BEST PORTUGAL BRANDS
Article by Isabel Maria
The look at Casa Cork reveals the power and importance of cork in international contemporary design
The Portuguese cork again stands out in the international panorama through the immersive installation Casa Cork, presented during Milan Design Week 2025 - One of the largest and most influential design events in the world.
imagem Archiproducts
Promoted by Cork Collective, a nonprofit organization focused on recycling and valuing cork, the installation was mainly partner Corticeira Amorim (world leader in the transformation of cork), o New York Architecture Studio Rockwell Group, and the distributor Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits. This collaborative project highlights the importance of circular economy, and sustainability and from Design as a social transformation engine.
A house built in cork
Installed in the heart of Milan Design Week, to Casa Cork It was designed as a true urban refuge, Where all the elements - floor, paredes, furniture, LIGHTING AND ACCESSORIES – were built with recycled or composed cork. The proposal is not focused on showing only the versatility of the material, but also inspire new ways for ecological and conscious design.
Participating designers and brands
The installation had collaborations of renowned designers and national and international brands, among them:
- Tom Dixon, British designer focused on material innovation;
- Bell (Brazil), Creators of sculptural pieces with strong handcrafted identity;
- Noé Duchauufour-Lawrance, with the collection Made in Situ, developed in Portugal and inspired by local knowledge;
- Tony Grillo for the Portuguese brand Blackcork, that again highlighted the role of black cork in design furniture;
- Maddalena Casadei, Italian designer with projects between minimalism and sensory.
And also the collaboration of brands and studios that completed the atmosphere of Casa Cork:
- Artemest, that made the bar and lamp in cork;
- Thomas Cooper Studio, Author of wall appliques;
- 4Spaces, fabric, cork -coated panels and surfaces.
Portuguese cork: present and future material
This project reinforces the role of cork as ambassador of Portuguese design in the world. More than a simple material, It represents a commitment to nature, with the national industry and with future generations.
Corticeira Amorim, that has been 150 years leads the transformation of cork, has been essential to promote innovation and the application of this resource in sectors as diverse as the aerospace, car, architecture, Fashion and Sport.
A collaborative model with Portuguese DNA
Cork Collective, UNITING DESIGN, sustainability and communities, represents the type of collaborative network that Portugal is good support: an ecosystem where marks, creative and industries work together to value what is Portuguese - in this case, the cork.
This presence in Milan proves that the future of design is rooted on Earth, in tradition and knowledge-doing, that Portugal so well represents.
Portugal is, undoubtedly, o world's largest cork producer, Responsible for about 50% global production and for welcoming 34% world area.
This unique ecosystem, present mainly in the Alentejo, not only contributes to the preservation of biodiversity and combating climate change, as a local economy supports traditional and sustainable practices. Portuguese cork is synonymous with quality and innovation, and has been increasingly valued by architects, designers and international brands that seek natural materials with low environmental impact and strong cultural identity. When taking the protagonism at Milan Design Week, Portugal reaffirms as global reference in the production of sustainable materials and in the development of creative solutions with deep roots on Earth.
🔗 Know more about CORK Collective: www.corkcollective.org
🔗 Discover the Amorim Cortice: www.amorim.com
📍 Event: Milan Design Week 2025 - Fuorisalone
📝 Article by Portugal does well - Design, Industrial Industry and Tourism