An example where Kebony can be used. Photo: Kebony

From Norway, an eco-alternative to tropical hardwoods

September 2009: Kebony, with factory in Skien, is now offering a replacement which could cut the demand for unsustainably logged tropical hardwoods, namely softwood made more durable through a chemical process. One of the reasons tropical forests are being cut down so rapidly is demand for the hardwoods, such as teak, that tend to be denser and more durable than softwoods.

The Norwegian company has now developed an environmentally friendly way of making softwood harder and more durable.

The Economist describes the process: Kebony stops wood from rotting by placing in a vat containing a substance called furfuryl alcohol, which is made from the waste left over when sugarcane is processed. The vat is then pressurised, forcing the liquid into the wood. Next the wood is dried and heated to 110°C. The heat transforms the liquid into a resin, which makes the cell walls of the wood thicker and stronger.