Cork in Motion: How Automakers and Aerospace Leaders Are Using It

From electric vehicles to spacecraft, cork is being rediscovered as one of the most advanced natural materials for modern engineering. Its unique combination of lightness, resilience, and insulation makes it indispensable in industries where every gram and degree matter.

🚗 In the Automotive Industry

Global carmakers are increasingly adopting cork in next-generation electric vehicles. Its acoustic and vibration-damping properties improve comfort while reducing weight — a key factor in battery efficiency and overall sustainability.

• Mazda MX-30: Uses cork in its floating center console — a tribute to Mazda’s origins as a cork manufacturer.
• Renault Mobilize Duo: Incorporates cork-based panels for lightweight, eco-friendly interiors.
• MINI Strip Concept: Demonstrates cork’s design potential in minimalist automotive interiors.

🛰️ In Aerospace Applications

For decades, cork composites have been used as thermal protection systems (TPS) in rockets and spacecraft. The material’s ability to resist extreme temperatures while remaining lightweight makes it ideal for launch vehicles such as NASA’s Apollo missions and the ESA’s Ariane rockets.

🔥 Material Performance Under Pressure

Cork’s ablative behavior allows it to char and vaporize layer by layer, dissipating heat and protecting underlying structures. Its low thermal conductivity ensures that spacecraft and high-performance systems remain safe during reentry or propulsion phases.

♻️ The Future of Sustainable Engineering

The adoption of cork by industries like aerospace and automotive is more than an engineering choice — it’s a statement. These are sectors defining the future of mobility and technology, and cork’s inclusion underscores its status as a material of the future: natural, renewable, and high-performing.

CorkSource Insight: If cork can withstand the challenges of space, it can certainly elevate performance and sustainability here on Earth.