Synthetic cork stoppers have undergone remarkable evolution in recent decades, becoming a competitive alternative to traditional natural cork stoppers, both in price and performance.
Innovation in materials and manufacturing processes has rapidly improved their characteristics, surpassing their natural equivalent in some aspects, making these stoppers an important part of the wine industry.
On the other hand, the market has evolved in several areas, such as the demand for greater sustainability or the need to appeal to younger audiences. Throughout this evolution, the synthetic cork stopper has always been present as a functional and aesthetic alternative to the natural cork stopper.
History of synthetic stoppers
The origin of synthetic stoppers dates back to the late 20th century when they began to be made from various types of plastics as an alternative to natural cork. However, these early models had some issues with porosity and the transfer of odors and flavors to the wine.
Additionally, the wine industry has always been quite traditional, so they faced some challenges in penetrating the market, as often happens with innovations. As a result, they had to significantly improve their characteristics before becoming established.
In the following decades, research and development became essential to the evolution of synthetic stoppers. Manufacturers began using other types of plastic that solved some of the problems of their predecessors. For example, the use of inert polymers eliminates the transfer of flavors and odors to the wine.
The production techniques were also perfected, incorporating antioxidant additives to increase durability, along with denser and more elastic materials.
As a result, there are now high-end synthetic stoppers with characteristics similar to or even superior to natural cork in some respects.
Materials of synthetic stoppers
To better understand all their advantages, it’s worth delving into the materials used to make synthetic stoppers. Generally, these are thermoplastic elastomers that can be injection-molded, allowing for fast and precise production, maintaining high uniformity from one unit to another.
Elastomers
Among the main materials used in the production of modern synthetic stoppers are different types of elastomers, such as SBR (styrene-butadiene rubber) or TPE (thermoplastic elastomer).
The advantages of these compounds include elasticity, resistance, stability, durability, and excellent sealing capability.
LLDPE (linear low-density polyethylene)
Another key material in synthetic stoppers is LLDPE or linear low-density polyethylene. It is a type of lighter and more flexible polyethylene, and the most suitable for the production of stoppers with a natural cork aesthetic finish.
Additionally, it allows for the production of lighter stoppers with less friction and easier extraction.
Synthetic cork-effect stoppers: trends
Synthetic stoppers that emulate the aesthetic of natural cork, also known as cork-effect or imitation cork stoppers, are one of the main trends in the wine and spirits industry.
These stoppers combine the best technical advantages of synthetic materials in terms of uniformity, durability, and sealing capability with the traditional aesthetics of cork, aiming to maintain a more classic look.
Thanks to the high level of aesthetic perfection they have achieved, they serve both the most innovative wineries as well as the more traditional ones.
Furthermore, their high quality-to-price ratio has made the use of these stoppers widespread among producers of young wines, sparkling wines, cavas, and spirits seeking high-performance closures with this particular aesthetic.
Applications in the wine and beverage industry
Although they started as a solution for the wine industry, cork-effect stoppers have expanded to other bottled consumer products, thanks to the validation they have received from a demanding market like the wine industry. Here are some of the most common applications:
- Young wines such as whites, rosés, and reds. They offer excellent sealing to preserve the qualities of these wines, which do not need to age in the bottle.
- Sparkling wines and cavas: their design and characteristics ensure perfect gas retention.
- Cider or Getaria’s Txakoli can benefit from the cider pouring stopper with a cork effect.
- Spirits: such as coffee liqueur, rums, gins, and vodkas, which want to maintain a traditional image.
Compared to options like screw or crown caps, cork-effect synthetic stoppers add a greater image of quality and elegance to the bottle.
Types of cork-effect stoppers
Finally, let’s look at the various models of imitation cork synthetic stoppers available in different shapes, sizes, and features:
- Cylindrical: the most classic design, easy to insert and remove.
- Spike type: with a narrower body and wider head, providing a better grip.
- Double-diameter stopper: to facilitate re-sealing and improve closure security.
- T-Shape: a stopper with a wide head, allowing easier removal.
- Sustainable: bio stoppers made from biodegradable plastics, more environmentally friendly.
The varied catalog allows you to choose the most appropriate cork-effect synthetic stopper based on the type of wine, spirit, or budget. Additionally, any type of stopper can be customized with prints to match the brand’s branding.
