At Amorim, we are proud to rely on strong partners who help us bring this unique material to different markets. In Germany, one of our most important allies in the field of expanded cork insulation is Zipse, a family-owned company with a long tradition in sustainable building materials.

To better understand this partnership and the German market’s perspective, we spoke with Jan Zipse, who represents the new generation of the company and plays a key role in promoting cork as a building material of the future.

The collaboration between Zipse and Amorim is the result of decades of shared history. “We’re united by a common mission: promoting cork as a material of the future. I grew up hearing stories about our families’ time in Portugal with Amorim. More recently, I had the unforgettable chance to discuss cork’s future with António Amorim”, recalls Jan.

Lothar quickly developed a passion for cork, recognizing it not only as a sustainable solution but also as a highly technical and versatile material, suitable for flooring, insulation, and design. In 1985, Zipse began nationwide distribution in Germany, and from 1989, Thomas Zipse, together with his brother, expanded the business, establishing the company as a reference in the sector.

The Vision of a New Generation

Today, Jan Zipse continues this legacy, with a strong focus on insulation and on strengthening the partnership with Amorim Cork Solutions. For him, cork is more than just a material, t’s part of his identity.

“I literally grew up on a cork floor. Cork is part of our DNA. We believe in its uniqueness and in its potential to be a real game-changer in the building industry, especially as a natural CO₂ sink”, says Jan.

Jan also highlights the cultural and human dimension of cork: “It’s the combination of nature, history, and the people who work with it that makes cork so special. Cork brings people together, it represents community, joy, and sustainability”.

Innovation and Landmark Projects

The market’s response to cork has been overwhelmingly positive. “Clients appreciate its natural properties – insulation, thermal protection, acoustic comfort, and sustainability. We’re also working closely with startups and regional innovators to explore new applications and business models. Cork fuels creativity and innovation, and some of the best ideas emerge spontaneously” says Jan.

Among the projects that stand out, Jan recalls a cork-clad warehouse facade, where the indoor climate remains stable all year round without heating or air conditioning, even next to a railway line. Another highlight is the ‘LOUIS’ residential building in Berlin-Mitte, designed by PPAG architects. Its cork façade won the Façade Technology Award in 2024, praised for its natural aesthetics and excellent insulation performance.

Cork is more than a building material, it’s a bridge between tradition and innovation, nature and technology, community and sustainability. With partners like Zipse, Amorim Cork Solutions reinforces cork’s international presence and unlocks new opportunities for sustainable construction worldwide.