Korkotuotteisiin

Korkotuotteisiin is Finnish for cork products, a broad category of items manufactured from the bark of the cork oak (Quercus suber) and related cork materials. Cork is a natural, renewable, lightweight and elastic material with properties such as compressibility, impermeability to liquids, and good thermal and acoustic insulation.

Harvesting cork does not kill the tree. The bark is removed in cycles, typically every 9–12 years. Portugal and Spain are the largest producers, with other Mediterranean countries contributing. After harvest, cork is boiled to increase flexibility and then processed into natural cork sheets or into granules for agglomerated cork and composite products.

Common cork products include natural cork stoppers for wine and champagne; cork flooring and wall coverings; cork tiles and boards; insulation and acoustic panels; and consumer goods such as bags, wallets, coasters and footwear. Cork is also used in sports equipment and packaging materials.

Environmental and sustainability considerations are central to cork products. Cork oak forests, known as montados or cork oak landscapes, preserve biodiversity and sequester carbon. Harvesting supports sustainable forest management, and many cork products are recyclable or reusable. Certifications such as FSC or PEFC are used to indicate responsible sourcing. Some cork products rely on adhesives and binders, which can involve environmental trade-offs, but ongoing research seeks to minimize impacts.

Market trends reflect cork’s dual role in traditional industries and modern construction and design. The wine industry remains a major driver of natural cork demand, though closures diversifying to synthetic or composite cork have affected supply dynamics. Growth in cork flooring, insulation, and interior applications has broadened the market beyond stoppers.