Kebony: wood re-invented

A third of the world’s rainforests have disappeared in the last 50 years, a loss of around 6 million hectares a year which is the equivalent of 8.5 million football pitches. The global demand for tropical hardwood cannot be met through sustainable means, a major environmental issue recently highlighted by HRH The Prince of Wales.

Kebony is the first award-winning sustainable substitute for tropical hardwood. Through a revolutionary process of ‘Kebonization’ sustainable wood species such as Southern Yellow Pine are given the same aesthetical and physical properties as rain forest timber. The end product is durable, attractive, low maintenance and environmentally friendly. “This technology provides a global eco-solution to the major environmental challenge of rain forest deforestation,” says Christian Jebsen, CEO of Kebony.

To date, there have been no feasible alternatives and many architects, builders and designers have simply ceased to use tropical hardwood. Kebony offers an immediate solution to this global issue, it has taken years of research to develop a technology that permanently transforms sustainable wood species. Kebony has already delivered hundreds of national projects across Norway with support from ’The Rainforest Association’ and in January 2009 opened a full scale plant increasing production capabilities tenfold.

“The global market for rain forest timber is worth approximately $20 billion a year, we see great opportunities for Kebony, both in Norway and in the international market. Kebony is a competitive product in terms of both its aesthetic and technical properties and not just because it is environmentally friendly. That is what makes it so exciting,” says Thomas Hoegh, investor and board member.

Kebony's environmental credentials have been endorsed with the Nordic region's eco-label, the Swan. They have also received Norway's national environmental prize, the "Glass Bear" for sustainable consumption and production and were asked to present their revolutionary concept at the CC8 Climate Conference 2008.

Demand for Kebony wood is being driven locally by leading architects, construction companies and property developers. “Kebony is very durable and strong and it is highly resistant to rot. It can withstand harsh climates and is ideal for both indoor and outdoor use,” says Christian Jebsen. Kebony supplies materials for decking, wooden piers, indoor flooring, cladding, wooden roofing, boat decks and other construction materials.

The Kebony technology is a cost effective, truly sustainable and independently verified alternative to tropical hardwood and traditional toxic wood protection. Kebony has international ambitions, and plans to develop licensing packages for the brand and the technology. Through this technology Kebony’s mission is to provide the world with beautiful, long lasting and environmentally friendly wooden products.

Kebony ASA

Kebony® offers a sustainable alternative to tropical hardwood. A proprietary wood modification technology called 'Kebonization' permanently transforms sustainable wood specifies…