Cork oak forests are a heritage of biodiversity, home to numerous species of birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians. In these green areas, carbon dioxide levels drop considerably, making the air pure and fresh.

The cork oaks in the western Mediterranean basin, in fact, have the extraordinary capacity to use some 30.66 million tonnes of CO2 per year.

But that is not all. The cork oak plays a multifunctional role, preventing soil degradation, combating desertification and acting as a barrier against fires.

Cork is not extracted from the whole plant by felling it and taking the wood out. The cork is enclosed in its bark. There is no need, therefore, to cut the trunk cleanly, risking deforestation. On the contrary, it goes through a process called decortication, a work that is still completely manual and highly specialised, which is repeated every nine years about 15-18 times.

The path of the cork continues with the drying and boiling phase, which not only allows the cork to obtain the consistency useful for its processing, but also to eliminate all the bacteria and micro-organisms inside the bark. There are no other chemical treatments, respecting the environment and the raw material. Once all production steps are completed, cork is ready to enter various industries, including the construction industry.

Cork, which has been known for centuries for wine bottle corks, is also used in construction, particularly in the production of flooring, cladding and self-expanding, self-gluing insulation panels. This versatility makes it a highly circular material with a positive impact on the environment.

Expanded cork, in particular, emerges as a material of excellence in terms of durability and thermal insulation. The production process, which does not require the use of adhesives or chemical additives, exploits the previously seasoned and selected bark, reduced to granules and distributed in metal blocks. The addition of water vapour at controlled temperatures leads to the expansion of the granule, increasing its volume by 30%, releasing waxy substances, suberin and lignin that act as natural glues.

Its resistance to water is a distinguishing feature, making it ideal for applications where moisture removal is essential. In addition, cork's unlimited durability promises unparalleled longevity, giving the material a significant advantage in the design of long-term building solutions.

Cork maintains its structural characteristics over time, ensures consistency of performance and structural strength, and thus contributes to the strength and reliability of building structures. The optimal insulating capacity of cork, expressed through a declared lambda of 0.039, makes it an irreplaceable ally in the thermal insulation of buildings. This value represents the efficiency with which the material conducts heat, confirming expanded cork as a high-performance solution for ensuring thermal comfort in living spaces.

CO2 capture is a significant contribution to environmental sustainability made by cork. In addition to being a natural and recyclable material, the ability to trap carbon dioxide during its production and use process actively contributes to reducing the overall environmental impact.

Fire resistance, elasticity and compressive strength are further characteristics that highlight cork as a versatile and safe choice in the construction context. Its ability to keep the structure intact even under adverse conditions, such as during a fire, underlines the importance of this material in terms of safety and protection.

The elegant combination of tradition and innovation is reflected in the entire cork industry, from the cultivation in the picturesque cork oak forests, true oases of biodiversity, to the refined production of materials such as expanded cork, which connotes today's building industry with superior performance.

This material, besides embodying technical excellence, becomes the guardian of a centuries-old history, keeping traditions and commitment to environmental protection alive. Its versatility, highlighted in the creation of flooring, cladding, but also insulating thermal paints such as those by Diasen, confirms cork as an ally in the creation of elegant and comfortable spaces.

The revival of cork in the field of green building not only represents an affirmation of sustainability, but also the recognition of a precious ecosystem that extends from the heart of the Mediterranean forests to the design of modern buildings.