Did you think your corks simply ended up in the trash? At Chai Saint Olive, we collect them and turn them into tangible funding for cancer research. Every cork you drop off helps provide financial support to dedicated CNRS and INSERM research teams.
Who receives the funding?
The corks collected help support targeted research into cancer recurrence and metastasis, led by two research teams:
- Dr Isabelle Mus-Veteau — CNRS (Sophia Antipolis)
- Valérie Pierrefite-Carle — INSERM (Nice)
These teams are working toward specific goals: improving the effectiveness of chemotherapy and limiting the spread of cancer cells to the bones. Your corks help fund research protocols, equipment, and practical stages of ongoing research projects.
The France Cancer association initiated this partnership with the two researchers.
Cork collection: results & goals
The initiative is already making a tangible impact at both national and local levels. In 2025:
- 66 tonnes of corks collected nationwide
- €45,000 already donated to cancer research
- Chai Saint Olive’s contribution in 2025: 35 kg collected—the equivalent of around 10,000 corks saved from going to waste
2026 goals:
- 70 tonnes collected in total
- €60,000 in donations
These figures show how a small individual action, when multiplied on a large scale, can generate meaningful financial support for cancer research.
Where can you drop off your corks?
This is more than a symbolic gesture: it’s a practical way to make a difference. Here’s how you can take part:
Which corks? Any natural cork or plastic stopper is accepted, including wine, Champagne, and natural sparkling wine corks.
Where can I drop them off? Bring your corks to Chai Saint Olive, 34 rue Malesherbes, Lyon 6th arrondissement. A dedicated collection point is available at the winery.
Group collections: Restaurants, associations, businesses, and event organizers can arrange bulk drop-offs. Contact us to coordinate the collection or transfer.
Sorting and processing: Once collected, the corks are sorted and transferred to the appropriate recycling and recovery network, which generates funds that are donated to the research teams.
Every properly sorted donation makes the recycling process easier. Please avoid including unrelated waste and, where possible, remove any non-cork materials such as paper or staples.
Why donate your corks? The tangible impact
Direct funding: Recycling and repurposing the corks generates donations for specific cancer research projects.
Local engagement: The initiative creates connections between local residents, collection points, and scientific research teams.
Circular economy: Cork and plastic are recycled and repurposed, reducing the amount of waste generated.
Measurable impact: The funds support identified researchers and concrete CNRS and INSERM research projects.
Take action
Bring your corks to Chai Saint Olive and help turn a small gesture into hope for cancer research.
Stop by the winery at 34 rue Malesherbes, Lyon 6th arrondissement, to drop off your corks.
Frequently asked questions about cork collection
What types of corks can I drop off?
Wine corks, Champagne corks, and natural sparkling wine corks made from either natural cork or plastic are accepted. Where possible, please remove any unrelated materials such as paper or metal caps.
Can I drop off a small quantity?
Yes. Every cork counts. For larger collections, contact Chai Saint Olive to arrange a bulk drop-off or collection.
What exactly happens to the corks?
They are sorted and recycled or repurposed through the partner recovery network. The proceeds generated through their recycling and recovery are then donated to the designated research teams.
Who receives the funding?
The funds support teams led by Dr Isabelle Mus-Veteau (CNRS, Sophia Antipolis) and Valérie Pierrefite-Carle (INSERM, Nice), whose projects focus on improving cancer treatments and preventing bone metastases.
Poem "It's a cry..."
People of Lyon
Augustes Gnafrons
Pop the corks!
This peculiar noise
Is the cry of anger
To defy the harmful effects of cancer.
From the neck of the bottle
By word of mouth
Let's push the envelope even further
So that this noble servant may forge his own path
And that tomorrow, finally recognized as useful
He informs all French people
On the imperative need to harvest
This fruit of brotherhood.
From big cities to small, remote villages
Let this appeal be heard.
So that in a gigantic challenge
We mobilized all our energies
And so we went to war.
To destroy this formidable cancer
Rising all over the earth.
Cellars, bistros and vineyards
Fans of traditional snacks, gathered around a pot
So, why don't you toast each other freely?
Some are tyrannized by this scourge
They are confined to hospital beds
This is the cry of the friends of life
Spread the word!
So that it reaches the hearing of others.
It's a cry of pain
Here and elsewhere, he will touch hearts.
Open to loving their neighbors.
Under the influence of perfect osmosis
Let us listen and move our hands in unison.
On the paths to healing
These bottle caps will have a bright future
That of serving a noble cause.
Friends, let's push the envelope even further
Along the way, he will meet some friends.
And together in a united struggle
There is still so much to do
They will fight and defeat cancer.
René Garcin
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