New Study Validates Natural Cork`s Green Credentials

SANTA MARIA DE LAMAS, Portugal--(Business Wire)--
Corticeira Amorim, the world`s leading producer of natural cork wine stoppers,
recently issued the results of an independent study by PricewaterhouseCoopers.
The study clearly shows the environmental superiority of natural cork stoppers
over alternative wine closures.

The year-long study found that CO2 emissions - a key factor in global warming -
resulting from the life cycle of a screwcap are 24 times higher than those from
a natural cork stopper, while a plastic stopper is responsible for 10 times more
CO2 than a natural cork.

"Our objectives in the study were to identify opportunities to improve the
environmental performance of cork stoppers and provide the wine industry with
detailed figures in relation to the full environmental impact of different
closures," said Amorim Chairman & CEO António Amorim. "Now, after a rigorous
independent external critical review, we are able to publish the results of this
study."

The study found that CO2 emissions during the life cycle (production, transport,
associated packaging and end of life) of 1,000 cork stoppers amounts to 1,533g
of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) over 100 years, while the figure for plastic
stoppers is 14,833g of CO2e per 1,000 stoppers and for screwcaps 37,172g of CO2e
per 1,000 stoppers.

The figure (for both cork and plastic stoppers) includes allowance for the
transport of the corks from Portugal, plastic stoppers from Belgium, and
aluminum closures from France to the UK for bottling. The figure also accounts
for the use of a PVC capsule for bottles sealed with a natural cork or synthetic
closure.

The study included analyses of seven key environmental indicators: the emission
of greenhouse gases; consumption of non-renewable energy; consumption of water;
contribution to the acidification of the atmosphere; contribution to the
deterioration of the ozone layer; contribution to eutrophication (nutrient
buildup); and production of solid waste.

Cork stoppers emerged as the best alternative against six indicators and were
placed second, behind aluminum closures, in relation to water consumption. The
PricewaterhouseCoopers study underwent a critical review by three independent
entities, including a life cycle analysis expert, and was conducted in line with
ISO 14040 and 14044 standards. Under these standards, the least favorable
scenario for the sponsor of the study (Corticeira Amorim) was taken at all
times. In addition, the analysis did not consider the environmental impacts
associated with the process of transforming aluminum into screwcaps and raw
materials into plastic stoppers.

In 2006 and 2007 Corticeira Amorim prepared sustainability reports that
highlighted the crucial role of cork forests in carbon dioxide retention,
preserving biodiversity and combating desertification as well as the role of
cork manufacturing in sustainable development.

Mr. Amorim said commissioning the life cycle analysis added to the company`s
strong knowledge base on sustainability issues relating to its products. "Many
sectors of the global wine industry are working hard to reduce their
environmental impact. This study again highlights the role that natural cork can
play in that process," he said. "Natural cork is the only closure option for
winemakers, distributors and retailers who want to minimize their carbon
footprint and adopt best practices in relation to environmental performance. We
are their natural CO2-retention partner in these efforts."

The full 2008 PricewaterhouseCoopers life cycle analysis report and a summary
presentation are available at www.corkfacts.com and www.amorim.com.

Amorim, Portugal
Carlos de Jesus, + 351 22 747 5519
carlos.dejesus.ai@amorim.com
or
Roger Archey & Associates
Roger Archey, 415-927-4207
rarchey@pacbell.net

Copyright Business Wire 2009