A 1 year life cycle analysis of the environmental impact of cork, plastic & aluminium screwcap stoppers has found what is already widely accepted, that cork is the most environmentally-friendly stopper. The study was undertaken by analysts PricewaterhouseCoopers & commissioned by Amorim, the world's largest cork manufacturer. The report found plastic stoppers, including the plastic capsule that goes over the top of the bottle, are 9 times more damaging to the environment, & aluminium screwcaps 22 times more than cork stoppers. The LCA included an evaluation of a plastic capsule designed for both cork & plastic stoppers to compare 'like with like' against screwcaps, which do not need a plastic capsule. The study was conducted in accordance with ISO protocols which require peer review & involved reps from manufacturers of the other types of closures as well as a LCA expert.
