SUSTAINABILITY
Cork is a sustainable material that benefits both the environment and the economy
The cork tree is a truly remarkable tree species due to its continuous self-regenerating properties and environmental benefits. Its natural longevity allows it to produce high-quality cork sustainably without compromising fauna and flora that surrounds it.
The cork (the outer skin layer of the tree) can be extracted without causing any harm to the tree. Nothing is considered waste when it comes to the cork tree: it’s fruit, leaves, and natural acids, all play a part in guaranteeing sustainability in the ecosystem for the surrounding areas.
We are cork
Cork has been a significant part of Portuguese heritage and culture, running deep in our blood for many decades
Portugal and the Portuguese people have long recognized the value and the importance of preserving this historic Mediterranean tree. In fact, the cork tree is protected under legal dispositions since the Middle Ages. Presently, it enjoys many more protections and safety regulations due to the understanding of its importance to the environment and economy. Local and national legislation help ensure our heritage is preserved and maintained. Laws and regulations are established to protect this natural resource across the more than 736.000 ha (hectares) of cork tree forest. Portugal is the leading country in the cork industry worldwide. It accounts for more than 100,000 tones of cork produced annually (representing 49,6% of all world cork production).
In 2016 in Portugal, the cork “community” accounted for more than 670 registered companies. Together, it’s estimated they employed more than 9000 people, a number that continues growing in recent years. Including such different areas as cork stoppers for wine bottling, cork insulation for the building and construction, cork wallpaper and tiles for interior design, cork fabrics for fashion and design, Portuguese cork companies are leading the way cork is perceived and used all around the world.
Taking this into account, Portugaliacork wants to support cork industry sustainability. We believe the best approach to achieve this is aiming for the following goals:
100% Portuguese cork
Whether from our own cultivated forests or other trustworthy national partners, the goal is to harvest 100% authentic, genuine cork layers from quality-oriented farms and forests.
100% Sustainable provenance
Sustainability in Action
Environmental commitment
At PORTUGALIACORK, we are dedicated to environmental sustainability. Our initiatives emphasize responsible cork harvesting and waste reduction. We remain committed to safeguarding the environment while providing high-quality products. PORTUGALIACORK ensures that eco-friendly practices are fundamental to our production processes.
By 2030, we aspire to implement a fully operational zero-waste policy. We are continually optimizing our production processes to achieve this objective. As our business expands, we aim to develop additional eco-strategies that resonate with our principles and objectives. Although ambitious, the execution of these initiatives will significantly improve overall production efficiency in the future, while prioritizing environmental stewardship.
Post production leftovers reduction
It’s crucial we invest in new, innovative uses. Cork can be repurposed as packaging, isolating material or substrate.
Natural alternative
There are fields where cork can and should replace synthetic, toxic materials. Our R&D department is continuously looking for this opportunities.
Renewal energy
As part of our commitment, PORTUGALIACORK has proudly reached the significant milestone of operating entirely on clean and renewable solar power energy.
Single use plastic reduction
In our day-to-day operations we are striving to reduce plastic use by implementing environment-friendly alternatives.
