Talis owner receives B Corp certification
US-based closure solutions company Harv 81 Group has received B Corp certification from B Lab, achieving a score of 89.3 points.
The recognition applies to all subsidiaries of Harv 81 Group – Talis, Cork Supply, Tonnellerie Ô, Creative Oak, and Legnokaps – which include specialised activities in cork closures, spirits closures, wooden capsules, oak barrels, and alternatives.
The certification from non-profit B Lab recognises companies that achieve high standards in verified performance, accountability, and transparency across areas such as environmental impact, employee well-being, supply chain management, and governance.
Rui Pedro Silva, sustainability director of Harv 81 Group, explained: “Many of our practices were already aligned with B Corp principles thanks to our long-standing sustainability strategy. The certification process helped us formalise policies, strengthen data tracking, and improve transparency – without changing who we are.”
Harv 81 Group was established in California in 1981 by Jochen Michalski and currently operates across five continents.
Since its founding, the group has reportedly pushed the boundaries of sustainable innovation in wine and spirits packaging, from pioneering quality-control systems and developing responsible-sourcing practices to advancing circular production processes.
Achieving B Corp certification marks another significant milestone in the company’s ongoing journey.
For Talis – the group’s brand focused on spirits closures – the certification further emphasises its role as a serious, long-term partner for spirits producers worldwide.
Michalski, founder and president of Harv 81 Group, said: “Our purpose has always gone beyond just business alone. We see sustainability as a duty to our teams, communities, and the planet – creating long-term value for everyone.
“This certification recognises values that have guided our decisions for decades and confirms our responsibility toward our customers, our teams, and future generations.”
Commitment to innovation
Harv 81 Group puts priority on research and development, with 10% of its employees dedicated to this area.
At its closure production plants in Portugal, the company relies on a circular process that utilises nearly 100% of the harvested cork wood. By-products from natural cork production are repurposed into technical stoppers.
Additionally, a centralised system within the manufacturing plants collects cork dust, which is then used to fuel the boilers.
The high-efficiency boiler system, which flattens and sterilises cork planks, incorporates heat exchangers and steam condensate collection to optimise energy and water use.
The group has also established long-term partnerships with cork oak growers to support sustainable forest management, biodiversity preservation, and local economies.
Michalski added: “Cork and oak may be gifts of Mother Nature, but we have an obligation to safeguard them and the planet for future generations by committing to the highest social and environmental standards – from forest to bottle.”
Related news
