Bona has long been an active, collaborative member of the woodflooring community. The company maintains a deep partnership with the National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) and regularly contributes expertise to advancing education, standards, safety, and craft. Bona team members serve as instructors, presenters, and curriculum contributors at events and conferences, helping elevate the trade through hands-on demos, technical insights, and thought leadership contributions around sustainability and innovation. Learn more about the company and its products in this Q&A with the Bona team.
How did the company begin? Bona was founded in 1919 by Wilhelm Edner who established the company in Malmö, Sweden. Edner was an entrepreneur and grocery store owner who sold coffee and other goods. He also innovated a unique floor wax he named Bonvax that created a polished, protective layer on wood, sparking Edner’s vision to focus exclusively on floor care. Upon launching Bona AB, his passion and foresight established the foundation of a company that is at the forefront of the industry, shaping the future with new solutions that combine safety, technology, and superior results. His vision remains steadfast at Bona – to bring out the beauty in floors ensuring they can be cherished for generations to come.
In what ways has the business evolved since that time? For more than a century, Bona has grown from modest Swedish beginnings into a globally respected, family-owned brand known for elevating the craft of floor care. Edner’s early vision has expanded into an organization with more than 700 employees, 17 subsidiaries, 70 distributors, and four production sites, supporting professionals and floor owners in more than 90 countries. From its expansion across Europe in the mid-20th century to its entrance into the U.S market in the 1980s and the launch of its Asia Pacific subsidiary in 2000, Bona has steadily built a worldwide presence grounded in quality, partnership, and innovation.
Innovation has defined Bona’s evolution. Early breakthroughs like the D-503 Floor Sealer set new standards for durability, but the company’s most transformative milestone came in 1979 with the launch of the world’s first waterborne finish. At a time when sustainability and chemical exposure were a low concern, Bona pioneered a solution that dramatically reduced VOCs without compromising performance – an advancement that reshaped industry expectations and remains a global benchmark today. Bona continued this innovative momentum with the introduction of the Dust Containment System (DCS®) in 2006, revolutionizing workplace safety by significantly reducing airborne dust during sanding.
During the last decade, Bona has broadened its impact across both professional and consumer markets. The Elite Fleet, introduced in 2014, created a fully integrated system to address the most complex sanding challenges. Bona’s retail product line featuring award-winning spray mops, cleaners, and polishes has empowered homeowners worldwide, with products now available in major retailers across North America, Europe, Asia, and South America and more than four million spray mops sold globally.
Sustainability has guided Bona’s growth from the start. From pioneering waterborne finishes to streamlining packaging and operations, the company consistently prioritizes environmental stewardship and better working conditions. This commitment, combined with a proven record of performance, has earned the trust of professionals, architects, and facility managers worldwide. Today, Bona products protect and enhance many of the world’s most iconic, high-traffic spaces, from NBA courts to historic sites like Tower Bridge, as well as museums and galleries in major global cities.
What types of education and training does the company offer? Education is one of Bona’s greatest differentiators. The company offers a robust portfolio of training opportunities designed for professionals at every level – from learning foundational techniques to seasoned craftspeople refining advanced skills. Programs include the three-day Bona Sand & Finish Schools, held across the U.S. and offering hands-on technical instruction led by industry experts; Bona Certified Craftsman Program (BCCP), a prestigious designation that recognizes top-tier contractors committed to best-in-class workmanship and ongoing education; holiday schools and special workshops, themed or seasonal courses that combine hands-on training with community engagement; distributor and retailer training, equipping partners with deep product knowledge and application techniques; and virtual training resources, including online modules, videos, technical articles, and troubleshooting guides.
Which product is the company most known for when it comes to wood flooring? While Bona is recognized for its complete system of machines, abrasives, adhesives, and maintenance products, the brand is perhaps most iconic for its innovative waterborne finishes, specifically Bona Traffic HD®. Bona’s suite of waterborne finishes set the benchmark for innovation, durability, indoor-air quality, and ease of use. These finishes offer unmatched performance without the strong odor and environmental impact associated with traditional solvent-based products. Bona’s finishes have become the preferred choice for residential homes, schools, commercial spaces, and global sports facilities, trusted for their long-lasting protection and beautiful results.
What is the company most excited about that is new or coming soon? Looking forward, Bona is now the first to offer a GREENGUARD Gold certified waterborne system with the introduction of its Bona Chroma® coloration system in 2024. This waterborne Bona
System® is the future standard as more floor owners demand
products with less environmental impact and as more
contractors understand the importance of health and safety.
These advancements represent Bona’s ongoing mission –
to evolve, inspire, and elevate the floor-care experience for
generations to come.
For more information visit Bona.com.
