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problem solving and education. By bridging the gap between research and practical applications, we enable formulators to create products that are both innovative and effective. As the personal care
field continues to evolve, our commitment to research and development ensures we uncover new functionalities and applications for waxes, equipping formulators with the knowledge and materials to meet today’s consumer demands while maintaining the highest standards of safety and efficacy.
A commitment to sustainability For nearly a decade, Koster Keunen has placed sustainability at the core of its mission. This commitment extends not only to the products we offer but also to how we operate and the impact we make on the world. We believe that responsible business practices
must go beyond the basics and reach into the global communities and ecosystems that make our work possible. Every decision we make is guided by the understanding that we are part of a much larger system. This perspective requires care, transparency, and long-term thinking. Our philosophy, We Are All One Hive, reflects
Chemically, waxes are solid lipids that possess a variety of unique properties such as low melting points and the ability to form protective films on the skin. These different characteristics make them invaluable in creating products that offer texture, stability, structure, and barrier protection. For years, outdated myths suggested waxes
were pore-clogging, irritating, or unsuitable for skin. We have worked to dispel these misconceptions through science, demonstrating that waxes, like other lipids, are effective, skin-friendly ingredients. We maintain active collaborations with academic institutions, including the University of Connecticut, to advance the scientific understanding of waxes. These partnerships enable rigorous research aimed at clarifying common misconceptions about wax properties and safety. Additionally, they support the exploration of novel applications and functional benefits of waxes within personal care formulations. Through this collaborative approach, we contribute to expanding the knowledge base and innovation potential of these important lipid-based ingredients. To empower formulators, we provide a wealth of technical resources, collaborative
this commitment. It is a mindset that extends across the global supply chain. It connects beekeepers, farmers, chemists, formulators, and brands in a shared effort to thrive together. At the heart of this approach is a deep respect
for natural resources and the people who care for them. We recognize that our ingredients come from diverse landscapes and livelihoods. We take seriously the responsibility to nurture both the earth and the communities that sustain it. In West Africa, Koster Keunen has been
investing in local communities for years, working to build a more equitable and transparent supply chain for natural waxes. Our facility in Lomé, Togo supports sustainable beekeeping practices across seven countries in the region. Through technical training, equipment,
and fair purchasing agreements, we empower beekeepers. Many of these beekeepers are smallholder farmers and women. The income they earn allows them to invest in their families and strengthen their communities. These relationships go beyond just
transactions, they are long-term partnerships built on trust, shared goals, and a mutual
Koster Keunen’s original facilities in
Aalst, the Netherlands
commitment to preserving biodiversity. Protecting bees means supporting the pollinators that sustain global food systems. It also ensures the long-term availability of natural waxes that are essential to personal care and other industries. Our sustainability efforts extend into our
manufacturing operations. We continue to invest in technologies and practices that reduce our environmental footprint. At our facility in Watertown, Connecticut, over 80% of our energy needs are met by solar power. This investment reduces our reliance on fossil fuels and lowers our carbon emissions. We also use recycled water in our production
processes. This reflects our commitment to responsible water use and the conservation of one of the planet’s most precious resources. These efforts are part of a continuous cycle of improvement. We evaluate, learn, and implement new solutions to reduce waste, minimize energy consumption, and operate with greater efficiency and care for the environment.
Innovation, innovation, innovation Innovation is also a core part of our sustainability strategy, especially through upcycling. We transform by-products from other industries into high-value ingredients for personal care. This approach gives new life to materials that might otherwise be discarded as waste. Orange wax from the citrus juice industry, sunflower wax from the food oil sector, and
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