1. From the Montado to the Floor
THE REAL NATURE OF CORK

2. Green Building Trends on the Rise
66% of retailers have begun transition to green1
Market for green building materials grew at rate of 23% per year through 20061
Green flooring will become fastest growing segment of green building market by 20111
Homeowners using green products for 40% of remodeling work2
More than half of NAHB’s members – who build 80% of homes in U.S. – were incorporating green practices into development, design, & construction of new homes by the end of 20072
Since 2003, the number of cities with green building programs has risen from 22 to 92, a 418% increase3
61% of consumers indicate they would pay more for renewable flooring4
SOURCES:
1 - Retail Industry Leaders Association’s New Sustainability Initiative (NSI)
2 - National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)
3 - American Institute of Architects (AIA) Local Leaders in Sustainability
4 - American Institute of Architects (AIA) Home Design Trends Survey

3. Sustainable & Renewable Cork
Cork trees have an average lifespan of 120 years but it’s not uncommon for 200 yr old trees to continue producing cork bark
Cork bark can be harvested every 9-11 years without harming the tree
Compare to an oak tree that matures in yrs and can only be harvested once
Cork for flooring is a by-product from the cork bottle stopper industry
Cork can only be harvested by hand using centuries old techniques by highly trained craftsmen

4. The Montado
The arid Portuguese climate is optimal for the growth of the cork oak orchards known as “The Montado”.

5. The Harvest
The harvest season is during the summer months. The initial harvest is at 25 years with subsequent harvests every 9-10 years.

6. The Harvest
The cork bark is peeled from the tree by hand using centuries-old techniques and tools.
Harvesting cannot be done by machine and no trees are cut down to harvest the cork bark.

7. The Harvest
The harvested cork bark is stacked in the forest to dry before it is ready for production.

8. Cork Production
The virgin cork is used to produce bottle stoppers for the wine industry.

9. Cork Production
The by-product from the bottle stopper production is then graded, with better grades used for flooring.

10. Cell Structure
The cell structure of cork is made up of millions of tiny air pockets, providing natural resilience – like walking on air.
Shape of cell is a 14 sided polyhedron, similar in shape to Honeycomb cereal.
Cell membranes are extremely strong , flexible, air tight and water proof.

11. Unique Properties of Cork
Durable hard surface flooring that is comfortable underfoot – literally, like walking on air
Naturally resistant to insects such as termites
Inherent fire inhibitor – does not spread flame
Thermal and acoustical insulator

12. Health Benefits of Cork
Cork is naturally resistant to mold & mildew resulting in improved indoor air quality
Cork provides relief to individuals with low back pain caused by impact stress

13. Green Building with Cork
Satisfies 3 LEED Credits
MR Credit 4: Recycled Content
MR Credit 6: Rapidly Renewable Materials
EQ Credit 4.3: Low-Emitting Materials
No added formaldehyde
CARB Compliant
Meets European E0 Standard for Indoor Air Quality measuring formaldehyde emissions

14. Product Features Acordur® CARB Compliant Corkloc®
Eco-friendly water-based formaldehyde free binder developed by BASF
CARB Compliant
Meets California Air Resources Board’s requirements for indoor air quality
Corkloc®
Valinge G2 glueless locking profile
CorkProtect® Technology
Edge sealant topical spill protection

15. Cork Assortment– Traditional Planks
3 patterns/colors in floating floor construction
Standard 1’ x 3’ planks with square edges
UV-cured abrasion resistant finish
CorkLoc® Glueless Profile
CorkProtect® Edge Protection
Exterior-grade HDF core with no added formaldehyde
Lifetime Residential Wear Warranty
5 Yr Lt/Med Commercial Warranty

16. Cork Assortment – Wide Tiles
3 patterns/colors in floating floor construction
Can install point-to-point or in brickwork pattern for added design flexibility
Beveled edges and ends
UV-cured abrasion resistant finish
CorkLoc® Glueless Profile
CorkProtect® Edge Protection
Exterior-grade HDF core with no added formaldehyde
Lifetime Residential Wear Warranty
5 Yr Lt/Med Commercial Warranty
Brickwork Pattern Installation

17. Cork Assortment – 8” Narrow Planks
4 patterns/colors in floating floor construction
Beveled edges and ends
UV-cured abrasion resistant finish
CorkLoc® Glueless Profile
CorkProtect® Edge Protection
Exterior-grade HDF core with no added formaldehyde
Lifetime Residential Wear Warranty
5 Yr Lt/Med Commercial Warranty

18. Cork Assortment – 4” Narrow Planks
6 patterns/colors in floating floor construction
Look of traditional hardwood floor
Beveled edges and ends
UV-cured abrasion resistant finish
CorkLoc® Glueless Profile
CorkProtect® Edge Protection
Exterior-grade HDF core with no added formaldehyde
Lifetime Residential Wear Warranty
5 Yr Lt/Med Commercial Warranty

19. Coordinating Molding Program
Complete line moldings designed to coordinate with the cork floor
Quarter Round
Reducer
T-molding
Baby Threshold