The planet is rapidly changing, facing challenges such as climate change and the depletion of natural resources. We need solutions that balance economic growth and environmental protection. In the search for better alternatives, the outer bark of the cork oak tree stands out as a versatile material that benefits both nature and industry—known as cork.
Unlike most trees, where the trunk must be cut down to obtain the desired material, the cork oak provides cork without permanent damage. The first harvest is possible only when the tree reaches about 25 years of age, and the highest-quality cork is obtained after the third harvest when the tree is over 40 years old. This cycle is repeated approximately every nine years, and throughout a 200-year lifespan, the tree can undergo about 17 harvests. The process of removing the bark is carried out by skilled professionals who carefully extract it without harming the tree’s vital structure. Over time, the bark regenerates, returning to almost its original state or even improving in quality.
Beyond its ability to regenerate and extend its own lifespan, the cork oak plays a crucial role in combating climate change. Estimates show that cork oak forests worldwide can absorb up to 14 million tons of CO2 annually, helping to reduce the greenhouse effect. Portugal, the country with the largest area of cork oak forests, covering one-third of the world’s total cork oak population, leverages these benefits both economically and environmentally. Portugal is responsible for more than half of global cork production and is the leading cork producer. Over 700 companies in Portugal are directly dependent on this industry, provi – ding thousands of jobs.
For this reason, at the end of 2011, the cork oak was officially declared Portugal’s national tree, even though it has been legally protected since the 13th century.
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Structure and Properties of Cork
The microscopic air chambers within the structure of cork give it excepti – onal lightness and elasticity. In just one cubic centimeter, millions of tiny cells can be filled with air or gases of similar composition, providing cork with thermal and sound insulation properties, moisture resistance, and the ability to slow down the spread of fire. Thanks to these characteri stics, cork is an almost ideal material for various industries—from construction and interior design to technologically advanced sectors such as the automotive and aerospace industries. Cork is even one of the key components in spacecraft precisely because of its outstanding thermal insulation properties, as rockets experience extremely high temperatures during launch.
In recent decades, eco-friendly construction has increasingly recognized cork as a material of the future. Due to its insulating properties, cork boards and tiles are used for flooring, wall coverings, and even in humid environments such as kitchens and bathrooms. While many believe cork is delicate and prone to damage, its elasticity and self-restoring structure often prevent permanent dents. If significant damage does occur, only the damaged segment can be replaced, significantly extending the lifespan of the surface. Additionally, the surface layer of cork hardly retains dust or mites, making it an excellent choice for people prone to allergies and asthma.
For decades, cork has been widely known as the material used for bottle stoppers, but its applications have expanded significantly. In the home appliance industry, cork serves as an excellent thermal and sound insulator. At the same time, properties such as buoyancy and elasticity in marine applications make it ideal for buoys, pontoons, and boat components, where lightweight and water-resistant materials are required.
Prepared by Milica Vučković
The story was published in the Energy portal Magazine CIRCULAR ECONOMY
