US Producers Align with 100% Cork to Champion Sustainable Closures

A growing coalition of American wineries and distilleries has joined the 100% Cork initiative, signaling a shift toward natural closures. Spearheaded by the Portuguese Cork Association and the Natural Cork Council, the campaign ties the use of renewable cork to broader commitments in environmental stewardship and responsible consumer habits.

Corp and Tech·August 18, 2026·reads: 1,001

The campaign, titled "Drink Responsibly. Choose a Bottle with a Natural Cork," seeks to frame the choice of a bottle closure as an extension of a consumer's values. Paulo Américo Oliveira, president of the board at the Portuguese Cork Association, noted that industry leaders view natural cork as the definitive marker of both product quality and ecological responsibility. By leveraging the familiar rhetoric of responsible drinking, the initiative aims to bridge the gap between premium production standards and sustainable forestry practices in Portugal.

This push includes endorsements from notable producers such as Ridge Vineyards, J. Lohr Vineyards, Paul Hobbs, and Sagamore Whiskey. These partners utilize natural cork closures provided by members of the Natural Cork Council, a nonprofit dedicated to the preservation of cork oak forests and the promotion of recyclable materials in the beverage industry. Beyond the technical benefits of the material, the coalition emphasizes the role of craftsmanship in the modern market, encouraging drinkers to consider the origin and lifecycle of their bottle’s seal as part of the overall experience.