Compostable wine bottle cork to be made at French factory

A biodegradable wine bottle cork is being produced for the first time at a factory in Pyrénées-Orientales.

Made from bits of natural and recycled cork, it is bound together with plant-based glue rather than adhesive that does not break down.

In a bottle, the Sübr cork lasts as long as traditional ones, allowing the passage of small amounts of air to let wine mature.

Once used, however, it can be composted.

Read more: Expert advice on collecting and ageing French wine

Cut it up before composting at home

Caroline Thomas, spokeswoman for Vinventions, said: “We designed it with industrial composting platforms in mind, and they almost always cut material into small pieces first.

“Obviously, you can also put it in your home compost, but if you do not cut it up, it might keep bobbing up to the surface for a year or two.”

Read more: Obligatory new home waste rules in France: items not to compost

The factory at Rivesaltes will produce 200 million Sübr corks a year.

Prices are estimated at €200-€300 per 1,000 – in line with most other mid-range corks.

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