Cork is harvested using traditional methods that remain virtually unchanged since the cork’s value was first discovered. The first harvest of cork bark occurs when a tree reaches maturity at approximately twenty years old and is harvested a minimum of every nine years. Harvesting is a very skilled operation that follows a strict code of practice. Regulations determine the legal period of time between each stripping, the ripeness of the bark, and prevailing weather conditions during harvest. Using a sharp knife, an incision is made into the bark. Then the cork is gently removed from tree in sections approximately 1’ X 3’. No harm is done to the tree during this bark removal process.

Nothing is more ideally suited to sealing a bottle than natural cork. And it’s better for the environment, too.

Natural cork works best because it’s flexible, elastic, and compressible. The typical cork closure is composed of 750,000,000 cells. These cells are watertight, with a gaseous mixture in each cell similar to air that become compressed when inserted into the bottleneck. Once decompressed, the cork stopper recovers its initial size, providing a complete seal.

Natural cork’s elasticity remains dynamic for a long time. Temperature variations during storage cause glass to expand and contract. So does cork, ensuring a complete bottle seal at all times.

Natural cork is resistant to wear and tear. Due to its specific structural composition, cork offers high resistance to humidity and oxidation.

Natural cork is recyclable, renewable and reusable. Cork may be recycled by grinding, then used in other products like wall panels, shoe soles, and more.

By using natural cork, you ensure the continuity of cork plantations which play a role in maintaining nature’s balance and related ecosystems.

M. A. Silva Corks’ proprietary cork washing system utilizes the transformative power of ozone. Ozone is a powerful oxidant. Unlike other disinfecting agents, ozone acts only on developed micro-organisms and their spores. That makes ozone vastly superior to the common disinfectants used by other cork manufacturers.

To learn more, visit Maszone® Washing

The Cork Quality Council is a nonprofit organization sponsored by select industry leaders in the U.S. natural cork industry. The council currently sponsors ongoing research with leading wine industry institutions. Its goal is to promote additional improvements in cork quality control.

M.A. Silva has been a proud member of the Cork Quality Council since 2004.