Companies like M.A. Silva and other Natural Cork Council members are at the forefront of documenting and enhancing the sustainability credentials of cork products. Their commitment to transparent environmental accounting helps wineries and consumers make informed choices about closure options.

In an enlightening discussion with Architecture Australia, noted designer Ali Whelan of Breathe Architecture reveals why cork flooring has become her go-to material for sustainable projects.

Portugal's cork industry represents one of the world's most remarkable examples of environmental and economic harmony. This centuries-old practice demonstrates how human activity can actually enhance natural ecosystems rather than deplete them.

The designers chose dark expanded cork, an increasingly popular building material, to cover the exterior of the house because of its insulating properties, sustainability as a material, and aesthetic appeal.

“Cork, nature's gift, so light and strong, A versatile wonder, where it belongs. From bottle stoppers to floors so fine, In every form, it stands the test of time.”

95% of cork forests are owned by families or small to medium companies. The method of harvesting cork bark has been handed down from generation to generation, with cork harvesting being the best paid agricultural job in the world. In rural communities where harvesting is a specialty, often 3-5 people in each family work together to harvest the cork bark.