![]() This can be made into sheets, blocks, or cylinders. By crushing the waste product from making cork bottle stoppers, granules are obtained, which are then joined together using pressure, temperature, and resins. ‘White agglomerate’ is the primary raw material here. Whereas natural cork has closed cells, meaning the absorption of sound is weak, expanded agglomerated cork has open pores between the granules, helping to absorb acoustic and vibration energy. This leaves a block of expanded cork which can be cut into plates of various thicknesses.Įxpanded agglomerated cork is ideal for providing vibration, thermal, and sound insulation. Granules of falca are expanded by heating water to 350-370☌ and exposing the granules to steam. Types of Cork in ConstructionĬork construction products are made from one of the two types of agglomerates which are produced in different ways and therefore have different functions: Pure expanded agglomerateĪlso known as ‘black agglomerate’, the raw material of this can be falca cork, virgin (the first cork harvested from a tree), or reproduction cork. Not only is this an environmental coup, but also generates “over 1300 €/ha/year for the ecosystems services associated with a well-run cork oak forest”. ![]() A well-maintained cork forest is home to an array of wildlife, from medicinal herbs to bees and Lynx. The skills are passed down through the generations, creating thousands of jobs for years on end. All harvesting is done by hand the axes used are made locally. The sustainability factor doesn’t stop there: it is also socially and ecologically sustainable. The regular removal of the bark even improves the quality of the cork, making it smoother! This means, after the first 20 years of growth, it can be harvested every nine years over its 250-350 year lifespan, with a yield of a couple of hundred kilograms of bark each time. Cork oak is such a vital component of the Mediterranean economy that they have made it a protected species.Ĭork could be one of the most sustainable natural materials out there as it is the only tree that can have its bark removed without killing it. Sixty percent of cork oak production takes place in Portugal, although other regions of southern Europe and northern Africa also have a booming industry. Take a look through our cork fact file to find out more. ![]() ![]() So, perhaps you could help by utilising this natural material in your building project. As more and more bottle stoppers are being made of plastic corks or screw tops, the sustainable cork industry could do with a boost. Although currently not one of the most widely used bio-based materials, cork is still a viable option in construction, with countless benefits making it well worth considering. ![]()
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