The unique properties of a cork stopper provide the wine industry with a closure with unparalleled characteristics. Cork, at just 0.16 grams per cubic centimeter, is surprisingly light, containing approximately 89.7% air or similar gas. Its flexibility, elasticity and compressibility are provided by the incredible 750,000,000 cells (40,000,000 cells/cm3) that make up each cork stopper.
These cells, watertight and filled with a gaseous mixture similar to air, allow the cork to be easily compressed to fit perfectly into the bottle neck. After compression, it recovers its initial shape, ensuring a perfect seal. This dynamic adaptation over time follows temperature variations, ensuring the bottle's watertightness, even as the glass expands and contracts.
The cork stopper is impermeable to liquids and practically impermeable to gases, thanks to the presence of suberin and cerin in its cells. Its imputrescibility, a result of its specific chemical and structural constitution, provides resistance to the action of humidity and oxidation.
Cork is recyclable, reusable and renewable. Corks can be recycled, crushed and the resulting granulate used in various products, such as covering panels, shoe soles, fishing buoys, among others. The industrial use of cork promotes the sustainability of cork oak forests, contributing to a balanced relationship with nature and the preservation of associated ecosystems.
Font: Natural_Cork_Technical_Information.pdf