Amorim Sports’ range of Nature infills have a negative carbon balance of -72.5kg CO2e/kg. Produced with cork, these components, used in artificial sports pitches, contribute to a smaller impact on the climate. They also improve players' comfort, stabilise the surface temperature and increase the longevity of the sports systems where they are incorporated. These figures reinforce Corticeira Amorim's position in terms of developing a business activity that promotes conservation of ecosystems, which play an important role in regulating the climate, since they offer clients proof that the CO2 sequestration levels associated to their products are higher than the CO2 emissions associated to production, in contrast to synthetic-based products, that foster greater dependence on the use of fossil fuels.
The study was based on a tool specifically developed by PwC – PricewaterhouseCoopers, which makes it possible to estimate the Carbon Footprint associated to granules produced from cork and cork waste, from the management phase of the cork oak forest, transport of these raw materials, processing and packaging, to the factory gate, using the Cradle-to-Gate approach (which does not include transport, application or end-of-life destination).
Using cork infills in sports systems, in particular football, rugby and other sports fields, returns part of nature to an artificial turf system, bringing it closer to the characteristics of natural turf. Since it is a natural and ecological material, cork offers several advantages over traditional infill solutions, including a more natural look and feel, the absence of toxicity and a neutral odour.
Cork infills are particularly valued by athletes, whose performance is highly influenced by turf conditions. Cork infills’ great moisture absorption capacity, absence of agglomeration of granules, due to high resistance to extremes in temperature, and reduced splash rate deliver technical quality to pitches and create excellent playing conditions, also contributing to players' performance and safety.
In terms of safety, cork offers the advantage of its high impact absorption capacity and good adherence in different atmospheric conditions, reducing the risk of falls or slips and, consequently, the risk of abrasion.
The unique characteristics of this 100% natural, renewable and recyclable raw material therefore guarantees a balance between performance and environmental sustainability.
These attributes make “cork one of the most sustainable raw materials on Earth”, explains António Rios de Amorim, chairman and CEO of Corticeira Amorim. “A material that plays a fundamental role in the issues facing humanity today: the fight against climate change, the promotion of a greener Planet and the defence of sustainability values. Corticeira Amorim will make every effort in science, study, research, technology, knowledge, innovation and development & research to continue to offer the world the best products, applications and solutions in response to the challenges that surround our daily lives”.
