Cork Polymer Compounds: A game-changer

Circular Economy

Cork Polymer Compounds: A game-changer

Led by innovation, we have developed a range of cork bio composites that offer the mouldability of plastics and the lightness and sustainability of cork, designated Cork Polymer Compounds (CPC)

Cork, the outer bark of the cork oak tree, is an extraordinary material that can be applied in a wide array of different situations in our daily lives. From its gentle touch to its thermal and acoustic insulation properties, this 100% natural, renewable, and recyclable raw material is one of the world’s most versatile materials, whether from an environmental, social, or economic perspective.

But Nature is just the starting point. At Amorim Cork Composites we are inspired by our profound respect for the planet and aim to go further by applying the best sustainability principles in our business activity. We strive to achieve a circular future on a daily basis, transforming what was previously considered to be surplus production into new solutions, capable of responding to the world’s most demanding industries and enhancing the natural characteristics of our raw material – cork.

Circular Economy

Amorim Cork Composites has always been committed to ensuring the transition from a linear economy of “make, use and dispose” to a circular economy of “make, use, recycle and re-use”.

The company has therefore been using other materials in addition to cork, in particular synthetic foams sourced from other industries. Instead of being deposited in landfills, we receive and recycle these materials to produce new composite solutions and thereby decrease their carbon footprint. We are not just a pioneer and leader in cork composites, we aim to go further.

This innovative material also represents a huge benefit in terms of innovation

Cork Polymer Compounds are produced through an extrusion process in which cork and thermoplastics are mixed to deliver the best of both worlds. The introduction of cork to produce CPCs can result in a reduction of up to 60% in the volume of plastic consumption, due to cork’s low density, delivering a more sustainable solution compared to 100% plastic-based materials. Cork, as a natural filler, can replace a significant proportion of the plastic, while keeping the desired properties of the final product. On the other hand, CPCs allow cork to be more shapable, processed using different technologies - such as injection moulding, extrusion, and blow moulding.

The use of bio-based thermoplastics to produce Cork Polymer Compounds offers clear advantages to achieve a 100% bio-based material.

Cork Polymer Compounds can be applied in a wide array of different situations in our daily lives and are increasingly becoming a strong ally for decoration purposes and solutions for the home and office. From placemats, to coasters, passing through organisers and even halters, CPCs may be customised in function of the application and customer’s requests.

Sustainability credentials and reduced carbon footprint are increasingly attractive

But that’s not all… CPCs are also being used in areas such as sports, packaging, footwear, and the automotive industry. For these applications, the material’s unique properties are valued - such as thermal insulation capacity, impact absorption, grip, anti-slip, lightweight or visual appearance. Additionally, the sustainability credentials and reduced carbon footprint are increasingly attractive to a broad range of industries in a large field of applications.

Led by innovation, we have developed a range of cork bio composites in our innovation pilot plant – iCork Factory –that offer the mouldability of plastics and the lightness and sustainability of cork, designated Cork Polymer Compounds (CPC).

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