It is widely recognised that climate change is one of the greatest challenges facing the world today, and there is an urgent need to adapt strategies and measures to mitigate the short-term impacts on business, the environment and society in general.
As in any other industrial activity, the cork transformation processes have environmental impacts. In order to minimise this impact, in line with its sustainable management principles and practices, Corticeira Amorim established its environmental declaration and commitment in 2013, which is common to all Business Units (BUs):
Corticeira Amorim’s water consumption is regulated by the competent authorities based on local conditions and operating licenses. Most of the water consumed is from underground extraction (> 90%). Not all of the water is used in the process, and is then returned to the environment (directly, in the case of unprocessed water, or after being purified in water treatment plants).
One of the unique characteristics of the cork oak forest is its ability to regulate the water cycle. About 36% of the left bank of the Tagus-Sado river is occupied by cork oak trees. This one of the most productive and deep aquifer systems in the Iberian Peninsula, that is also irrigated by the infiltration of rainwater into the soil. The ability of cork oak trees to intercept rainwater is important to protect the soil from water erosion, contributing to the fight against desertification. Learn more about the importance of the cork oak forests in hydrological regulation and soil protection.
Over the years, Corticeira Amorim has been increasingly concerned with optimising processes and implementing new technologies, that promote and improve energy performance, namely investing in energy efficiency measures and the renewal of ISO 50001 management system certifications in various of the Group’s business units.
The main energy source consumed by Corticeira Amorim is biomass, primarily cork powder, which is endogenous and 100% renewable. Use of cork powder makes it possible to take advantage of the waste that results from manufacturing cork products and helps reduce CO2 emissions.
At a time when carbon neutrality is one of the main challenges facing society in general, to guarantee the preservation of the planet, Corticeira Amorim is developing an activity that has a positive impact on climate regulation, promoting higher levels of carbon sequestration than its CO2 emissions.
According to a study conducted by researchers coordinated by the University of Aveiro, the sequestration of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere exceeds the gas emissions throughout the entire cork sector, from the forest to the final destination of the products. Thus, this sector acts as an effective sink for greenhouse gases. The study highlights the importance of the cork oak forests in mitigating climate change. The sequestered carbon is not released back into the atmosphere and remains stored for long periods, given that cork extraction occurs without deforestation and cork oak trees can live, on average, up to 200 years.