Cork; blocks, plates, sheets and strip, tiles of any shape, solid cylinders (including discs), of agglomerated cork (with or without a binding substance)

HS code 450410 covers a range of agglomerated cork products, including blocks, plates, sheets, strips, tiles, and solid cylinders. These products are widely used in various industries, such as construction, insulation, and packaging, due to cork's unique properties of being lightweight, durable, and environmentally friendly. The global agglomerated cork market is expected to grow steadily in the coming years, driven by increasing demand for sustainable building materials and the rising popularity of cork-based products in the consumer goods sector.

The production of agglomerated cork products typically involves a multi-step process. First, raw cork is harvested from cork oak trees, usually every 9-12 years. The harvested cork is then boiled, cleaned, and sorted based on quality. Next, the cork is ground or shredded into small pieces, which are then mixed with a binding agent, such as polyurethane or epoxy resin. The mixture is then compressed and molded into the desired shapes, such as blocks, sheets, or tiles. Finally, the agglomerated cork products are cut, trimmed, and finished to meet specific customer requirements.

The main inputs required for the production of agglomerated cork products include raw cork, binding agents, and specialized machinery. Raw cork is the primary raw material, which is sourced from cork oak trees grown primarily in the Mediterranean region, particularly in Portugal, Spain, and North Africa. The binding agents, such as polyurethane or epoxy resin, are used to hold the cork particles together and provide structural integrity. Additionally, the production process requires specialized equipment, such as grinders, mixers, and molding machines, to transform the raw materials into the final agglomerated cork products.

The primary outputs of HS code 450410 are a diverse range of agglomerated cork products, including blocks, plates, sheets, strips, tiles, and solid cylinders. These products find applications in various industries, such as 441011 Building and construction materials, 392010 Insulation materials, and 420500 Packaging and containers. The agglomerated cork products are valued for their thermal and acoustic insulation properties, as well as their durability and environmental sustainability. Additionally, these products may be further processed or incorporated into other 450490 Other articles of agglomerated cork for specialized applications.