Field notes on cork.

News

Dimas & Silva launches Hara Surfboards: a sustainable revolution in surfing

A new chapter for cork at sea — Hara Surfboards pairs our cork heritage with shaper Luís Carvalho's craft to redefine modern surfing.

Sustainability

Waste reduction strategies

Waste reduction is critical for every company. From saving water and energy to minimizing material waste, here is how to detect opportunities and act on them.

Acoustics

Acoustic insulation with cork: a primer for specifiers

Why cork's cellular structure outperforms synthetic alternatives across a wide frequency range.

Acoustics

Comparing soundproofing materials: cork vs mineral wool vs foam

A material-by-material comparison across performance, longevity, fire response and lifecycle cost.

Acoustics

Designing acoustic panels with natural cork

Composition, density and surface treatment choices for panels that perform and look the part.

Acoustics

Noise reduction techniques in industrial environments

Practical interventions for plants, workshops and mechanical rooms using natural materials.

Thermal

The best thermal insulation materials for 2025 specifications

Lambda values, embodied carbon and durability across the materials specifiers actually use.

Materials

Rubber alternatives: where cork composites replace synthetic elastomers

Rubber is still essential for sealing, cushioning, grip and vibration control, but its hidden costs are pushing manufacturers to reassess where it is truly the best choice.

Materials

Plastic alternatives: cork as a structural and decorative substitute

Where cork agglomerates meaningfully replace plastic in product design and packaging.

Materials

Cork material: an industrial reader's guide

What cork is, how it is harvested, and which industrial properties matter most.

Fire

Fire resistant materials: how cork performs under flame

Cork is naturally Euroclass E with no flame retardants — and char behaviour that protects the substrate.

Fire

Fireproof insulation: positioning cork in the fire safety stack

How to combine cork with mineral barriers to achieve regulatory fire ratings.

Outdoor

The best materials for gardens and exterior landscaping

Cork mulch, edging and planters: a low-impact alternative to plastic and treated wood.

Outdoor

Best materials for outdoor furniture and structures

Why specifiers are choosing cork composites for exposed seating, decking accents and signage.

Construction

Lightweight materials for construction: where cork earns its place

Lightweight materials have become a practical priority in modern construction because every kilogram affects transport, handling, structural load, installation speed and long-term building performance.

Materials

High density cork agglomerates for demanding applications

Where 350 to 500 kg/m³ cork blocks compete with engineered woods and composites.

Health

Non-toxic materials for healthy indoor environments

Cork's chemistry is suberin and air — no formaldehyde, no isocyanates, no halogenated additives.

Materials

Water-resistant materials: what they are, uses and how to choose

How water-resistant materials work, why cork stands out, and how to specify the right grade for construction, interiors and outdoor applications.

Materials

Impact-resistant materials for sports and safety surfaces

How cork's elastic recovery delivers consistent impact attenuation across millions of cycles.

Materials

Flexible materials: cork sheets and rolls for shaped applications

Thin cork agglomerates roll, wrap and form to complex geometries while retaining performance.

Materials

High tensile strength materials: where cork composites contribute

High tensile materials, like cork, are crucial in various industries, providing the durability and strength needed for demanding applications.

Materials

Granulated cork: what is it, applications and how to choose it

A specifier's guide to granulated cork — what it is, where it performs, and how to choose by granulometry curve and density rather than by generic grade.