by investing in industries and solvents, engineering works that are global
geographical areas with high potential for references, the latest generation of road
profitability. It began a process of vertical and rail projects, spacecraft. In the field of
integration of the cork business and inter- contemporary creativity, designers, scien-
nationalisation of the business activities in tists and architects are challenged to ex-
the 1960s. plore the infinite potentialities of cork and
Under the slogan “not a single market, to dazzle the world with it.
nor a single client, nor a single curren- The Amorim Group, maintaining always
cy, nor one single product,” the Amorim the mission to respect the principles of
Group crossed risky geographical bound- economic, social and environmental devel-
aries and constraints for the time, in or- opment, continues to build on the founda-
der to present cork to the four corners of tions on which it is built - business vision,
the world. responsibility, diligence, creativity and in-
More than any other player of the market, novation. And the mission of standing out
the Amorim group has invested unparal- through excellence, in terms of manage-
leled in research, innovation and design. ment, products and services. A will that
It has developed a portfolio of products is contagious and feeds the enthusiasm
and solutions of high added value, which of the younger generation (the fourth) in-
anticipate market trends and exceed the volved in the family business.
11
INDUSTRIAL PLANTS -
RAW MATERIAL
21
INDUSTRIAL PLANTS -
CORK SOLUTIONS
47
DISTRIBUTION COMPANIES
8
JOINT VENTURES
281
MAIN AGENTS
350,0
300,0
250,0
200,0
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
(Estimated)
OIV - Organisation Internationale de la Vigne et du Vin
Wine Production
Wine Consumption
TWIN TOP
Based on the technology for
production of champagne
corks, the Twin Top® is a tech-
nical cork stopper developed
in response to the highest
demands of wine producers.
It consists of a natural cork
disc on both ends of a body
of agglomerated cork, ensur-
ing it retains all the proper-
ties of natural cork stoppers.
It is ideal for fruity wines
and recommended for wines
not intended for long bottle
ageing.
C O R K F LO O R & WA L L C OV E R I N G S | 59
A NEW GENERATION
OF CORK COVERINGS
The Amorim Group has been in the coverings market for more than 40 years,
and is known worldwide for its pioneering and innovation in high quality coverings
with cutting edge designs.
C O R K F LO O R & WA L L C OV E R I N G S | 61
WICANDERS
WOODCOMFORT®
This product line adds a sheet of
natural wood, of different types,
to the decorative layer obtaining a
product that combines the unique
appearance of wood with the
unrivalled characteristics of cork
in terms of acoustics and thermal
performance.
WICANDERS
VINYLCOMFORT®
C O R K F LO O R & WA L L C OV E R I N G S | 63
WICANDERS
DEKWALL®
This product line represents an
alternative to conventional wall
coverings. The variety of patterns,
textures and colours creates warm
and elegant environments with
a natural and noble touch, while
providing greater acoustic and
thermal insulation to the home.
These cork-based wall solutions
are extremely easy to clean,
hypoallergenic and moisture
resistant.
C O R K F LO O R & WA L L C OV E R I N G S | 65
66 | THE ART OF CORK
SAGRADA FAMÍLIA
Cork was used as a construction
material in one of Barcelona’s
largest iconic buildings, the
Sagrada Familia Cathedral,
because it is a natural material
perfectly harmonized with the
philosophy of Gaudí, with so many
inimitable virtues and also highly
durable and slip-resistant.
C O R K F LO O R & WA L L C OV E R I N G S | 67
68 | THE ART OF CORK
VICTORIA & ALBERT (V&A)
MUSEUM
Amorim Revestimentos and the
design and architecture studio
FAT – Fashion Architecture Taste,
presented a project developed from
a natural cork flooring in the world’s
design capital.
C O R K F LO O R & WA L L C OV E R I N G S | 69
EXPANDED INSULATION
CORKBOARD___________
E X PA N D E D I N S U L AT I O N C O R K B O A R D | 71
THE WORLD’S MOST
SUSTAINABLE INSULATION
SOLUTION
Expanded insulation corkboard is fully pro- LONG LIFE SPAN AND SUSTAINABLE
duced from raw cork. It is 100% natural,
with unlimited durability, and renewable, In a comparative analysis of the life cycle of different prod-
making it the great ally of sustainable con- ucts, expanded insulation corkboard clearly stands out. It
struction, whether due to its thermal and has virtually unlimited durability, and it keeps all its features
acoustic insulation properties or its aes- throughout the product’s lifetime.
thetic properties, when applied as a cover- The process of industrial transformation is done without the
ing on exterior façades of large architec- use of additives (only cork is used) and it requires reduced
tural projects. energy consumption. Over 93% of the energy needs of the
production process are met by using biomass fuel (cork
dust), which is a CO2 neutral source of energy. These fac-
tors were crucial to the products being included on the 2013
BuildingGreen Top-10 Product list, the largest US directory
of sustainable construction products.
