Corticeira Amorim, the world’s biggest cork processing group, and Hape, the world’s leading producer of wooden toys, have decided to join forces to explore the global market for cork-based toys. The result is the birth of Korko, a joint venture that has emerged as a way to respond to the growing demand for safe, ecological and natural toys. The first collection of these new toys is entitled “Building Blocks”, based on the concept developed by the German educator, Friedrich Froebel who affirmed that such blocks allow children to experience and feel, to act and represent, to think and recognise.
The “Building Blocks” collection also responds to the major environmental concerns of parents, educators and guardians who want to make children aware of the use of Earth-friendly materials from an early age. Toys made from natural raw materials such as cork are also more durable and resistant and promote children’s creative development, playful learning and skill training.
As a 100% natural, ecological, renewable, recyclable and reusable raw material, “cork delivers extraordinary benefits to the toy market”, suggests António Rios de Amorim, Corticeira Amorim’s Chairman and CEO who recalls that “cork is a light material, odourless and soft to the touch, and such characteristics foster play as a learning resource. We believe that Korko will bring happiness to the children’s universe, also contributing to a more sustainable world.
For the sake of everyone’s future”. Conceived at the i.cork factory, Amorim Cork Composites’ innovation factory, the “Building Blocks” collection has led to the installation of new technologies, development of new formulae and implementation of new industrial processes to respond to the specific needs of this market.
