In the manufacture of micro-granulated cork stoppers as we know it, complex industrial processes are employed, using large quantities of water, energy and chemical agents. All this with the aim of removing what we do not want from cork: TCA, taste, smell, defects, colour...

For this reason, we have opted for a mixture of cork and activated charcoal.

Activated charcoal naturally neutralises the undesirable substances in cork.

We accept what others discard, making better use of raw materials, reducing waste.

Where others see defects, we see natural qualities. An impurity or a difference in the size or colour of the cork particles is not a problem.

Why do you add activated charcoal to the cork?

Due to its properties, the pares of the activated charcoal (AC) trap the unwanted substances (flavours and smells) of the cork, even neutralising the TCA. We reduce traditional chemical processes obtaining more sustainable stoppers. 

Does using AC reduce the carbon footprint of a cork stopper?

Yes, the carbon footprint attributable to AC is much smaller than the carbon footprint of the industrial processes we save by using it. 

Do you use glue in assemblies with wood? 

No, the Corkcoal monobloc design of the T-top stoppers does not require assembly. And in the designs assembled with wood, the insertion and fixation of the dowel is carried out by pressure and without the use of glue. 

Does a Corkcoal stopper biodegrade faster than a standard one?

Yes, the properties of AC are known to accelerate biodegradation in combination with other materials. Oxygen, water and the microorganisms needed for this process accumulate in its pares. 

Are Corkcoal stoppers more sustainable? 

Yes, we reduce waste and scrap, we reduce the chemicals and C02 of several processes, we do not use glue in assembly and, furthermore, we have designed them with short stems to optimise the use of material. 

Does Corkcoal have better organoleptic performance?

Yes. This is confirmed by research carried out by the Cork Center Laboratory from the lnstitut Català del Suro (Catalan Cork lnstitute). With only plant aromas in quantities that are below the detection levels of the standard. 

Does the use of AC eliminate TCA from cork?

Yes, it traps and neutralises it completely, to levels that are not measurable by laboratories. This is an unprecedented achievement that has historically been problematic and inherent in cork as an organic material. 

Does the use of AC improve the organoleptic performance of cork?

Due to its properties, the pores of the AC naturally trap ali the unwanted substances (flavours and smells) of the cork, even neutralising the TCA (it is the best stopper on the market in this respect). 

Why are some designs monobloc?

Monobloc designs are more efficient and sustainable, require just one single industrial transformation process and can be recycled more easily as the separation of their components is not necessary. 

Does Corkcoal help me build the story-telling of my product?

Yes, in many cases, the use of activated charcoal or other carbon derivatives is key in the production of wines and spirits (example: the carbonisation of the wood inside barreis). The visual association of cork with the charcoal reinforces and highlights the story.