Kengro
Kengro Corp. is a family-owned Mississippi Delta manufacturer of plant-based bioremediation oil absorbents and erosion control products (Biosorb, Biopad, Siltron, Diamond Sock, Storm XR) made from kenaf fiber, serving oil and gas, construction, emergency response, railroad, and government customers across the southern US.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1997
- HeadquartersCharleston, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Kengro does
Kengro Corp. is a family-owned manufacturer of plant-based bioremediation and erosion control products, headquartered in Charleston, Mississippi. Founded commercially in 1993 and incorporated in 1997 by Brent and Gabriela Brasher, the company grows and processes kenaf fiber on farms in the Mississippi Delta (Tallahatchie and Leflore Counties) and converts it into a portfolio of oil absorbents (Biosorb granular, Biosorb Boom, Pillow, and Sock, plus Biopad pads and rolls) and erosion and sediment control products (Siltron geotextile, Diamond Sock compost filter sock, and Storm XR silt fence). The erosion control line was added in 2018 through a partnership with MKB Company.
The underlying technology is biotech rather than digital: kenaf's natural fiber structure and inherent microbial populations absorb hydrocarbons and biodegrade them into hydrogen and carbon. Products are hydrophobic, 100% plant-based and biodegradable, and can typically be left in place rather than sent to HAZMAT disposal. Kengro holds 4 patent claims on Storm XR (covering a re-tensioning string and 15-denier polypropylene construction), and Siltron has received Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) approval under §234.02 as a substitute for super silt fence. Stated performance claims include 6–10x absorption by weight versus ~0.06x for clay, with one 11-lb Biosorb bag absorbing ~11 gallons of oil at roughly $2.15 per gallon of cleanup cost; Siltron installs at 375 linear feet per hour.
Kengro sells through an independent sales representative network covering Texas, California, Wyoming, Mississippi, Louisiana, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Ohio, North Dakota, Kansas, and Chile, alongside wholesale distributors, a retail store locator, and a Spanish-language site. End markets are oil and gas (well servicing, frac and vacuum trucks, pipeline and refinery), construction and civil engineering, emergency response and fire departments, government and DOT, railroad operators, and auto repair shops. Pricing is unit-based (per bag, roll, case, or linear foot). Kengro has also begun toll-processing industrial hemp hurd into animal bedding for partners in Kentucky and suppliers in Europe and Australia, using its existing fiber-processing capacity.
Kengro firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Kengro
- Legal name
- Kengro Corp.
- Website
- https://kengro.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1997
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Kengro Corp. is a family-owned Mississippi Delta manufacturer of plant-based bioremediation oil absorbents and erosion control products (Biosorb, Biopad, Siltron, Diamond Sock, Storm XR) made from kenaf fiber, serving oil and gas, construction, emergency response, railroad, and government customers across the southern US.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Kengro industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Industrial Oil Absorbents and Erosion Control Products
- NAICS
- Wood Product Manufacturing (321)
- SIC
- Forestry (800), Lumber & Wood Products (No Furniture) (2400)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Biomass Collection, Baling/Chipping & Pre-processing Services (EUAAAFAD)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Forestry Residues Supply & Aggregation (Harvest Slash, Thinnings, Sawmill Residuals) (EUAAAFAA), Wood Chipping, Residue Processing & Biomass Feedstock (IMAMABAG)
Keywords
Where Kengro is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Charleston
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Kengro business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Oil Spill Control Products: Kengro generates revenue through the sale of oil absorbent products including Biosorb (granular), Biopad (absorbent pads), Biosorb Sock, Biosorb Boom, and Biosorb Pillow. Products are sold through distributors, sales representatives, and direct channels. Transaction-based pricing with one-time purchase model.
- Erosion & Sediment Control Products: Revenue from Siltron geotextile, Diamond Sock compost filter socks, Storm XR silt fence alternatives, and Biopad erosion control products. Partnership with MKB Company established in 2018 for these products. Products sold primarily through the same distribution network as oil spill products.
