The harvesting and production of cork is not only sustainable, but it also serves to provide employment and economic purpose for many communities. Cork harvesting is an ancient tradition, using the same method for thousands of years. It is done by hand for two months a year – June and July – when a skilled cork harvester splits off the bark of a cork oak tree without damaging the rest of the tree. Each tree can live between 150 and 250 years, and is harvested every nine years – at least 15 times during its life. No other tree can support and flourish from this process, and cork tree harvesting actually improves the tree’s health and vigor. Furthermore, more than 100,000 individuals in the Western Mediterranean and Northern Africa regions depend on the cork industry for their livelihood.
After harvesting, the removed bark is dried in the sun, and handled differently depending on its use. Expanded Insulation Cork Board is produced from the natural cork granules which are steam-heated, causing the cork to expand. This activates suberin, a natural binder, thus requiring no added binders or chemicals during the production of insulation cork. Facade Cork is made in the same way, though utilizes different, and slightly superior, parts of the cork product for a smooth and more attractive appearance. Throughout the production process of both products, absolutely nothing is wasted. All waste is returned to the production process, making cork harvesting and production one of the most sustainable business practices on the planet.
Harvesting cork is a time-honored, sustainable tradition handed down generation to generation. See cork bark being harvested from the cork oak trees in Portugal's Montado Region and learn from the experts about the sustainability of cork. The cork bark will be made in to cork stoppers, cork flooring, and much, much more!
Cork is harvested by hand in Portugal.
ThermaCork: A Leader in Sustainable Cork Insulation Manufacturing
ThermaCork utilizes one of the most resource-efficient methods for producing cork insulation. It is crafted from otherwise discarded cork pieces, minimizing waste and external energy use during production.
The process begins when cork is harvested from oak trees and transported to the factory. Here, every part of the cork is utilized. Initially, the cork is placed in a silo and passed through a vibrating channel to filter out impurities. The resulting dust is not discarded; instead, it powers 90% to 93% of the energy required for ThermaCork’s production.
Following the initial sorting, the remaining cork is ground into granules and molded into blocks. These blocks are then exposed to super-heated steam (350-370°C), causing the cork to expand. The blocks are designed to bind naturally using the cork’s own resin, thanks to the enclosed, pressurized environment.
In essence, ThermaCork’s production involves just cork and water—emphasizing its natural, minimalistic approach.
After expansion, the blocks are cooled with precisely injected water. They then rest for 10 days to stabilize their dimensions before being cut to customer specifications.
Explore this sustainable process with our Small Planet Supply videos, filmed at the Amorim plant in Portugal. For purchasing information, visit the “Get ThermaCork” section of our website.To see more about this eco-friendly production, watch the two informative videos on our page.
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