Cork makes progress in the railway sector
Monte Meão launches an innovative seat for railway vehicles incorporating cork from Amorim
Inspired by the uniqueness and versatility of cork, Monte Meão has developed an innovative concept for railway seats which combines comfort and aesthetics with respect for the environment. Aiming to bring nature inside its vehicles, Monte Meão has chosen cork from Amorim for the visual finishes of the new railway seat. Cork endows the product with a unique and sophisticated design, while reinforcing the connection between innovation and nature.The focus on ecological materials for the development of this railway seat reflects the vision of Monte Meão – a company which specializes in the development of seats for the railway sector – to use innovation and ingenuity to build a future in greater harmony with nature.
Based on the innovative capacity and knowledge of cork of Amorim Cork Composites – Amorim’s composite cork business unit, Monte Meão has developed a new concept for railway seats that aims to increase passenger comfort and help lower the carbon footprint of vehicles. The concept enables extensive customization, offers a wide range of visuals and colors, and makes it possible to create truly unique designs.
The cork-based material developed by Amorim Cork Composites replaces foams, fabric coverings and other materials that are more difficult to recycle and potentially harmful to the environment. In addition to its unique appearance, cork provides lightness to the seat and enhances thermal comfort. In terms of its technical performance, the product complies with strict international standards (EN 45545), is highly resistant to scratches and graffiti, and is easy to maintain.
The use of sustainable materials in vehicle production is increasingly important, given the transport industry’s focus on attaining sustainability goals. In this context, cork is an essential material for promoting a paradigm shift, not only because of its sustainability credentials, which other materials find it difficult to match, but also because of its ability to comply with the most diverse technical requirements of different industries.
“This launch of a cork-covered seat is the result of a strategic partnership with Amorim Cork Composites, and reflects the path that Monte Meão established a few years ago to expand its skills and capabilities in order to strengthen our position as a leading supplier to the railway industry,” explains Fernando Cerqueira, CEO of Monte Meão. “This path of innovation is far from over, with new solutions already in development, and we will continue to be attentive to the market and trends, in order to strengthen our capacity to make an active contribution to the evolution of the railway sector.”
João Pedro Azevedo, CEO of Amorim Cork Composites, also emphasizes that in the mobility sector, use of cork is just the starting point. “To the natural attributes of cork, it is essential to add technology and innovation to create high-performance materials. This has been the mission of Amorim Cork Composites: to create new products, develop new applications, and promote innovation in this sector.”
Under the motto, “What if we could leap into tomorrow?”, Monte Meão and Amorim Cork Composites presented the new railway seat at the Innotrans fair in Berlin, the leading international trade fair for transport technology. This initiative reaffirms the commitment of both companies to promote innovative solutions that respond to the demands of a market that has an increasing awareness of, and commitment to, preserving the planet.