Cork Process

 Welcome to the world of cork production, where nature's marvel transforms into a versatile and sustainable material. Let us take you on an exciting journey through the captivating process of creating cork.

Step 1: Harvesting - Our story begins with the magnificent cork oak trees (Quercus suber). The biggest country producing cork is Portugal, producing over 50% of the world's cork. The Portuguese government has a protection order, and cutting down a cork tree without permission is illegal. All forests are FSC certified. Skilled harvesters gently remove the outer bark, allowing the tree to flourish while ensuring its sustainability. This process takes place once every nine years, ensuring a renewable and eco-friendly source of cork.

The cork harvesting process is entirely harmless to the tree and allows the tree to regenerate, absorbing 2-5 times more CO2 than an unharvested trees.  Harvest season is between the middle of May and July each year. Cork trees are never watered while growing, and no pesticides or fertilisers are used. When treating the cork after harvest, the strategy is the same. Less is best. The bark is collected and stacked on 600 to 700 kilos pallets. 

Step 2: Boiling and Cleaning - The harvested bark is sorted by quality and then boiled in large tanks. This process will use the water several times and not consume large quantities. This boiling not only softens the cork but also removes impurities and sterilises it. Afterward, the cork is carefully cleaned to prepare it for further processing.

Step 3: Production - Once the cork is clean and left to dry for three to four months, it goes through various processes depending on its intended use. It can be pressed into sheets, molded into specific shapes, or sliced into thin layers. These processes allow for the creation of a wide range of cork products with different textures and characteristics. For cork fabric, the sheets are hand-positioned and glued using starch and water onto a backing fabric.

Step 4: Finishing Touches - After the initial production, the cork undergoes meticulous finishing. Skilled craftsmen sand, trim, and inspect each piece to ensure it meets the highest quality standards. This attention to detail guarantees the final product's impeccable texture, thickness, and appearance.

Step 5: Endless Possibilities - Finally, the transformed cork is ready to be used in a multitude of applications. From flooring and insulation to fashion accessories, yoga blocks and even wine stoppers, the versatility of cork knows no bounds.  Even the dust, which appears when cutting the cork, is not wasted. The dust is burned and produces bioenergy for machinery. This can be up to 70% of the energy used, depending on the product and production facility. Its natural beauty, durability, and sustainability make it an exceptional choice for countless products.