Which stages generate the greatest impact?
Producing a closure involves several phases:
1. Cork harvesting: carbon neutral, as cork oak trees naturally absorb CO₂.
2. Transport: logistics is one of the main sources of emissions, particularly for international shipments.
3. Processing: disinfection, shaping, and assembly consume energy.
4. End of life: the closure can be either recycled or composted.
By acting on these levers, it is possible to significantly reduce the ecological footprint of closures.
Our daily best practices
A renewable and certified raw material
Our corks are made from bio-sourced cork from sustainably managed Portuguese forests. These forests actively contribute to biodiversity and carbon storage.
Environmentally friendly production
We use thermal shock disinfection, with no chemical solvents, and prioritise renewable energy in our facilities.
Made-to-order manufacturing
We adapt our production runs to avoid waste and limit unnecessary stock.
Full traceability
Each batch of cork stoppers is identified and monitored, ensuring complete transparency on its origin and environmental impact.
Innovation to go further
Our ambition is to help evolve the closure industry through concrete innovations:
– Development of lighter closures to reduce transport-related emissions.
– Research into bio-sourced glues and finishes.
– Carbon-footprint studies of closure ranges.
– Raising customer awareness of best recycling practices.
What to do with used corks?
Unlike other materials, cork is very easy to recycle. You can:
♻️ Deposit them in a specialised recycling channel (some associations collect cork closures to fund social initiatives).
♻️ Grind them to create natural mulch.
♻️ Repurpose them into design objects or composite materials.
We can support you if you wish to implement a recycling programme tailored to your activity.
Reducing the environmental impact of closures is a collective effort that begins at the design stage. At Portuliège & J.A.Beira, we are committed to offering bio-sourced bartops and guiding our clients towards more sustainable practices.
Contact our team to discuss your projects and discover our bespoke solutions.
