Kebony

About Kebony

Kebony is a Norwegian materials science company, founded in 1997, that produces a sustainable alternative to tropical hardwoods. Its history traces back to the work of Canadian scientist Marc Schneider, whose research in the late 1980s on wood polymerisation formed the basis of Kebony's technology. The company was established in Oslo to commercialize this process, opening a pilot production facility in 2003 and beginning full-scale manufacturing in 2009.

The company's business is centered on its patented "Dually Modified™" technology. This process impregnates sustainably-sourced softwoods, like pine, with a bio-based liquid derived from agricultural crop waste, primarily furfuryl alcohol. Through a combination of vacuum pressure and heat, this liquid permanently polymerizes and grafts onto the wood's cell walls. This dual modification process increases the wood's density, hardness, dimensional stability, and durability, giving it characteristics comparable or superior to tropical hardwoods. The final product is resistant to rot, fungi, and harsh weather conditions without requiring chemical treatments.

Kebony's business model involves manufacturing and distributing this enhanced wood to a global market. It targets architects, designers, and developers in the residential and commercial construction industries. The company operates production facilities in Norway and Belgium and manages a global sales and distribution network with a presence in Europe, North America, and the Middle East. Its product line is available in 'Clear' (smooth) and 'Character' (knotty) grades and is used for applications such as decking, cladding, flooring, outdoor furniture, and even marine decking. Kebony has raised approximately $87.3 million over several funding rounds, with significant investments aimed at expanding production capacity to meet growing demand.

The company has had several leadership changes, with Tom Paemeleire appointed CEO in October 2023, succeeding Jean-Baptiste Clavel. More recently, in April 2026, Tom DeKeyser, an industry veteran, was appointed as the new CEO to drive the next phase of global growth. Kebony has received numerous accolades, including being named a Technology Pioneer by the World Economic Forum and consistently listed as a Global Cleantech 100 company.