In a world increasingly focused on decarbonization and environmental accountability, the ability to accurately quantify a product’s carbon footprint has become essential. Aware of this reality, Amorim Cork Solutions, in collaboration with a partner, developed a Carbon Footprint Tool that strengthens its sustainability strategy, combining technological innovation with internationally recognized methodologies.
Designed to quantify CO₂ emissions throughout the industrial life cycle of products (cradle-to-gate), this tool is already being used in several applications across the company's portfolio, including in sealing and vibration control solutions, where technical demands are high and sustainability plays an increasingly important role in decision-making.
A New Paradigm in Environmental Analysis
The carbon footprint represents the total emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG), expressed in tons of CO₂ equivalent, associated with a product, process, or organization. This includes both direct emissions (e.g., fossil fuels) and indirect emissions (e.g., electricity consumption or raw material transport).
To ensure reliability and comparability, the tool was developed based on international standards:
- ISO 14040 and ISO 14044, which establish principles for Life Cycle Assessment (LCA);
- ISO 14067, a specific standard for Product Carbon Footprint (PCF), also accounting for the positive effect of carbon sequestration by forests.
The credibility of the results is ensured by an independent verification process conducted by APCER, which confirms compliance with key international standards, reinforcing stakeholders’ trust in the implemented assessment system.
Cork: An Environmental Asset with Measurable Value
In Amorim Tech Seal and Amorim T&D solutions, cork plays a central role not only for its technical performance but also for its distinctive environmental value. As a natural and renewable material with carbon sequestration capacity, cork positively contributes to reducing the carbon footprint of the products in which it is used.
By using the Carbon Footprint Tool, Amorim Cork Solutions is now able to provide clients and the market with concrete and measurable values regarding the CO₂ emissions associated with sealing and vibration control solutions upon request.
Case Study
For example, in the case of TD1049, a cork-based material used as a gasket and recommended for most transformer oils, a roll with typical dimensions of 1020 mm x 6 mm x 11 m has a carbon footprint of -37 kg CO₂ per roll.
In vibration control solutions, using VC2100 material, applied as a vibration pad, a plate with dimensions of 1270 mm x 500 mm x 35 mm has a carbon footprint of -18 kg CO₂ per plate.
The development of this tool represents a strategic milestone in Amorim Cork Solutions' sustainability policy, consolidating its commitment to responsible innovation and supporting industries in achieving their environmental goals.
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