Cork is a raw material that is so exceptional by nature it may seem to be impossible to enhance it even further. But that is precisely what Corticeira Amorim has been achieving over the past 150 years - through structured innovation programmes, investing in differentiation on the basis of cork’s unique qualities, and contributing like no other cork company to the reinvention of this unique natural material. But our passion for the culture of innovation is much broader, more comprehensive and multidisciplinary.
From simple everyday actions that are translated into creative, effective and efficient responses, to complex initiatives designed to change paradigms through bold, disruptive and avant-garde projects. Innovation has made it possible to deliver higher performance, best practices and integrated processes, while perpetually fulfilling our mission: to value cork in a competitive, innovative and sustainable way.
What began as Labcork, created in 1983 - a laboratory specialised in the creation of new products, processes and methodologies - has now gained such a dimension that Corticeira Amorim makes an integral, massive and recurring investment in R&D+I - in autonomous state-of-the-art projects, exclusive production techniques and innovative solutions. Amorim Cork Research is now a decisive, transversal and independent structure, entirely focused on the development of R&D activities. It implements some of the most daring research proposals related to cork, shares ground-breaking knowledge about this raw material and thereby contributes to the improvement and expansion of different applications of cork. Amorim Cork Research's R&D investments have facilitated the registration of new patents and helped protect Corticeira Amorim's industrial property rights.
of our energy needs are met by renewable sources
establishments certified by the FSC
recovery rate of non-cork waste
This has led to innovative applications for the aerospace, construction, mobility, sport, energy or design industries, including cork stoppers that do not require a corkscrew, cork composites with biopolymers used to create unprecedented shapes, solutions for natural sports fields that, by replacing traditional turf is able to reduce the injuries of football players by 40%.
An individualised screening technology that delivers non-detectable TCA performance (Trichloroanisole) for cork stoppers, 100% waterproof and PVC-free sustainable floating floors and green products that have negative carbon balance.
Corticeira Amorim’s innovation strategy is also rooted in energy efficiency – given that over 60% of our energy needs are met by renewable sources (biomass), complemented by a high recovery rate of non-cork waste, currently around 90%, certification of our chain of custody, with 29 establishments certified by the FSC - Forest Stewardship Council, competitive recycling programs, currently active across five continents, and environmental education programmes, primarily aimed at students.
The relentless pursuit of innovation across all dimensions of the company, will be fundamental to ensure that Corticeira Amorim can continue to grow, strengthen its leadership and ensure its long-term success. It is precisely for this reason that Corticeira Amorim decided to launch the Forestry Intervention Project, whose goal is to develop the biotechnology of the cork oak tree, so that cork production can keep pace with market growth, in particular by increasing the resilience of this species, reducing the first cycle of cork extraction and making better use of the land through higher density of trees per hectare.