US personal care wax maker Koster Kuenen has won plaudits from its local Senator for innovation.
Senator Chris Murphy, a Democrat from Connecticut, named Watertown-based Koster Keunen as his ‘Innovator of the Month’ for its leadership in natural wax production and technology.
Founded in 1852, Koster Keunen specializes in the ethical development, processing, and manufacturing of wax ingredients and derivatives.
The company pioneered the world’s first certified, 100% sustainably sourced beeswax and operates its Watertown facility with a 660kW solar array, offsetting nearly 900 tons of carbon emissions each year.
“Koster Keunen’s innovation and commitment to sustainability highlights the power of Connecticut businesses to lead on a global scale. I’m proud to recognize this family-owned business for its pioneering efforts to create ethical, environmentally friendly solutions and pave the way for better working conditions around the world,” said Murphy.
“This award is a testament to the values that have guided my family and our company for five generations. It's a recognition of our deep-rooted commitment to sustainability, community empowerment, and ethical business practices. To be acknowledged on a global stage for these efforts is truly humbling,” said John Koster, president of Koster Keunen.
The award comes after Koster Keunen was awarded the 2024 US Secretary of State Award for Corporate Excellence in Innovation to Strengthen Communities, which recognizes US companies that uphold high standards of ethical conduct, promote human rights and community development, and demonstrate environmental and social responsibility in their overseas operations.
The award recognises Koster Keunen’s creation of a market for beeswax in seven West African countries, introducing modern, sustainable techniques to transform a previously overlooked by-product of honey production into a new industry.
