Work in West Africa Recognized by the U.S. Department of State
The U.S. Department of State Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs recently announced the winners of the 2024 Secretary of State’s Award for Corporate Excellence (ACE). Among the six American companies to win the award, Connecticut-based Koster Keunen was recognized for its Innovation to Strengthen Community, based on its work to foster sustainable beekeeping and beeswax production in West Africa.
In making the announcement, Sarah Morgenthau, Special Representative for Commercial and Business Affairs at the U.S. Department of State, said the work of Koster Keunen, alongside Koster Keunen West Africa, “created a market for beeswax in eight West African countries. With modern and sustainable techniques, Koster Keunen transformed a previously overlooked byproduct of honey production into a new industry.”
This prestigious recognition highlights Koster Keunen’s unwavering commitment to fostering sustainable development and making a positive impact in the communities where they operate. By prioritizing innovation and community strength, Koster Keunen has set a benchmark for corporate responsibility and ethical business practices.
Koster Keunen’s continuous efforts in West Africa have not only bolstered local economies but have also empowered individuals through job creation, education, and health initiatives. This award underscores the importance of global collaboration and the profound effects of implementing thoughtful, community-focused strategies.
The Koster Keunen Worldwide Sustainability Initiative
Koster Keunen believes that creating more sustainable lives is how we should all be measured. When you choose Koster Keunen, you help expand our worldwide sustainability initiative – called We Are All One Hive – which creates more sustainable lives by:
- Sourcing and enhancing more sustainable beeswax.
- Creating, training and partnering with local beekeepers.
- Providing resources that elevate beekeeping communities.
Among the many positive impacts, our long-term commitment has resulted in the training of nearly 30,000 beekeepers in sustainable beekeeping practices and the improvement in the lives of farmers and beekeepers in the areas the program reaches. Find out more about our sustainability program we call “We Are All One Hive” here.
About Koster Keunen
Koster Keunen has been working with wax since 1852 and has used our extensive experience and knowledge base to continuously develop new chemistries. Whether you are developing a new product, or need help with a reformulation or replacement, contact us to learn more about how we source, refine or develop waxes so you can create the perfect formula.
