Cork’s extraordinary properties derive from its distinctive cellular structure. A one inch cube of natural cork contains more than 200 million tiny air-filled pockets. Some 50% of cork is captive air, which results in excellent buoyancy, compressibility, elasticity, a high degree of imperviousness to both air and water penetration and low thermal conductivity.

The cellular structure of cork makes it very lightweight, resulting in cork’s celebrated buoyancy.

Cork is impermeable to both liquids and gases, giving it superior sealing capabilities.

Cork is pliable and rebounds well to original size and shape.

Cork has one of the best insulating values of any natural material, with very low conductivity of heat, sound or vibrations.

A high friction coefficient means cork will wear and wear.

Cork has shown a remarkably high tolerance to heat.