From the Montado to the Floor THE REAL NATURE OF CORK

Green Building Trends on the Rise 66% of retailers have begun transition to green1 Market for green building materials grew at rate of 23% per year through 20061 Green flooring will become fastest growing segment of green building market by 20111 Homeowners using green products for 40% of remodeling work2 More than half of NAHB’s members – who build 80% of homes in U.S. – were incorporating green practices into development, design, & construction of new homes by the end of 20072 Since 2003, the number of cities with green building programs has risen from 22 to 92, a 418% increase3 61% of consumers indicate they would pay more for renewable flooring4 SOURCES: 1 - Retail Industry Leaders Association’s New Sustainability Initiative (NSI) 2 - National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) 3 - American Institute of Architects (AIA) Local Leaders in Sustainability 4 - American Institute of Architects (AIA) Home Design Trends Survey

Sustainable & Renewable Cork Cork trees have an average lifespan of 120 years but it’s not uncommon for 200 yr old trees to continue producing cork bark Cork bark can be harvested every 9-11 years without harming the tree Compare to an oak tree that matures in 50-60 yrs and can only be harvested once Cork for flooring is a by-product from the cork bottle stopper industry Cork can only be harvested by hand using centuries old techniques by highly trained craftsmen

The Montado The arid Portuguese climate is optimal for the growth of the cork oak orchards known as “The Montado”.

The Harvest The harvest season is during the summer months. The initial harvest is at 25 years with subsequent harvests every 9-10 years.

The Harvest The cork bark is peeled from the tree by hand using centuries-old techniques and tools. Harvesting cannot be done by machine and no trees are cut down to harvest the cork bark.

The Harvest The harvested cork bark is stacked in the forest to dry before it is ready for production.

Cork Production The virgin cork is used to produce bottle stoppers for the wine industry.

Cork Production The by-product from the bottle stopper production is then graded, with better grades used for flooring.

Cell Structure The cell structure of cork is made up of millions of tiny air pockets, providing natural resilience – like walking on air. Shape of cell is a 14 sided polyhedron, similar in shape to Honeycomb cereal. Cell membranes are extremely strong , flexible, air tight and water proof.

Unique Properties of Cork Durable hard surface flooring that is comfortable underfoot – literally, like walking on air Naturally resistant to insects such as termites Inherent fire inhibitor – does not spread flame Thermal and acoustical insulator

Health Benefits of Cork Cork is naturally resistant to mold & mildew resulting in improved indoor air quality Cork provides relief to individuals with low back pain caused by impact stress

Green Building with Cork Satisfies 3 LEED Credits MR Credit 4: Recycled Content MR Credit 6: Rapidly Renewable Materials EQ Credit 4.3: Low-Emitting Materials No added formaldehyde CARB Compliant Meets European E0 Standard for Indoor Air Quality measuring formaldehyde emissions

Product Features Acordur® CARB Compliant Corkloc® Eco-friendly water-based formaldehyde free binder developed by BASF CARB Compliant Meets California Air Resources Board’s requirements for indoor air quality Corkloc® Valinge G2 glueless locking profile CorkProtect® Technology Edge sealant topical spill protection

Cork Assortment– Traditional Planks 3 patterns/colors in floating floor construction Standard 1’ x 3’ planks with square edges UV-cured abrasion resistant finish CorkLoc® Glueless Profile CorkProtect® Edge Protection Exterior-grade HDF core with no added formaldehyde Lifetime Residential Wear Warranty 5 Yr Lt/Med Commercial Warranty

Cork Assortment – Wide Tiles 3 patterns/colors in floating floor construction Can install point-to-point or in brickwork pattern for added design flexibility Beveled edges and ends UV-cured abrasion resistant finish CorkLoc® Glueless Profile CorkProtect® Edge Protection Exterior-grade HDF core with no added formaldehyde Lifetime Residential Wear Warranty 5 Yr Lt/Med Commercial Warranty Brickwork Pattern Installation

Cork Assortment – 8” Narrow Planks 4 patterns/colors in floating floor construction Beveled edges and ends UV-cured abrasion resistant finish CorkLoc® Glueless Profile CorkProtect® Edge Protection Exterior-grade HDF core with no added formaldehyde Lifetime Residential Wear Warranty 5 Yr Lt/Med Commercial Warranty

Cork Assortment – 4” Narrow Planks 6 patterns/colors in floating floor construction Look of traditional hardwood floor Beveled edges and ends UV-cured abrasion resistant finish CorkLoc® Glueless Profile CorkProtect® Edge Protection Exterior-grade HDF core with no added formaldehyde Lifetime Residential Wear Warranty 5 Yr Lt/Med Commercial Warranty

Coordinating Molding Program Complete line moldings designed to coordinate with the cork floor Quarter Round Reducer T-molding Baby Threshold