© Suber Lab srl - Sede operativa: Via Predda Niedda, Strada 28; 07100 Sassari (SS) - Sede legale: Via Carlo Felice, 40; 07100 Sassari (SS) - Sardinia, Italy
P.IVA = C.F.: 02871310906 - Cod. SDI: USAL8PV - Pec: suberlab@pec.it

An innovative analytical service for producers of high quality natural corks

Suber Lab offers to the best producers of natural corks a screening service with Vocus Cork Analyzer technology. An ultra-fast analysis, based on high resolution real-time mass spectrometry, allows the individual selection of corks through the quantification of TCA and other off-flavors. A brand new non-destructive method, fully validated, with superior sensitivity, precision and accuracy compared to standard TCA measurement.
2,4,6-TCA or simply TCA is one of the isomers of trichloroanisole. In cork, wine and a great variety of natural products (fruit, coffee, etc.) TCA is responsible for the so-called "musty smell" or "wet cardboard." It is perceptible at concentrations of one part per trillion (ppt). There is probably no other substance that the human nose can perceive this sensitively. It is supposedly formed by methylation of trichlorophenol through the enzymatic action of certain kinds of molds and fungi.
As several scientific studies show, it is impossible to remove completely TCA from cork with chemical-physical treatments without irreversibly damaging the material. The only scientifically validated solution today is the individual selection of natural corks.

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2025 DOUBLE SCREENING CAPACITY
WIVI 2025 CENTRAL COAST
March 13, 2025 - Paso Robles, CA, USA
21-23 Maggio 2025, Verona, Italy
A second Vocus Cork Analyzer system has been recently installed, bringing the yearly screening throughput up to 20 Million natural corks

Suber Lab is one of the companies that has been granted the Smart & Start Italia plan of Invitalia - the National Agency for the Development of Enterprises - which deals with the growth of innovative high-tech startups throughout Italy.
© Suber Lab srl - Sede operativa: Via Predda Niedda, Strada 28; 07100 Sassari (SS) - Sede legale: Via Carlo Felice, 40; 07100 Sassari (SS) - Sardinia, Italy
P.IVA = C.F.: 02871310906 - Cod. SDI: USAL8PV - Pec: suberlab@pec.it