Cork isn’t just for wine anymore. Amorim Cork Composites has launched a new blend of cork and thermoplastic that is said to improve soundproofing while being more durable than traditional materials in an automobile. Several automakers have used shredded, shredded textiles from discarded cars to insulate vehicles for years.
Cork does a much better job
This new product called MAC020 Heavy Mass Layer is 100% recyclable. Conventional materials normally used in this area cannot claim that. According to Amorim, this product can be used in cars, trains, buses and caravans. In fact, everything must be insulated to prevent outside noise from entering the cabin.
Not more expensive
This is the latest step in developing sustainable automotive solutions that go beyond the obvious. Another example is a vegan interior, although this particular path could be a decoy.
The Portuguese company Amorim has been making cork stoppers for over 130 years and the composites division was formed to look for other areas where cork could be useful. As already mentioned, the MAC020 is not made from 100% cork, but from a hybrid of thermoplastics. These plastics come from recycling, further reducing waste.
Better thermal insulation
According to Mr. Amorim, this material is very suitable for cars because of its lightness and durability. It also has thermal and acoustic insulation properties, making it ideal for electric vehicle applications. Contrary to popular belief, electric vehicles are not as quiet as you might think. Since there is no engine that dampens exterior and interior noise, the sound effects are often more pronounced.
No tree has to be felled for the cork harvest
For every ton of cork produced, 73 tons of CO2 are bound by the cork oak forest. No trees are felled for cork production. Cork oaks are debarked by hand to avoid damaging them. The aim is to use more sustainable materials in the manufacturing process. Even at the top end, there’s enough demand for manufacturers like Bentley to offer eco-friendly options. Combined with Porsche’s promising synthetic fuel, it’s safe to say it’s a 911 with a tweed interior and cork insulation might even be more environmentally friendly than a Taycan.
With information from Carbuzz
The text “A manufacturer of cork stoppers makes cars soundproof better” comes from L’annuel de l’automobile