Kebony’s revolutionary, sustainable alternative to tropical hardwood has been highlighted as a company that has the potential to transform business and society.
Kebony, as a 2014 Technology Pioneer, is part of the World Economic Forum’s community of pioneers, disruptors and innovators.
The high-level selection committee have recognised Kebony’s potential as one of the world’s most innovative technology start-ups for its revolutionary process of ‘Kebonization’, which transforms sustainable wood species so they adopt the properties of hardwood, making them suitable for use in construction, cladding and decking.
Founded in 2000 in Geneva, the World Economic Forum’s Technology Pioneers represent the cutting edge in both technology and entrepreneurship and are a platform from which the wider community can learn how they can contribute to addressing global issues.
Kebony is following in the footsteps of previous Technology Pioneers, including Google (2001), Twitter (2010) and Dropbox (2012). All of which have enjoyed enormous success after being identified by the World Economic Forum.
The Kebonization process takes sustainable soft wood species such as maple and pine and treats them under conditions of heat and pressure so they are given the same aesthetical and physical properties as rainforest timber. The end product is durable, attractive, low–maintenance, non-toxic and environmentally friendly. For some time wood had become unacceptable for use in construction due to environmental pressures and regulation.
Kebony’s new wood, which is fully compliant with the EU Timber Legislation, which came into effect earlier this year and bans illegal tropical timber from entering the market, allows wood to again become the material of choice for architects, developers and designers. Diverting demand from tropical forests, Kebony’s new wood has been used in high-profile, international projects, including the new Mary Rose museum, the Bexhill Beach Shelters and KREOD.
David Aikman, Managing Director, Head of New Champions at the World Economic Forum said: “The impact of technology continues to increase in all aspects of society. The diversity of the innovative thinking and possible solutions they offer are why leaders from all sectors of society are interested in interacting with the Technology Pioneers.”
Christian Jebsen, CEO of Kebony added: “The Forum’s recognition of Kebony’s innovative technology is a momentous accolade as we expand our commercial development. Technology and innovation will enable us to continue to develop whilst minimising the impact on the environment; the Earth’s natural resources are finite and are under threat because of increasing demand for their use. Kebony’s innovation will divert demand and help preserve our treasured tropical forests.”
Kebony’s achievements will be honoured at the Forum’s Annual Meeting of the New Champions 2013 in Dalian, People’s Republic of China, from 11 to 13 September.
