Cork, in production environments.

Acoustic insulation · 2024

European acoustic-panel manufacturer

Challenge

Replace a petroleum-based foam core with a bio-based alternative without losing measured NRC performance across the 250 Hz – 4 kHz target band.

Outcome

The bio-based panel matched NRC 0.75 across the target band, passed the customer's reaction-to-fire and VOC protocols, and reduced cradle-to-gate carbon by approximately 60% versus the incumbent foam core.

Automotive · 2023

Tier-1 automotive supplier

Challenge

Develop a vibration-damping gasket for an EV powertrain enclosure that maintains seal performance across –30 to 110 °C with no compression set drift over 1,000-hour thermal cycling.

Outcome

The cork-NBR composite passed the OEM's full thermal-cycling protocol with no measurable compression set drift, replacing a fully synthetic incumbent and reducing the petrochemical content of the gasket by roughly 40%.

Footwear · 2024

Performance footwear brand

Challenge

Develop a midsole compound that delivers EVA-comparable rebound, holds up to 800 km of running wear, and carries a credible single-origin sustainability story.

Outcome

The cork midsole delivered rebound comparable to EVA at equivalent density, held its profile through the full wear test, and shipped with batch-level traceability to the Portuguese cork forest of origin.

Construction · 2023

Mediterranean architecture studio

Challenge

Add a thermal layer to a 19th-century stone building during a hospitality retrofit, without exceeding the load capacity of the original timber-and-tile floor structure.

Outcome

The cork-grain layer removed approximately 95 kg/m² of dead load versus the original specification while improving the floor's U-value by 18%. The heritage structure required no reinforcement.