The first cork carpet made in a loom is born

The market will know from now on a new type of rug. It is made of cork,and the first one to be woven. The merit belongs to the brand Sugo Cork Rugs, owned by company TD Cork - Decorative Carpets with Cork, the second startup launched by Amorim Cork Ventures, the only incubator in the world exclusively devoted to businesses in this sector of activity.

The innovation gave rise to a patent application in Portugal, as it recovers traditional weaving techniques to create the first cork carpets produced using that old method. "At the origin of the design of the new carpet, there was a desire to innovate in the use of raw materials and by using ecological materials. At the same time, there was a need to develop a material to be worked on looms for use in carpets.", explained  designer Susana Godinho, who leads the startup, along with manager Sónia Andrade.

"When we looked at Sugo Cork Rugs' value proposition, we immediately realized that we were dealing with an idea with a lot of potential for the global market, where we typically position ourselves." Cork carpet made on a loom was something that did not exist," said Nuno Barroca , Vice president of Corticeira Amorim.

The rugs are versatile and functional, with the added value that results from the incorporation of cork, that is, they benefit from a better thermal and acoustic insulation as compared to the more traditional products, providing more comfort and anti-allergenic properties. The added value of the new brand includes its natural features, a diversity of patterns and colors, together with a new creative concept and numerous performance benefits, particularly in terms of durability and anti-humidity.

Portugal is considered a world reference in the industry of carpets targeting the middle-high and high segments, of which the Beiriz or Arraiolos carpets are examples. It is also in this segment that the new carpets are positioned, bringing together in a single product two industries in which Portugal is widely recognized: cork and carpet weaving. "In global terms, exports in this segment (carpets and other textile coverings) should amount to around 100 million euros," said Susana Godinho.

The Portuguese market is mostly export-oriented, as attested by the National Statistics Institute in recent years. According to APCOR, the cork industry should have closed 2016 with a new historical record in exports.

Since cork is one of Portugal's most exported goods, the new creation supported by Amorim will be no exception to the rule. What are its target markets? "For this internationalization process, TD Cork has already requested support from the Portugal 2020 program. This investment will involve contacts with major foreign markets resellers, architecture and design offices, as well as participating in the most relevant fairs and events. Given the strengths of the Sugo Cork Rugs collection and the knowledge we have of the markets, we anticipate a good acceptance, especially in the USA, the Nordic countries, the United Kingdom and Asia, where we will initially channel our efforts, namely with the public that appreciates natural and sustainable products, "said Susana Godinho.

The amount invested was not not revealed, but the designer underlined the importance of Amorim Cork Ventures' support for the creation of the company and a production line with traditional upholstery looms necessary for the creation of prototypes and design of the first collection that is now being presented to the market. "To date, the investment has essentially been channeled to: an industrial unit, our own production line, which involved the purchase of two traditional upholstery looms." Susana Godinho also revealed that TD Cork applied to support fron the Portugal 2020 program, "in order too continue to focus on the innovation process at the level of production development."