But the manufacture of corks and of all these other articles involves waste, and waste to an extent little dreamed of. In producing corks, for instance, fully sixty-five per cent of the raw material which started out on its journey through the factory may be found later in the form of scrap at the blocking and tapering machines; but even in this mutilated state the bark is still valuable, and after proper treatment in the Pittsburgh plant, or one of the other factories of the Company, appears in the form of numerous by-products of great value and importance.
Keg Corks
As a matter of fact, nothing is wasted; even the smallest particles are utilized. Large quantities of scrap are ground up, sifted, and made into composition cork with the aid of suitable binders.
Plasterer’s Float
From “Suberit,” as the finest variety of this material is termed—light, close grained, and tough, without the large pores of the natural cork—table mats to be placed under hot dishes, pin cushions, fishing line floats, polishing wheels, and instrument handles are manufactured; while from “Acme,” a somewhat coarser grade, are made insoles, bath mats, washers, gaskets, and entomological cork—thin sheets for mounting insects.
Hand Cut Corks, A Grade