Wine Cork Upcycled

Our initial idea was to upcycle used wine corks to create unique and innovative new branding products. During our incubation in the WORTH program, by doing research, we discovered the technology of using mycelium to transform used wine corks into a new material. Encouraged by our mentor, we decided to create a prototype for biodegradable packaging for wine bottles, using this new material by partnering with a local researcher on mycelium.

Our project, rebranded UpCork, wants to change the packaging industry, by replacing polyester with a biodegradable material grown out of cork waste and other types of waste. We also want to use this material to create objects for interior design and the furniture industry.

In respect to the New European Bauhaus, our products are enriching, inspired by art and culture, responding to needs beyond functionality, sustainable, in harmony with nature, the environment, and our planet, and encouraging a dialogue across cultures.

The idea behind the project

The partners in this project provide expertise in making upcycled items from repurposed materials, as well as market experience in Romania and Portugal.

Every year, the equivalent of more than 31 billion bottles of wine are consumed throughout the world. Too many corks used as stoppers in these bottles are discarded and end up in landfills.

Cork stoppers are an environmentally friendly, recyclable, and reusable product. In order to make use of and conserve this precious resource, an increasing number of nations have implemented recycling campaigns to promote awareness of the material's value among local communities.

Our goal is to raise awareness of the necessity of a circular economy and regenerative practices in the battle against climate change by promoting the concepts of recycled art and upcycling. We want to leverage this resource to create imaginative new goods (like packaging, interior design objects, or furniture) out of recycled wine corks and mycelium.