Koster Keunen stands as a beacon of innovation, sustainability, and craftsmanship in the world of natural waxes. Founded in 1852 after the marriage of Johanna Keunen and Bernard Koster in Holland, the company began as a humble family venture refining beeswax for candle making. Over more than a century and a half, Koster Keunen has evolved into a global leader in natural waxes and wax technology, all while maintaining its commitment to ethical sourcing, transparency, and environmental stewardship.
From humble beginnings to global reach
The story of Koster Keunen began in Aalst, near Eindhoven, where Johanna and Bernard built their first factory to refine beeswax. As the 20th century unfolded, the demand for beeswax extended beyond candles into pharmaceuticals, food, and cosmetics — marking the start of a new era for the company.
In 1930, Koster Keunen expanded to the United States with a facility in Sayville, New York, supplying the growing American market. By the 1960s, under the leadership of the third generation, Frits Koster, alongside his sons Louis and Fred, the company returned to Holland to construct a new factory in Geldrop. Their efforts soon established Koster Keunen as the largest supplier of bleached and refined beeswax in Europe.
Rising demand led to yet another milestone in 1973 — the establishment of a larger factory in Bladel, Holland. Two decades later, in 1994, the U.S. operations moved to Watertown, Connecticut, further strengthening the company’s global presence.
Pioneering sustainable innovation
The early 2000s marked a significant chapter in Koster Keunen’s legacy of innovation. Collaborating with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the company developed a method to transform agricultural waste — specifically orange and lemon peels — into usable waxes. This collaboration reflected a pioneering spirit dedicated to sustainability and resource efficiency.
In 2008, Koster Keunen achieved another remarkable feat by becoming the first natural wax company in the U.S. to obtain the USDA Organic Handling Certificate. The company introduced the world’s first commercially available beeswax esters and synthetic alternatives to natural plant waxes, offering formulators an array of high-performance, eco-friendly options.
Among their most groundbreaking contributions is the creation of Kester Waxes — sustainable waxes designed to mimic the physical and chemical properties of non-renewable petrochemical and mineral-based materials. These innovations exemplify Koster Keunen’s long-standing mission: to provide exceptional, environmentally responsible ingredients that support customer innovation while reducing ecological impact.
At the heart of Koster Keunen’s ethos lies the belief that “We Are All One Hive.” This phrase encapsulates their dedication to unity, collaboration, and shared responsibility — values that resonate across their operations worldwide.
The company’s mission is clear: to continue being a global leader while making a positive impact on the environment, communities, and business partners. Their vision extends beyond commerce — to foster a more sustainable and equitable world for all stakeholders.
Values that define Koster Keunen
Koster Keunen’s culture is grounded in seven core values that guide its daily operations:
- Safety: Ensuring a secure and supportive environment through continuous training and shared accountability.
- Quality: Upholding excellence and reliability to meet and exceed customer expectations.
- Respect: Promoting honesty, openness, and mutual care across all relationships.
- Service: Demonstrating integrity and urgency in serving customers and communities alike.
- Innovation: Pursuing constant improvement through ethical sourcing and advanced research.
- Teamwork: Encouraging collaboration and accountability to achieve shared success.
- Success: Recognising that progress begins with individual commitment, driving collective achievement.
Today, Koster Keunen remains proudly family-owned, continuing the legacy of craftsmanship, curiosity, and care begun in 1852. Beeswax, the foundation of the company’s journey, still lies at the core of its operations — symbolising both tradition and transformation.
With over 170 years of expertise, Koster Keunen has not only refined the art and science of wax but also redefined what it means to operate sustainably in a modern world. By merging innovation with integrity, the company continues to shape the future — one wax creation at a time.
Read more: Human hair as fertiliser: A new path in organic farming
