About
For more than 150 years, Corticeira Amorim has stood as the global benchmark for cork processing and innovation. Headquartered in Portugal, the company has transformed a traditional Mediterranean harvest into a high-tech industrial powerhouse, now serving as the world’s largest producer of cork-based products. Amorim Cork Flooring, the group’s dedicated flooring business unit, represents the intersection of this deep heritage and forward-thinking material science. For architects, interior designers, and facility managers, the brand offers more than just a surface covering; it provides a comprehensive flooring system engineered to address the modern requirements of sustainability, occupant well-being, and long-term structural performance.
The brand’s mission is centered on the concept of a circular economy, leveraging the unique regenerative properties of the cork oak tree (Quercus suber). By integrating vertically from forest management to final product distribution, Amorim ensures that every square meter of flooring contributes to a negative carbon balance, supporting the decarbonization goals of large-scale commercial developments and high-end residential projects alike.
To understand the specification value of Amorim Cork Flooring, one must examine the material’s cellular composition. Cork is comprised of approximately 40 million air-filled cells per cubic centimeter. This "honeycomb" structure functions as a natural thermal and acoustic insulator, as well as a high-performance shock absorber. In professional environments, these physical properties translate into tangible benefits that synthetic materials struggle to replicate without chemical additives.
Acoustic Insulation: Amorim flooring systems naturally reduce impact noise and transmission between floors. Depending on the specific collection, impact sound reduction can reach up to 20 decibels, making it a preferred choice for multi-family housing, hospitality corridors, and educational facilities where noise control is critical for occupant focus and comfort.
Thermal Efficiency: The natural thermal resistance (R-value) of cork provides a stable floor temperature year-round. This contributes to the overall energy efficiency of the building envelope, reducing the load on HVAC systems while providing a "warm-to-the-touch" experience for end-users.
Ergonomics and Impact Resistance: The elasticity of cork allows the floor to compress and recover from pressure. For facility managers, this means a durable surface that resists permanent indentation. For occupants, particularly in retail or healthcare settings, it provides an anti-fatigue surface that reduces strain on the joints and back during long periods of standing.
Amorim Cork Flooring categorizes its solutions into distinct brands and collections, each tailored to specific aesthetic and technical demands. The two primary pillars are Wicanders and Amorim Wise.
Wicanders is recognized worldwide for its "Corktech" technology, which utilizes a multi-layered structure to maximize the natural benefits of cork. The collections within this brand, such as Cork Essence and Cork Pure, offer a variety of finishes ranging from traditional cork visuals to sophisticated digital prints that mimic wood and stone textures while retaining the internal cork core.
Amorim Wise represents the pinnacle of the brand’s innovation. This product line is entirely PVC-free and features a carbon-negative footprint throughout its entire life cycle. The Amorim Wise Inspire 700 and Amorim Wise Contivo collections are designed for heavy commercial use (Class 33), offering high-dimensional stability and waterproof characteristics, making them suitable for expansive commercial floor plates where climate fluctuations might otherwise pose a risk to natural materials.
While cork was historically viewed as a niche material with a limited aesthetic palette, Amorim has redefined its design potential. Through advanced digital printing and precision embossing, Amorim Cork Flooring products can now seamlessly integrate into any design vernacular—from minimalist Scandinavian aesthetics to traditional luxury. This adaptability allows interior designers to specify cork for its performance benefits without compromising the visual intent of the space.
For the technical specifier, Amorim provides detailed performance data that aligns with international standards. Key technical attributes include:
Amorim’s sustainability story is foundational to its identity. The cork oak is never cut down; rather, the bark is harvested by hand every nine years, allowing the tree to live for over 200 years. This process stimulates the tree to absorb up to five times more CO2 than an unharvested tree. Corticeira Amorim’s business model supports the preservation of the Montado, a unique ecosystem in the Mediterranean that prevents desertification and supports biodiversity.
For firms focused on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) reporting, specifying Amorim Cork Flooring provides a verifiable carbon sequestration story. Many Amorim products carry Cradle to Cradle certification, reflecting a commitment to material health, product circularity, and social fairness.
The versatility of Amorim’s systems allows them to solve specific challenges across various sectors:
Amorim Cork Flooring stands as a premier solution for the modern built environment, offering a rare combination of high-performance technical specifications and unmatched environmental credentials. By choosing Amorim, architects and designers are not just selecting a floor covering; they are investing in a system that promotes occupant health, enhances acoustic privacy, and contributes to the global fight against climate change. The brand’s ability to offer specification-ready flooring systems that meet the rigorous demands of commercial use while maintaining a design-forward edge makes it an essential resource for any professional portfolio.
To further explore the integration of Amorim products into your next project, professionals are encouraged to visit the official Amorim website to access technical data sheets, BIM objects, and sustainability reports. Contacting a dedicated specification representative for physical samples is a recommended next step to experience the unique tactile and performance qualities of Amorim’s cork collections firsthand.
