Underlayments Plus and Plus with vapor barrier (VB) Go4Cork by Amorim
The Underlayments Plus and Plus VB Go4Cork by Amorim are produced using a mixture of cork with other by-products, based on the best principles of the circular economy. The underlayments make a decisive contribution to the performance of the flooring solution, in terms of its load absorption capacity, acoustic insulation and high durability. They are also tested to the MMFA/EPLF minimum requirements for groups 1 and 2.
According to an analytic study conducted by the consultancy firm, EY, the underlayment Plus Go4Cork by Amorim has a negative carbon balance of -8.1kg CO2 eq/m². The carbon balance of the underlayment Plus VB Go4Cork by Amorim is -7.8kg CO2 eq/m². By promoting carbon sequestration in the cork oak forest that is superior to the CO2 emissions resulting from production, underlayments are an excellent option for customers who seek to strike a balance between performance and environmental sustainability.
By including cork - a 100% natural, recyclable and renewable raw material - in the underlayments Plus and Plus VB’ composition, Amorim Cork Composites can reduce possible environmental impacts, especially when compared to underlayments that use raw materials exclusively of a synthetic origin. Furthermore, the combination of cork with surplus products from other industries ensures optimal performance of the flooring solutions in which it is incorporated. We thereby reinforce our commitment to a sustainable circular economy, which avoids waste.
Innovation-based DNA
Driven by its innovation-based DNA, the company “continuously pursues the development of new products that also combine cork with other materials”, explains António Rios de Amorim. “We are always looking to enhance the many properties of our raw material through the best practices of the circular economy, that have been implemented by our company since the 1960s”, he emphasises. “Our present goals to build a responsible future include the reduction of environmental impacts, efficient management of resources, protection of the balance of ecosystems and the circularity of processes.”, concludes Corticeira Amorim’s Chairman and CEO.
The environmental footprint study of the underlayments Plus and Plus VB Go4Cork by Amorim was conducted by EY using a Life Cycle assessment methodology.
In other words, it considered the sequestration of the cork oak forest, and adopted a cradle-to-gate approach, contemplating the environmental impacts of all activities, from extraction of the raw material, through production of all components, until departure from the factory gate. The methodology underpinning EY's studies was based on the ISO 14040/44 standards, complemented with the guidelines of the International Reference Life Cycle Data System (ILCD). Data associated with production were provided by Amorim Cork Composites, while the general production processes associated with the production of raw materials, energy, transport and waste management were obtained from the ecoinvent 3.5 database.