Cork stopper by cork stopper we keep increasing collection

The project Rolha a Rolha Semeie a Recolha (Cork by cork sow the collection) continues to promote the recycling of cork stoppers.

In 2023, 490 establishments (restaurants, hotels, cafes and bakeries) in the municipalities of Maia, Matosinhos, Porto, Póvoa de Varzim and Vila do Conde, made an important contribution to the Rolha a Rolha Semeie a Recolha project, delivering 1200 kg of cork stoppers for recycling, which represents approximately 240,000 cork stoppers, thus avoiding the emission of 286.75 kg CO2e into the atmosphere.

There are several environmental advantages associated to the collection of cork stoppers, as they are transformed and reintegrated into coatings, insulation, memo boards, competition kayaks, badminton rackets, tennis and cricket balls, car and airplane components, design pieces and fashion and a multitude of other purposes.

As a result of this effort, the Municipalities will plant around 4,800 trees, allowing 29,867 people to breathe for a whole day, as they store 10 tons of carbon. It is also the equivalent of traveling 105 km on a commercial flight, or to the cooling power of 5 air conditioners for over 11 years!

This initiative, developed by Quercus, LIPOR and its Associated Municipalities with the aim of encouraging cork recycling, aims to contribute to reforestation in Portugal, as for every 50 corks collected, an indigenous tree is planted, in partnership with BA Glass, Corticeira Amorim and Extruplás and within the scope of the Green Cork (project created in 2008 by Quercus in partnership with Corticeira Amorim and Continente).

Find out more at www.greencork.org/rolha-a-rolha-semeie-a-recolha/ (page in Portuguese).