About Koster Keunen
Located in Watertown, Connecticut, cosmetic lab Koster Keunen has led sustainable waxes innovation since 1852. The facility features:
- 660kW solar array offsetting 900 tons of carbon annually
- 100% recycled water beeswax processing
- USDA Organic Handling certification
- First certified sustainable-sourced beeswax program
From their Connecticut headquarters, Koster Keunen sources natural waxes through partnerships with small stakeholder farms across West Africa, developing specialized wax derivatives for global cosmetic applications.
Frequently asked questions
Koster Keunen manufactures the following product categories:
- Natural Waxes
- Beeswax
- Carnauba wax
- Candelilla wax
- Wax Derivatives
- Esters
- Emulsifiers
- Thickeners
The company processes and develops these ingredients for use in cosmetic and personal care formulations.
Koster Keunen maintains these operational standards:
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Koster Keunen maintains the following operational structure:
- Manufacturing Facility
- Watertown, CT headquarters
- 660kW solar array powered
- Recycled water processing systems
- Sourcing Network
- West African small stakeholder farms
- Villages across Nigeria, Mali, Burkina Faso
- Communities in Ghana, Togo, Benin, Ivory Coast
More details about Koster Keunen
A pioneering natural wax company since 1852
Koster Keunen stands as a long-established leader in natural waxes and wax technology. From its founding in 1852, the company has built its reputation on developing, processing, and manufacturing quality wax-based ingredients.
Advanced wax solutions and expertise
Operating as a cosmetic lab and manufacturing facility, Koster Keunen produces a diverse range of products including beeswax, specialized wax derivatives, esters, thickeners, and emulsifiers. Their expertise in wax technology serves various industries with tailored solutions.
Sustainable operations in Watertown
Located in Watertown, Connecticut, the company’s facility demonstrates modern environmental practices. The site operates with a 660kw solar array system, which reduces carbon emissions by 900 tons annually. Their beeswax processing system exclusively uses recycled water, showcasing their commitment to water conservation.
Environmental leadership and certifications
In 2008, Koster Keunen became the first natural wax company in the United States to receive the USDA Organic Handling Certificate. They also achieved another milestone by creating the world’s first certified 100% sustainably-sourced beeswax.
Global sourcing with local impact
The company maintains strong connections with small stakeholder farms across West Africa, sourcing beeswax from communities in:
- Nigeria
- Mali
- Burkina Faso
- Ghana
- Togo
- Benin
- Ivory Coast
Commitment to sustainable practices
Koster Keunen integrates sustainability throughout its operations, from ethical sourcing to environmental conservation. Their approach combines traditional knowledge with modern technology to ensure responsible production methods and support agricultural development in their sourcing regions.
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