NDtech® is the most cutting-edge technology at the service of cork. This state-of-the-art, high precision screening technology developed and patented by Amorim individually analyzes and validates each cork stopper eliminating the risk that any TCA contaminated stopper will reach winemakers and consumers.
A few years ago, when TCA was a serious threat to the cork industry, no one would have thought it possible to completely eradicate this unwanted organic compound which can be found everywhere (from bottled water to beers and spirits) and, although it does not pose any risk to health, can negatively influence the taste of wine.
Today, thanks to the tremendous work developed, scientific advancements and technological progress, the challenge turned into an opportunity, and TCA has been beaten.
Only a constant commitment to innovation could have taken us this far. Even today, the biggest slice of Amorim’s R&D investment goes to the cork stopper division. Following a 6-year, €12 million R&D investment, Amorim has developed NDtech®, the industry’s most precise and innovative screening technology, offering the world’s first natural cork with a non-detectable* TCA guarantee. The level of precision is astounding: 0,5 nanograms per litre is the equivalent of one drop of water in 800 Olympic swimming pools.
In just a few seconds, each natural cork stopper is individually analyzed, and automatically removed from the supply chain if it surpasses the threshold of 0.5 nanograms/litre. As a result, all stoppers processed with this high-precision technology offer an unprecedented guarantee. The risk that a contaminated natural stopper reaches winemakers - and consumers - has been eliminated.
Initially applied to top-of-the-range natural cork stoppers, this ground-breaking detection technology is now being extended to all cork stoppers produced by Amorim.