- Industrial Hemp Processing: Kengro processes industrial hemp imported from partners in Europe and Australia. They separate, grind, size, clean, bale, and bag hemp hurd (inner part) for animal bedding and other applications. Currently processing for partners in Kentucky.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Biosorb Granular Absorbent |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Biopad Absorbent Pads |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Diamond Sock Compost Filter Sock |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Siltron Geotextile |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Biosorb Sock |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Biosorb Pillow |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Biosorb Boom |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels5 records
Kengro product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Kengro manufactures and sells 100% natural, plant-based biodegradable oil absorbent products and erosion and sediment control products. The company grows kenaf fiber in the Mississippi Delta and processes it into the Biosorb product family (granular absorbent, boom, pillow, sock, and Biopad pads) for oil spill cleanup, and into Siltron, Diamond Sock, and Storm XR for erosion and sediment control on construction sites. Products serve oil & gas, construction, emergency response, railroad, and government customers across the United States.
Product overview
Kengro offers a portfolio of all-natural, plant-based bioremediation and erosion control products. The core product line includes Biosorb (granular oil absorbent), available in multiple forms: Biosorb Boom (adjustable boom for water/land), Biosorb Pillow (compact spill containment), Biosorb Sock (machinery area absorbent), and Biopad (biodegradable absorbent pad). The erosion and sediment control line, launched in 2018 via partnership with MKB Company, includes Siltron (geotextile silt fence alternative), Diamond Sock (compost filter sock), and Storm XR (3D silt fence). All products utilize kenaf fiber grown in the Mississippi Delta and are 100% natural, biodegradable, and hydrophobic.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Biosorb: 100% natural, biodegradable oil absorbent product made from kenaf fiber; available in granular, sock, boom, pillow, and pad forms.
- Biopad
- Siltron
- Diamond Sock
- Storm XR
Products and services
- Biosorb A bioremediation agent and granular oil absorbent made from kenaf fiber. Contains thousands of natural microbes that eat oil and biodegrade hydrocarbons. Used on land, water, and hard surfaces. Absorbs over 6 times its weight.
- Biosorb Boom Length-adjustable oil absorbent boom for land and water applications. Hydrophobic and continues to float when saturated. Features tough outer mesh and linkable hooks for industrial-sized spills.
- Biosorb Pillow Compact spill containment pillow for everyday maintenance and small spills. Absorbs up to 10x its weight and can be reused until fully saturated. Hydrophobic and works on oil, diesel, gas, and coolants.
- Biosorb Sock Oil absorbent sock designed for compact form factor. Absorbs 6 times its weight, is non-abrasive, and ideal for use around machinery. Water resistant and reusable until fully saturated.
- Biopad Biodegradable oil absorbent pad and erosion control blanket. Absorbs up to 6x its weight, does not absorb water, and can be used for well servicing, vacuum and frac trucks, floor safety, and erosion control. Multiple sizes available including railroad mats and wellhead kits.
- Siltron A durable 3-layer composite geotextile designed as an alternative to super silt fence. Functions as a dynamic filter-ponder, requires no chain linked fencing for reinforcement, and can absorb viscous pollutants like motor oil and hydraulic fluid. Rapid installation at 375 linear feet per hour.
- Diamond Sock Compost filter sock filled with biodegradable by-product of the lumber industry. Dynamically ponds and filters stormwater runoff. Requires no trenching and 110 linear feet can be installed in less than 5 minutes. Used for perimeter control, inlet protection, ditch checks, and slope interruption.
- Storm XR 3-dimensional non-woven silt fence that resists blinding. Made with 15 denier polypropylene, the thickest on the market. Features a retention cord for re-tensioning sagging fence. Holds 4 individual patent claims.
Quantifiable outcome
- Absorbs 6x its weight (Biosorb absorbs over 6 times its weight compared to clay which absorbs only 0.063 times its weight)
- +6 more outcomes
Companies that use Kengro
Customer profileNamed customers8 records
Segments6 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
Kengro technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
Kengro partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Two partnerships are on record, tiered core.
- Complete Environmental and Remediation Company, LLCcoreKengro teamed up with Complete Environmental and Remediation Company, LLC of Mississippi to apply railroad Biopad mats along railways in Mississippi, Alabama, and Louisiana. Complete Environmental handles the application of Kengro's railroad-specific products for railroad company clients.
