Corkfacts
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If you're interested, in learning more about cork we understand that it's a captivating topic that sparks curiosity in individuals. That's why we're available to assist you by offering concise explanations. Whether you have inquiries regarding cork recycling concerns about the impact of the cork extraction process, on trees or any other queries related to this material rest assured that you've come to the place.
Discover the secrets of cork and become a true "cork-knowledgist"!
FAQS
1
What is cork?
Cork is a lightweight plant-based material from the bark of cork oaks (Quercus suber L), impermeable to liquids and gases, with a large elastic and compressive capacity. It has great thermal and acoustic insulation properties.
2
Where does cork come from?
Cork is the bark which is removed, without damaging the tree, from the trunk of the cork oak.
3
Where can Cork Oak trees be found?
The largest areas of cork oak forests are located in some regions of the Mediterranean which are impacted by the Atlantic Ocean, such as Portugal, Spain, the south of France, Italy, and North Africa.
There are also some cork oak forests in certain regions of China.
4
What is the average lifespan of a cork oak tree?
A cork oak has a lifespan of about 150 to 200 years.
5
What is Cork Harvest?
Cork harvest is the process of removing cork from the cork oak.
This is done by specialised professionals using an axe. This delicate operation takes place between May and August, when the tree is in the active growth phase and the bark can be easily removed from the trunk.
Cork Harvesting is considered the best paid seasonal agricultural work in the world.
6
When does the first stripping take place?
It takes about 25 years for a cork oak trunk to start producing cork and be profitable. Each trunk has to reach a perimeter of about 70 cm when measured at 1.3 meters from the ground.
This first stripping is called debarking.
Subsequent debarkings are made with a minimum interval of nine years.
7
How many times can a cork oak be harvested?
A cork oak can be stripped up to 16 times during its productive life.
8
Are cork oaks cut to extract cork?
No, the cork is removed from the cork oaks by specialised professionals who do not damage the tree.
9
What are cork’s main characteristics?
Cork is a lightweight material which can float due to 50% of its volume being made up of air. Additionally, cork is completely impermeable to liquids and practically impermeable to gases, thanks to the presence of suberin and cerin in its cells. This impermeability allows cork to age without deteriorating and to retain its properties over time.
10
Why do we say that cork has a great memory?
Cork is elastic and compressible. It can be compressed to about half its original width without losing flexibility. When the pressure is removed, cork regains its initial shape and volume.
11
Uma rolha pode ser reciclada?
Yes, cork stoppers can be recycled. However, considering cork’s renewable, natural, organic, and biodegradable qualities, recycling may not be the most interesting way to give them a second life.
12
Why do we say that cork is fire resistant?
Cork is highly fire resistant due to its chemical composition and cellular structure, which makes it less flammable and reduces the spread of flames.
13
What is the connection between the discovery of cells and cork?
The cells were discovered by the biologist Robert Hooke in 1665, who studied cork cuttings. Hooke observed that cork was formed by numerous hollow chambers, similar to holes, which he called cells (from the Latin cella = closed room).
14
Why is the wine sealed with a cork stopper?
Cork is the ultimate stopper in the wine world due to its unique properties.
It is lightweight, compressible to half its size, has elastic memory (it recovers its original shape after being compressed), and it is impermeable to liquids, resistant to wear and tear, heat, and decomposition.
The cork stopper also allows for a small ingress of oxygen into the wine after bottling, this “micro-oxygenation” of the wine over time contributes to its “evolution” and the development of “tertiary” notes that make up the so-called bouquet of the wine.
15
Is there any artificial material with characteristics similar to cork?
Until now, no artificial material has been able to reproduce all of cork’s unique properties, such as being lightweight, insulating, and elastic.
16
Does the stopper help with wine ageing?
The cork stopper allows for gaseous micro-exchanges between the bottled wine and the outside, which guarantees an evolution of the wines in exceptional conditions over many years.
17
Can cork stoppers be reused to bottle other bottles of wine?
No, cork stoppers cannot be reused to bottle other bottles of wine.
18
Is cork only used for the manufacture of cork stoppers?
No, cork is used in a large range of products, from household items to musical instruments, as well as the automotive and aerospace industries, among others.
19
Can cork be used to produce energy?
Yes, cork dust can be used to generate energy, contributing to the improvement of energy efficiency.
20
Is there enough cork for all its uses?
Yes, there is currently enough cork to meet all needs.