Cork - A Renewable Resource

Posted on Wed Jul 2 2008

By: Hilary Feldman in Daily Green Tips, Environment

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These days, there are more reasons to choose cork. From cork flooring to fishing floats, cork has been experiencing a surge in popularity. However, one traditional use of cork has been in decline. Once the material of choice for bottle stoppers or ‘corks’, synthetics now vie with natural cork.

Cork comes from the cork oak, an evergreen. It is made up of a waxy material called suberin, giving very elastic and impermeable properties. It is also low-density and naturally fire-resistant. These characteristics have made it useful for a wide variety of products, including musical instruments. Cork’s environmentally friendly qualities are also appealing: it is easily recycled and results in few damaging by-products.

The Worldwide Fund For Nature (WWF) is calling for an expansion of Portugal’s cork forests. Portugal is the number one cork-producing country in the world - accounting for about 50-60% of all cork. In fact, it makes up nearly 3% of national exports, creating jobs for 14,000 people. Cork oaks also grow in neighbouring Spain as well as parts of North Africa, France, and Italy.

Cork trees are important for several reasons. Harvesting of cork is a sustainable activity, as only a portion of each tree is removed, leaving the trees to survive for many years. Individual trees are used in nine-year cycles, allowing ample time for regrowth and further maturation. In addition, flourishing trees play a role in the forest ecosystem, where leaves are part of the water cycle, helping to recycle water. Without cork trees, moisture is rapidly lost from the environment and new vegetation cannot establish as easily. The renewable nature of cork bark gives the tree a greater ability to sequester carbon compared to other species.

Cork forests also support high biodiversity. They include a variety of different oak trees, pines, olive trees, and pastureland, with up to 135 plant species per square metre. Animal species are similarly varied, from invertebrates to mammals such as deer and small wildcats. In North Africa, cork trees are an important source of income as well as ensuring improved water cycling. Firewood and charcoal are traditional heating and cooking fuels.

Within Portugal’s cork forests, overall tree density has decreased, leaving environmental groups concerned about encroaching desertification due to water loss. WWF suggests that, if cork forests could be expanded by a further 20%, this would have significant effects to curtail the spread of arid conditions. The current campaign supports cork stoppers over synthetics, arguing that a high demand for cork will maintain stewardship of the trees. In addition, other sustainably produced cork products are being promoted. Cork also faces the same threats as other habitats, including deforestation for agriculture and development, as well as climate change.

Cork stoppers are being encouraged in a large campaign that solicits support from well-known chefs and other celebrities. It is now possible to get certified cork from sustainable forests, through the Forest Stewardship Council’s program.

Consumer choices will help this initiative. Picking cork over plastic, cork tiles over laminate, cork bulletin boards over whiteboards - choosing cork is a way of help ensuring sustainable production and forest maintenance.