Sustainability 11. October 2024
Lifocork - Biocomposite Cork Compounds
Most of the natural cork harvested today is used as pressed cork or mixed with PU or rubber. The processing can be expensive and require a lot of energy. We have developed a special manufacturing method to combine natural cork with thermoplastic raw materials. This means Lifocork can be processed using typical thermoplastic processing methods such as injection moulding, extrusion or thermoforming.
Cork - a renewable raw material
Cork is a natural product which comes from the bark of the cork oak tree. Removing the bark does not harm the trees; the bark is harvested only after the first 20 years of growth. The removal stimulates a steady regeneration of the bark. Each cork tree provides, on average, 16 harvests over its 150-200 year lifespan.
Cork has a cell-like structure which is light and highly compressible. It is used in construction, sports, industrial and household applications.
Lifocork - Typical Applications
Lifocork is suitable for a wide range of applications. Its comfortable feel and non-slip texture make it a good choice for handles and grips, where it has been used in sports equipment, tools and household items. Lifocork has also been used to manufacture bowls, trays, boxes, plant pots and toys.
In 2K applications, the material can be overmoulded or co-extruded onto TPE, PP or PE. This allows for sophisticated designs and enhances consumer appeal with the integration of a soft-touch area.
Plates, belts, endless tapes and tech profiles can be manufactured from Lifocork via the extrusion process. You also get a damping effect for orthopaedic shoe lifts by foaming Lifocork.
We offer coloured Lifocork compounds or it can be easily coloured using a standard PE masterbatch, opening up even more design possibilities.
Cork - a renewable raw material
Cork is a natural product which comes from the bark of the cork oak tree. Removing the bark does not harm the trees; the bark is harvested only after the first 20 years of growth. The removal stimulates a steady regeneration of the bark. Each cork tree provides, on average, 16 harvests over its 150-200 year lifespan.
Cork has a cell-like structure which is light and highly compressible. It is used in construction, sports, industrial and household applications.
Lifocork - Typical Applications
Lifocork is suitable for a wide range of applications. Its comfortable feel and non-slip texture make it a good choice for handles and grips, where it has been used in sports equipment, tools and household items. Lifocork has also been used to manufacture bowls, trays, boxes, plant pots and toys.
In 2K applications, the material can be overmoulded or co-extruded onto TPE, PP or PE. This allows for sophisticated designs and enhances consumer appeal with the integration of a soft-touch area.
Plates, belts, endless tapes and tech profiles can be manufactured from Lifocork via the extrusion process. You also get a damping effect for orthopaedic shoe lifts by foaming Lifocork.
We offer coloured Lifocork compounds or it can be easily coloured using a standard PE masterbatch, opening up even more design possibilities.
HEXPOL TPE
Contact
Ms. Jill Bradford