In an era where sustainable construction and energy efficiency are priorities, Isolcork SpA is introducing an innovative, natural solution that merges eco-conscious materials with high-performance technology. The company’s flagship product, Spray Cork, is a revolutionary exterior coating made from 100% natural cork, offering exceptional thermal insulation, durability, and environmental benefits.
Led by Mario Palma, Isolcork SpA has established a strong presence in Latin America, the United States, and Europe, and now sets its sights on the Middle East, aiming to bring its sustainable construction technology to the Gulf’s rapidly growing green building ecosystem.
What makes Spray Cork a unique alternative to conventional thermal insulation solutions?
Spray Cork is a high-performance exterior coating made from 100% natural cork, which is considered the best thermal insulator found in nature—composed of approximately 90% air, giving it exceptional lightness and flexibility.
Our product combines granulated cork with resins and specialized additives, creating a 3 mm wall and roof coating that acts as a protective “skin” for buildings. Unlike conventional coatings that simply provide an aesthetic finish, Spray Cork stabilizes external temperatures and serves as a thermal shield.
It’s also a versatile solution—applicable to all kinds of surfaces including facades, roofs, 3D-printed houses, oil facilities, and industrial structures.
How can your solution help developers in the UAE achieve sustainable building certifications and energy savings?
Our solution delivers 20% to 30% energy savings in cooling for both construction and industrial applications. It has undergone thermal performance testing under Chilean (NCh), U.S. (ASTM), and European (UNE) standards—markets where we already have a strong presence.
We also provide LEED documentation, enabling real estate developers to certify their projects as sustainable, while our cork extraction and manufacturing processes are FSC-certified for environmental responsibility.
To enter the UAE market, we are already preparing to meet local requirements—specifically Dubai Civil Defense licensing and Dubai Municipality laboratory certification—as the next step toward full market entry.
What are the key benefits in terms of durability and maintenance for buildings in hot climates?
Our solution offers up to 15 years of protection, with maintenance needs reduced by nearly threefold compared to traditional coating materials. It has a color fading rate of only 1–2% per year, compared to around 10% in conventional options.
With 35% flexibility, Spray Cork prevents cracking under extreme weather conditions. It also provides fire safety (Class A reaction to fire) and is resistant to mold, fungi, and water—all while being eco-friendly and low-impact.
This combination of durability, safety, and sustainability makes Spray Cork an ideal solution for the Gulf’s demanding climate
Are you seeking distributors, construction partners, or licensing opportunities in the Gulf region?
Yes, we are actively seeking local distributors and partners in the construction and industrial sectors who share our sustainability-focused vision. We are open to collaborations that could evolve into local production partnerships through technology licensing or joint ventures to serve both the UAE and broader Gulf markets.
Given the product’s versatility, our expansion plans include both construction and industrial applications, including oil facilities and large-scale infrastructure.
Are you planning to position Isolcork in the sustainable construction market of the UAE and the Gulf in the near future?
Absolutely. Our goal is to make Isolcork the preferred solution for upcoming sustainable construction projects in the Middle East, with Dubai as our regional hub. The demand for eco-innovative materials is growing rapidly, and we believe we’ve arrived at the right time.
We bring extensive experience working in climate conditions similar to those of the Gulf, including a collaboration with the University of Arizona’s Innovation Center in the Sonoran Desert, where we measured product performance in extreme environments.
Recently, we also opened our first production plant outside Chile, located in northern Mexico, to meet growing demand. These milestones have equipped us to envision and execute our next major step—expanding into the Middle East.
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