- Cork
- Diversity of Applications
Diversity of Aplications Endless Possibilities
Cork is a exceptional natural product with unlimited possibilities. Significant investment in R&D and innovation in recent years has led Amorim Cork to explore the potential of this sustainable material, resulting in the development of new and unexpected applications for cork.
Architects, designers, engineers and scientists all over the world are exploring the potential of cork in various spheres, and this material is present in many contexts: from the ground we walk on to the most visionary projects. Whether in fashion, design, modern buildings, bridges, dams, cars, shoes, etc., Cork demonstrates its versatility and innovation beyond cork stoppers.
Cork is the quintessential 21st-century material, allying outstanding technical performance, unparalleled sustainability, premium features that enable myriad applications in the most diverse areas.
Cork is a exceptional natural product with unlimited possibilities. Significant investment in R&D and innovation in recent years has led Amorim Cork to explore the potential of this sustainable material, resulting in the development of new and unexpected applications for cork.
Architects, designers, engineers and scientists all over the world are exploring the potential of cork in various spheres, and this material is present in many contexts: from the ground we walk on to the most visionary projects. Whether in fashion, design, modern buildings, bridges, dams, cars, shoes, etc., Cork demonstrates its versatility and innovation beyond cork stoppers.
Cork is the quintessential 21st-century material, allying outstanding technical performance, unparalleled sustainability, premium features that enable myriad applications in the most diverse areas.
When Nature merges with Technology and Innovation
All of this was only possible because people believed in the potential of cork and dared to look at this material from a completely new perspective. When nature merges with technology and creativity without limits, what seemed impossible becomes a reality. A 100% natural raw material that humans have used since ancient times becomes a key element in today's most advanced design and architectural masterpieces.
A gift from nature integrates cutting-edge engineering solutions, guaranteeing exceptional performance. The bark of an ancient tree becomes a work of art, surprising everyone and everything with its versatility and beauty.
“For a material that has been used since antiquity, the Chameleon like versatility of cork is astonishing (...) thanks to its capacity for renewal and for adapting to new technological demands.”
Architects use Cork in Revolutionary ways
Architects are using cork in revolutionary ways, bringing a traditional material into the 21st century with new approaches.
Examples of the revolutionary use of cork can be found in the Serpentine Gallery Pavilion 2012, a collaborative project between architect duo Herzog & de Meuron and artist Ai Wei Wei, and in the Portuguese Pavilion at the Shanghai Expo, built entirely out of cork.
Other landmark projects include the Sagrada Família in Barcelona and the Lisbon Cruise Terminal, designed by João Luís Carrilho da Graça, where a new composite made of cork and white concrete creates an imposing effect, both structurally and visually.
In fact, the sustainability aspect of cork is a highly valued option in construction, offering thermal and acoustic comfort, improving air quality, with a unique look and obvious sensorial qualities.
“Cork is a natural material with wonderful haptic and olfactory qualities with the versatility to be carved, cut, shaped and formed”
Cork in the World of Fashion
In fashion, it has proved to be equally versatile. Renowned designers have embraced this material, not only for its aesthetics, but also for its sustainable credentials.
The exciting challenge of bringing cork to the forefront of modern life has involved major design figures such as Jasper Morrison, Inga Sempé, Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec, among many others. This preference also extends to leading brands such as Vitra and Established & Sons.
In the fashion world, brands such as Yves Saint Laurent, Prada, Stella McCartney, Dior, Manolo Blahnik, Costume National, Dolce & Gabbana and Gucci are proud to integrate cork into their jewellery, clothing and footwear collections.
"Cork is a material which is certainly worthy of attention in design. Its appeal lies in the combination of its old-world appeal and new-world technical capabilities."
“Cork. Don’t leave earth without it”
An incomparable material for the 21st century, for cork, not even the sky is the limit. For decades NASA and the ESA - European Space Agency have chosen cork as a preferred partner, incorporating it into heat shields and plates lining their spacecraft, thus conferring to cork a vital role in the launch and successful operation of these vehicles.
