German window association recognizes hardwood alternative
17th November 2015

KEBONY, said to be a sustainable alternative to tropical hardwood, is now officially recommended by the Verband Fenster und Fassade (German Association of Windows and Facades, VFF).

Following research and testing by Menck in Hamburg, which recommended Kebony as a suitable product for the window industry, the wood has been recognised by the Institute for Window Technology in Rosenheim. The timber concedes with VFF’s recommendations, meets the requirements of the leaflet HO.06-4 and is suitable for glueing and coating.

Kebony is a relatively new wood product for the window industry. The Norwegian company developed the Kebony technology by impregnating softwood species with bio-based liquid furfuryl alcohol, a byproduct of agriculture. This process permanently modifies the cell walls giving Kebony premium hardwood characteristics, bypassing the need for tropical hardwood and creating a product that is sustainable, durable and cost effective.

Kebony’s International Sales Director Adrian Pye said: “Kebony has long been used in the window industry but this recommendation from the VFF will enable us to bolster our supply to this area of the market and grow our business internationally. This comes at a very important time for Kebony following the recently secured funding which will enable us to build a new factory in Belgium.”