ReCORK by Amorim, a North American-based wine cork recycling program sponsored by Amorim of Portugal and SOLE of Canada, announced that the Walla Walla Valley Wine Alliance Board has unanimously selected ReCORK to collect and recycle used and surplus natural cork wine closures from their 100-plus members in Washington state.

António Amorim, Chairman of Corticeira Amorim, and the driving force behind the company’s acclaimed environmental efforts, welcomed this leading wine trade association to the company’s global recycling efforts. “It’s always exciting for us to share our commitment to the environment with like-minded individuals and trade associations like WWVWA. This program is more than just finding new uses for old corks. It’s about waking up the planet to the importance recycling and environmental stewardship play in our everyday lives. We are looking for ways to extend the life cycle of a natural product and to heighten awareness of the important role cork forests play in the fight against global warming. ReCORK gives us the opportunity to tell both stories through our collaboration with WWVWA.”

The nearly 6 million acres of cork oak forests that dot the Mediterranean basin are the basis of an ecosystem which is unique in the world, and which contributes to the survival of many native species of and plants and animals. It is also a source of employment for tens of thousands of agricultural workers. In addition, cork forests play a vital role in the fight against desertification and climate change. By recycling a simple cork closure, you can visualize the product source, its evolution into a useful natural product, and its potential for an extended life far beyond its first use in a bottle of fine wine.

Elizabeth Martin-Calder, Executive Director of WWVWA, believes this recycling effort touches the very core of sustainability. “When you consider there are 13 billion natural corks sold into the world market each year, most of which find their way into already overcrowded landfills, it just makes sense to find new uses for this, until recently, under-appreciated resource. As a grower and winery trade association, with a commitment towards sustainable farming and winery operations, it feels appropriate for us to take the lead in promoting this kind of initiative through our members.”

SOURCE: ReCORK