Traditional Traditional
Heated Floor Flat Roof
Quinta do Portal (MD Façade), by Álvaro Siza Vieira | Douro Architecture Prize
E X PA N D E D I N S U L AT I O N C O R K B O A R D | 73
COMPOSITE CORK
ACOUSTICORK®
UNDERLAYS
Cork underlays can be applied in any
type of final flooring, including tiled,
wood, carpet, linoleum, screed mortar
floors, etc.
The AcoustiCORK® range offers
high performance in noise reduction
and durability, ensuring the same
performance throughout the lifetime
of the product.
COMPOSITE CORK | 75
REVOLUTIONISING THE MOST
RECENT GENERATION OF
TRANSPORTS
Cork makes an important contribution to the lightness and consequent reduction
of energy consumption, the durability of structures, resistance to fire and to high
temperatures and its use results in increased comfort. When the requirement is
ecodesign it is an asset to the concept, thanks to the versatility of its shaping and
the environmental benefits associated with it. In short, cork effectively meets the
technical and environmental objectives that constitute the paradigm of transport
of the future.
COMPOSITE CORK | 77
CORK, IRREPROACHABLE
PARTNER OF THE
ENVIRONMENT
IN BUILDING MAINTENANCE
Cork granules, when sprayed in com-
pressed air, are an excellent material for
the rehabilitation of building façades,
combining insulation and finishing func-
tions in the same product.
COMPOSITE CORK | 79
CORK AND
SPORTS
Besides being increasingly used in sports
floors worldwide, cork is widely applied in
many sporting materials, enhancing their
performance. It is used in the manufac-
ture of balls for football, hockey, golf, and
baseball, it is the base of badminton shut-
tlecocks, table tennis rackets, targets for
darts, kayaks and surfboards, etc..
COMPOSITE CORK | 81
CORK, THE CHOICE
OF WORLD DESIGN
CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN
DIANE VON FURSTENBERG
STELLA McCARTNEY
PRADA
CHLOÉ
FOOTCORK®
Footcork® is the Amorim Group’s
brand of cork components for
the footwear industry. It has a
vast range of visual appearance
and technical options from which
designers and the footwear
industry can choose. Cork skin
can, for example, be used with its
natural look or it can have patterns
printed onto it, following the trends
of the season or whatever appeals
to the designer.
The Amorim Group has known how to en- Nevertheless, driven by the characteristics
hance the technical and environmental of cork and its natural potential, the chal-
characteristics of cork like no other industry lenge of being different through quality
player. It has done this through heavy and has led to the discovery of new and un-
continuous investment in Research & De- expected applications for cork and a busi-
velopment and Innovation (R&D+I), which ness portfolio unparalleled in the industry.
is a strategic pillar for its leadership of vari- The challenge of innovation today also in-
ous segments of its business. volves the development of cork solutions
The company continuously invests, with an that combined with other materials ef-
absolute focus on quality improvement, in fectively meet market needs in technical,
an upgrade of its product portfolio, the op- environmental and social terms. Beauty
timisation of manufacturing processes and products or medicines with cork, compo-
harnessing the latest technology. The inno- nents for spacecraft to travel to Mars, com-
vation strategy of the Group is, therefore, pletely disruptive applications or stoppers
intimately linked to the quality, product reli- with the great advantage of being easy to
ability and its consistency, following paths open, maintaining the quality expected by
such as certification as a guarantee of pro- the market, are some examples of current
cess efficiency and competitiveness. R&D+I projects of the Amorim Group.
Chamber
Main Skirt
Publisher: Corticeira Amorim, S.G.P.S., S.A. · The art of cork · 2nd edition: July 2014, Porto · 3000 copies · Printed by: Lidergraf · Legal deposit: 000000/14