Cork has already reached space. It is used in SpaceX rockets, defence missiles, sports fields, the automotive industry and even in acoustic solutions made from recycled trainers. “Waste is raw material in the wrong hands,” summarised António Rios de Amorim, President and CEO of Corticeira Amorim, during the “Conversations with a Leader” session, organised by the Ireland Portugal Business Network with the support of Católica Porto Business School.
A Prestige Partner of Católica Porto Business School's Corporate Club, Corticeira Amorim was at the centre of a conversation that explored leadership, innovation, sustainability and Portugal’s positioning within a changing global economy. Moderated by Sofia Salgado Pinto, Senior Affiliate Professor at Católica Porto Business School, the discussion covered the challenges facing the cork industry, shifting consumption habits, European regulatory pressure and Portugal’s role in an evolving international landscape.
“Traditional countries are losing ground, emerging countries are growing,” said António Rios de Amorim, identifying the United States and India as strategic markets for the future of the industry. Although France remains Corticeira Amorim’s main market, he believes that “the biggest investment should be made in the United States”, not only because of purchasing power, but also due to its distribution capacity.
The conversation inevitably began with wine, a sector historically linked to cork and now facing new consumption trends. The decline in wine consumption, the growth of low and alcohol-free options, and the increasing influence of social media and digital influencers were among the themes discussed. “You cannot stop innovation,” said the executive, referring to examples such as new microbiological solutions for cork stoppers and the use of beeswax in certain processes.
However, much of the discussion focused on the diversification of cork applications. The material’s flexibility, lightness and resistance have opened the door to uses far beyond wine stoppers. “Everything that moves wants lightweight and durable materials. That is what cork is,” he explained.
Today, Corticeira Amorim supplies materials to the aerospace industry. “SpaceX rockets use Amorim cork”, as well as to defence, mobility and thermal and acoustic insulation solutions. In partnership with Nike, the company also developed the Nike Grind project, which reuses components from worn-out shoes to create new materials.
Sustainability and circularity emerged as central themes throughout the session. Asked about the industrial opportunities for Portugal within a heavily regulated European context, António Rios de Amorim argued that industrial sovereignty will become increasingly important. “In Europe, we need to remain sovereign in certain industries. We cannot afford to lose them.” For Portugal, he believes the country’s competitive advantage continues to lie in its people: “We have a unique geographical location, we have talent. Our greatest asset is people.”
For the General Manager of the IPBN, Arnold Delville, “it was a unique opportunity to hear António Rios de Amorim share his vision for the future of the cork industry and the Portuguese economy. It was an honour for the IPBN to host this second conversation of the 2026 series with Católica Porto Business School.”
There was also time to discuss the future of family businesses. António Rios de Amorim recalled the moment when the industry feared that plastic stoppers and aluminium screw caps would permanently replace cork. “We thought it was over, but we did not give up,” he said. “The best wines in the world still trust cork.”
The response, he explained, involved turning risk into opportunity, investing in innovation and professionalising the company’s governance model. “We created a governance model in which anyone can manage the company,” he noted, while also underlining the importance of the family remaining involved in the group’s future.
