As outlined in Utilisation, much cork is recycled within the production process. The recycling of cork stoppers after use is also well established, particularly in Australia.

Each year, an estimated 30 tonnes of corks are collected for recycling in Australia, where cork recycling is an important fund raising activity for voluntary organisations. Such organisations collect and sort used wine corks from hotels, restaurants, wineries, clubs, hospitals and individuals.

The collected corks are sold to companies that manufacture products made from recycled cork. The corks are granulated and turned into engine gaskets, cricket and hockey balls, industrial safety mats, boat decking and floors for horse floats.

For more information on cork recycling visit the CorkMasters website.

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