Cork is not just for wine.
Amorim Cork Composites has launched a new cork and thermoplastic blend that it claims improves acoustic insulation while being more sustainable than traditional materials.
The new product is called MAC020 Heavy Mass Layer, and it's 100% recyclable. Traditional bituminous materials, normally used in this sector, can't claim the same. According to Amorim, it can be used in cars, trains, buses, and caravans. Basically, anything that needs insulation to keep exterior noise from protruding into the cabin.
It's the latest step toward providing sustainable solutions in the automotive sector that extend beyond the obvious. Another example is a vegan interior, though that particular route may be a sham.
The Portugal-based Amorim has been corking wine for over 130 years, and the composites department was established to branch out into other areas where cork might be useful. As mentioned, MAC020 is not 100% cork but a hybrid that includes thermoplastics. These plastics come from recycling, further reducing waste.
Amorim says the material is ideally suited to cars due to its lightness and durability. It also has thermal and acoustic insulation properties, making it perfect for electric vehicle applications.
Contrary to popular belief, electric vehicles are not as silent as you might think. Because there's no engine to drown exterior and interior noises out, audio intrusions are often more pronounced. This is especially true in cheaper EVs like the Chevrolet Bolt.
Amorim also quotes a recent study by the Instituto Superior de Agronomia (agriculture institute) in Lisbon. According to the study, “for every ton of cork produced, 73 tons of CO2 are sequestered by the cork oak forest.” No trees are felled to produce cork. Cork oak trees are skinned by hand to ensure they aren't damaged. There are laws in place to ensure that cork oaks aren't hurt, and harvesters only remove the dead cells that accumulate on the outer surface of the tree.
There is a push in the automotive industry to use more sustainable materials in the manufacturing process. Even at the top end of the market, there is enough demand for manufacturers like Bentley to offer eco-conscious options. Combined with Porsche's very promising synthetic fuel, an argument can be made that a 911 with a tweed interior and cork insulation may be even more environmentally friendly than a Taycan.
Keyword: New Cork Hybrid Will Make Noise Insulation More Sustainable