Investigating the life-span of cork products through a longitudinal approach. Overview of two years results

Products with long life-spans are generally acknowledged to have a significant contribution towards sustainability. This paper provides an overview and discussion of the two years results of a longitudinal study performed with users and several cork products. The research aimed to tackle the process of life-span, and the results include: 1) the identification and interrelation of the aspects influencing the life-span of the products; 2) the evolution of life- span over time; and 3) new knowledge and guidelines arising about the material. Overall, most cork products are still being used, have a very good life-span, and most issues arising are material related.