CPCs – Cork Polymer Compounds

Developed by Amorim Cork Composites’ I.cork factory, CPCs are a range of cork bio composites offering the mouldability of plastics and the lightness and sustainability of cork.

Bio-based plastics are derived from renewable resources. Unlike conventional plastics, which are made from fossil fuels.

The result is a reduced CO₂ footprint, increased lightness, improved thermal and acoustic properties or grip performance. CPCs are suited for applications in various market segments seeking a high-performance, bio-based alternative to plastics.

Cork polymer compounds – CPCs are classified as particle-reinforced composites and are an example of the combination of the properties of thermoplastic polymers with the unique advantages of cork.

Nowadays, CPC became one of the most promising development fields in the cork industry, and, more recently, in association with bio-based polymers. Using natural materials as fillers and reinforcement with thermoplastic polymers is highly beneficial from the point of view of sustainability, especially when a bio-based thermoplastic is considered and even more considering a biodegradable one. Cork is a sustainable, renewable, and lightweight material (with high filling levels) being a very promising raw material to develop sustainable composites.

Key-features

• Customization: Long-range of polymer-cork formulation, customized to customers’ needs
• Lightness: Reduction of final product weight and polymer consumption
• Shaping: Design flexibility for cork into a wide range of shapes
• Carbon negative: Cork can offset partially or totally plastic’s carbo footprint
• Thermal insulation: Cork enhances the thermal inertia of the final product
• Anti-Slip: Cork has high anti-slip properties
• Shock absorption: Cork allows a better shock absorption
• Acoustic insulation: Cork improves the acoustic insulation of the final product

Bio-based cork polymer compounds

• Over 70% polymer content saving per volume
• Over 25% cost reduction per volume of material used
• Reduced carbon footprint (being natural, recyclable and reusable, cork is carbon negative)

Potential end-user applications: Furniture, interiors & kitchenware, Footwear, Engineered flooring, Automotive components, Food & beverage

Shaping processes: Injection moulding, Double belt press, Thermoforming, Extrusion, and Blow moulding.