This project was launched in 2013 with a view to designing high-efficiency surfboards making use of Portuguese raw materials and technology, thus enabling Garrett McNamara to face the most extreme surfing conditions that exist in Nazaré. In this context, at Garrett McNamara's own request, a project in partnership with Mercedes-Benz and Amorim Cork Composites was started in the last quarter of 2014

The cork surfboards were first developed using a stringer entirely made of cork to replace the traditional wood stringers. This, in addition to the flexibility that cork offers, translates into a board that feels light and responsive. This innovation prevents cutting down trees for making the traditional wood stringers - a forward-thinking, innovative, and environmentally conscious measure as a result of a greener and more sustainable surfboard production method.

Cork surfboards with Amorim Cork Composites’ Corecork technology, relatively thin, strong face sheets bonded to thicker, lightweight core materials. These boards were the result of a joint work from dozens of designers, researchers, aerodynamics and materials development experts, and the professional surfer Garrett McNamara himself, all of whom gave their contribution to the production process of an ideal surfboard capable of enduring and riding the monster waves at Nazaré Canyon.

Three surfboards, out of a total of 12, have already been delivered to Garrett and are strategically distributed over 4 locations worldwide so the surfer can move rapidly in search of the largest waves in the world without having to carry the boards when traveling the globe.

*Information and photos are from amorimcorkcomposites.com

GENCORK, with the creative direction of SPECTROOM, creates mostly panels in expanded cork agglomerate that are used for acoustic coating, have a 3D effect, and can be customized, exploring a low-tech ecological material and high-tech manufacturing processes. “The expanded cork agglomerate is transformed through computational algorithms based on generative design, with strong inspiration in biology, mathematics, and geometry. The development of cork panels explores the industrial digital manufacturing processes, opening up a new spectrum of possibilities and generating a new formal aesthetic. This creative system not only optimizes the thermal and acoustic properties of cork but also adds artistic value.

https://www.gencork.com

https://www.instagram.com/gencork/

BLACKCORK, with charitable direction from Toni Grilo, is mainly dedicated to the development of furniture and intends to place expanded agglomerated cork - until recently a material mostly used for thermal and acoustic insulation in construction - at the forefront of sustainable design.

http://blackcork.pt/

https://www.instagram.com/blackcork_furniture/

The main material for the creation of this guitar is expanded cork, which is made from reused natural cork (such as cork stoppers), and is normally used as a coating and thermal insulation in buildings. The remaining 25% of this unique guitar is reclaimed wood used for the arm and the center of the body, resulting in a lighter and more ecological instrument.

Currently, the designer/musician is already developing a new guitar while improving the craft of this beautiful first model. Another novelty expected for 2020 is a carrying case for the instrument, made from natural cork boards (90%) and wood that will give a reliable and light structure. All the wood used on the guitar or in the carrying case is recycled. “It’s a fun process, going to the carpentry and never knowing what we’re going to find, it’s almost like a chef who goes every day to the market and prepares his dishes with fresh, seasonal products.”

Thus, all products created by João have a stylish design, a minimal footprint, a strong Portuguese trait, and a unique perspective on how to use cork.

www.instagram.com/mailand.guitars

The studio has become well-known for its innovative use of cork in high-end product design, architecture, and large-scale production manufacturing. Recognised as an African “ambassador” for cork by Portuguese producer Amorim, Laurie has pushed the boundaries of the material to achieve several world “firsts” – including the world’s largest cork pendant light and cork cabinet, both of which have been exhibited by Southern Guild.

Laurie Wiid’s work comes from a conceptual and artistic environment, an angle on various topics of contemporary culture, with a focus on traditional handcrafting in combination with avant-garde techniques. By combining handcrafting and specialist techniques, Wiid transforms materials into life-enriching and durable objet d’art.

Laurie opted for a hands-on approach to studying design and manufacturing. He apprenticed to Otto du Plessis and Charles Haupt at Bronze Age Foundry as well as to a carpenter for three years, and from 2009 to 2013 he worked closely with leading South African sculptor Wim Botha as his assistant. During this time, he started designing and manufacturing his own ceramics and furniture and collaborating with fellow creatives.

http://wiiddesign.co.za/

https://www.instagram.com/wiid_design/

https://www.birkenstock.com/gb/natural-cosmetics/

http://www.melanieabrantes.com/

https://www.instagram.com/melanieabrantesdesigns/?hl=pt

From the Montado to the factory, the process encompasses various stages that ally traditional techniques with cutting-edge technologies, resulting in toys that deliver the maximum original experience to the educational act of play.
Elou Cork Toys presents itself as an innovative brand that, although new to the market, intends to revolutionize the way children interact with their toys, enhancing cork’s benefits to children’s knowledge acquisition and motor, cognitive, and sensorial stimulation. To do so, it offers a wide range of natural toys of minimalist conception, whose central premise lies in the idea that playing is not only a leisure activity, but also a significant part of the child’s personal development that comes naturally throughout her growth and whereby she acquires multiple skills and competences while framing her personality and building an emotional identity.

https://www.eloucork.com/

https://www.instagram.com/eloucork/?hl=pt

Baume encourages individuality and allows us to fully customize the watch we want. Their online configurator offers 2160 possibilities for customization, including elements such as size, case, hands, dial, strap, and engraving.
Within the range of environmentally friendly materials, BAUME has recently begun to use cork leather straps in different colors.

Baume draws experience and insight from the Richemont Group’s horological expertise, a lineage that enables the development of innovative, quality timepieces while challenging the conventions of traditional watchmaking.

www.baumewatches.com

www.instagram.com/baumewatches

Created in 2014 by Susana Godinho, the brand creates unique personalized rugs inspired by nature and that provide any space with a special atmosphere aligned with the global trends in interior design.

The brand is committed to the environment at all stages of the product life cycle, from the collection of raw materials to the final product.

The rugs are made from Portuguese cork, recycled cotton or wool, sourced from the waste of domestic textile factories, which share the same concerns for the environment and sustainable practices.

Backed by Amorim Cork ventures, the designer is based in the north of Portugal, and the rugs can be found in houses all around the globe.

www.sugocorkrugs.com

www.instagram.com/sugocorkrugs/

They are currently developing their own type of cork agglomerate, made from compressed, burned cork bark, and are using it to create temporary architecture installations and home design pieces.

This project can be seen in Porto, at the Earlymade store - Rua do Rosário, 235, in the ambit of Bombarda Simultaneous Vernissages.

www.instagram.com/studiocorkinho

www.studiocorkinho.com