Insulation Cork

Insulation Cork: innovation on behalf of the environment

The Research & Development of the Insulation BU has led to important advances in the quality plan and new applications for its main product - expanded cork agglomerate which was used in the construction of the Portuguese Pavilions in Hanover and Shanghai, for example. The R&D+I work is based on the challenge to create environment-friendly products, manufactured industrially without using additives, with lower energy consumption.

As a result, expanded cork agglomerate was recently recognised as one of the most innovative products for sustainable construction and included in the BuildingGreen Top-10 Products for 2013.

Whether in the context of eco-efficient projects or in traditional construction, the commitment to R&D+I leads to distinguishing solutions which pave the way for the application of cork in all types of construction projects. Today, expanded cork agglomerate is a product with possibilities that range from supporting beams to thermal and acoustic insulation, from the more traditional to the specialised - such as acoustic insulation against aircraft or percussive noise.

From the range of activities of the R&D of this Business Unit, the research with a view to the evolution of the product MDFachada must be highlighted, which was developed as a finish for exterior walls. This solution enables all the natural characteristics of expanded cork agglomerate to be enjoyed, including its natural appearance. The most recent innovation under way is the possibility to present various design options for this product, it being likely that the trend shall be towards innovative formats.

Recent attention has been focused on some of the most pioneering and exciting projects, such as the use of expanded cork agglomerate in the development of pieces of furniture for the Serpentine Gallery Pavilion.