“Salvatappo”: Circular Cork Collection Expands in Northern Italy

Coop Alleanza 3.0 has extended its cork collection initiative, “Salvatappo,” to 24 additional stores across Emilia-Romagna and Veneto, in partnership with Amorim Cork Italia and local non-profit organizations.

The project builds on previous successful experiences in northeastern Italy, where customers return used natural corks to be processed into granulated cork. This material is then reused in furniture design, green building solutions, and acoustic insulation products.

More than just recycling, the initiative supports local communities: proceeds from the recovered cork are donated by Amorim to social and environmental projects. Since 2011, the company’s “Etico” program has collected over 320 million corks, preventing waste and promoting circularity.

This simple gesture helps reinforce cork’s value as a 100% recyclable material with high potential in sustainable architecture and interior design.