- MKB CompanycoreIn 2015, Kengro began collaborating with MKB Company to create a geotextile (Siltron) that would address shortcomings of traditional silt fencing. MKB was seeking an organic fiber manufactured in the US that could absorb hydrocarbons and pollutants inherent to construction sites. Kengro provides materials for the middle layer of Siltron. This partnership expanded Kengro into the erosion and sediment control sector. Kengro also offers MKB's Diamond Sock brand of compost filter sock through this partnership.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Kengro competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Brady Corporation: Global industrial safety and spill control company whose absorbent and sorbent products compete with Kengro's Biosorb line. Larger and broader portfolio, but the spill control subsegment is directly comparable on product, customer, and channel.
- Solmax (Propex): One of the largest global manufacturers of geosynthetics including geotextiles used in erosion control and civil engineering. Directly comparable to Kengro's Siltron geotextile line on product and application.
- TenCate Geosynthetics: Major manufacturer of geosynthetics and erosion control products for infrastructure, construction, and environmental applications. Comparable to Kengro's Siltron and Storm XR on product category and end customer.
Direct peers
- ENPAC: Manufacturer of spill containment products including absorbent pads, socks, and spill kits used in oil & gas, manufacturing, and transportation. Overlaps Kengro's brand portfolio (Biosorb, Biopad) on format and end customer.
- SpillTech: U.S. manufacturer of spill containment products including absorbent pads, socks, booms, and granular absorbents. Directly competes with Kengro's Biosorb family in oil & gas, industrial, and transportation spill response.
- Profile Products: Supplier of erosion control, vegetation establishment, and stormwater management products. Directly competitive with Kengro's erosion and sediment control line on construction-site perimeter control, ditch checks, and DOT applications.
- North American Green: Manufacturer of erosion control blankets and turf reinforcement mats used in construction and DOT projects. Closely comparable to Kengro's Siltron, Diamond Sock, and Storm XR lines on application, customer, and channel.
- New Pig Corporation: One of the largest U.S. manufacturers of oil and chemical spill containment absorbents (pads, socks, booms, pillows). Directly comparable to Kengro's Biosorb line on product format, channel (industrial distributors), and end customer (oil & gas, manufacturing, emergency response).
- American Excelsior: Manufacturer of erosion control blankets, sediment control logs, and fiber products. Directly competes with Kengro's Diamond Sock and Siltron on construction site and DOT end markets.
Emerging players
- HempFlax: European industrial hemp fiber processor producing hurd, fiber, and shives for animal bedding, composites, and bio-based applications. Comparable to Kengro's industrial hemp processing line on feedstock, processing technology, and downstream applications.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Kengro social profiles
Digital presenceKengro financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Kengro leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles6 records
Kengro funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Kengro M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Kengro
What does Kengro do?
Kengro manufactures and sells 100% natural, plant-based biodegradable oil absorbent products and erosion and sediment control products. The company grows kenaf fiber in the Mississippi Delta and processes it into the Biosorb product family (granular absorbent, boom, pillow, sock, and Biopad pads) for oil spill cleanup, and into Siltron, Diamond Sock, and Storm XR for erosion and sediment control on construction sites. Products serve oil & gas, construction, emergency response, railroad, and government customers across the United States.
Is Kengro a public or private company?
Kengro is a private company. It is classified as family owned and is currently operating.
When was Kengro founded?
Kengro was founded in 1997. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Kengro based?
Kengro is headquartered in Charleston, United States, in the North America region.
How does Kengro make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Oil Spill Control Products are the primary driver. The others are erosion & Sediment Control Products and industrial Hemp Processing.
Who are Kengro's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Brady Corporation, Solmax (Propex) and TenCate Geosynthetics. Direct peers are ENPAC, SpillTech, Profile Products, North American Green, New Pig Corporation and American Excelsior. HempFlax is listed as an emerging player.
Does Kengro have an API?
No public API is recorded for Kengro.
What industry is Kengro in?
Kengro's product category is Industrial Oil Absorbents and Erosion Control Products. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EUAAAFAD, Biomass Collection, Baling/Chipping & Pre-processing Services, with a secondary code of EUAAAFAA, Forestry Residues Supply & Aggregation (Harvest Slash, Thinnings, Sawmill Residuals). Its NAICS code is 321 and its SIC code is 800.