The main quantity of natural cork which is harvested today is used as pressed cork or mixed with PU or rubber. The processing of this kind of cork can be expensive and require a lot of energy. We have developed a special manufacturing method to combine natural cork with thermoplastic raw materials. Meaning Lifocork can be processed using typical thermoplastic processing methods such as injection moulding, extrusion or thermoforming.
Typical Applications
Lifocork is suitable for a wide range of applications, with new ideas being introduced every day. Its comfortable feel and non-slip texture make it a good choice for handles and grips, where it has been used in sports equipment, tools and household items. Lifocork has also been used to manufacture bowls, trays, boxes and plant pots and toys.
In 2K applications, the material can be overmoulded or co-extruded onto TPE, PP or PE. Allowing for sophisticated designs and enhancing consumer appeal with the integration of a soft-touch area.
Plates, belts, endless tapes and tech profiles can be manufactured from Lifocork via the extrusion process. You also get a damping effect for orthopaedic shoe lifts by foaming Lifocork.
We offer coloured Lifocork compounds or it can be easily coloured using a standard PE masterbatch, opening up even more design possibilities.