CORTICEIRA AMORIM, the world’s leader in an unique business in terms of Sustainable Development, published its latest Sustainability Report reaffirming its strategic commitment to sustainability within a framework of complete transparency towards the stakeholders of the Organization.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• 662 tons of cork recycled in 2009;
• 16% reduction in CO2 emissions over the previous year;
• 8000 hectares of cork oak forest included in a technical advisory programme funded by CORTICEIRA AMORIM;
• application for registration of 17 patents from 2007 to 2009;
• 11 CORTICEIRA AMORIM's units with FSC certification.

The 3rd CORTICEIRA AMORIM's Sustainability Report strengths its commitment to sustainable development as the only means of ensuring leadership in the form of responsible competitiveness with the aim of creating value for all its stakeholders over the medium and long-term.

Highlights:

• Earth Condominium – CORTICEIRA AMORIM became the first commercial partner of the Earth Condominium. This is a voluntary organisation that aims to look after the “common elements” of the earth in an integrated global manner;
• Green Cork – launch of a cork stopper recycling programme in Portugal;
• Natural Choice Programme – the launch of the Natural Choice Programme provided a single structure for all of Corticeira Amorim’s sustainability policies and practices;
• Employee Skills -  a new increase  in the number of hours of training and improving staff qualifications;
• Innovation – four new patents submitted.
  

Sustainable Development: the Natural Choice

The 2nd issue of the Sustainability Report gives an account of the Company's sustainability-related policies and practices as well as the main initiatives and objectives achieved so far in this area.

Highlights:

• A number of analysis carried out by independent entities have confirmed the environmental benefits of using cork stoppers and cork floor and wall coverings;
• Applications for ten patents were submitted;
• Enhancing the Value and Sustainability of the Cork Oak and its Associated Biodiversity;
• 8400 new hectares of cork oak forest were certified by FSC;
• Employees training increased 43 percent in 2007;
• A 4.6 percent reduction in CO2 emissions per kilo of consumed cork;
• Contribution to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.