Kebony produces durable, modified wood without harmful chemicals

Published 14 Dec 2022 (updated 29 Apr 2024) · 2 min read

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At a glance

Sustainable timber created using bio-based impregnation
As strong and durable as tropical hardwood and treated wood
Non-toxic with low carbon emissions

Kebony produces high-quality timber by impregnating sustainably sourced wood with a non-toxic, bio-based liquid. Kebony wood is suitable for use in private homes, offices and public buildings.

Many types of timber that are used to clad houses or build terraces are impregnated with harmful chemicals. This gives the timber greater durability, but also means it must be treated as hazardous waste at the end of its lifecycle. To fuel a circular economy, the construction industry needs building materials that are both durable and sustainable.

Sustainable, treated wood

The Kebony technology is a patented process which enhances the properties of softwood species such as pine. The process gives the wood similar characteristics to the best performing hardwoods, without any harmful side-effects.

Kebony transforms the wood by impregnating it with a bio-based liquid – a by-product of agriculture. By adding heat, the wood’s cells are permanently changed, resulting in greatly improved durability and dimensional stability.

Kebony wood is suitable for both internal and external applications that demand high performance and great aesthetics – including decking, flooring, cladding, roofing and windows, as well as indoor and outdoor furniture.

Further details about the Kebony technology can be found here.

Concrete benefits

Kebony wood is durable and stable, as well as resistant against rot and fungi. It is a low-maintenance material that does not require any additional treatment beyond normal cleaning – no oils or other impregnation solutions.

Kebony is non-toxic, both in use and when disposed of as waste. A study by Norwegian environmental consulting firm Bergfald & Co. demonstrated that Kebony has a substantially lower carbon footprint than its tropical hardwood equivalents.

The entire life cycle of Kebony, from raw material to disposal, is thoroughly documented and certified, as are the material’s benefits.

KEBONY NORGE AS — This striking villa on the outskirts of Vilnius, Lithuania, features expanses of Kebony wood on the roof, walls and terraces.

Market potential

Kebony has offices in Denmark, France, Germany, Norway, Sweden, the UK and the US. The company has delivered wood for a wide range of construction projects in Europe and North America.

Kebony was founded in 1997, based on research from the University of New Brunswick, Canada. It is headquartered in Oslo, Norway, with production facilities in Skien, Norway. The company has received numerous awards, including being named as a World Economic Forum Technology Pioneer.