Koppers

Koppers is the name of a multinational corporation known for wood treatment and carbon materials, and it is also a German-origin surname.

The Koppers Company was founded in the United States in the late 19th century as a producer of coal-tar byproducts in Pittsburgh. It expanded into creosote, wood preservation, and related chemical activities, and later diversified into carbon materials and specialty chemicals. In the late 20th century, the business reorganized and became Koppers Holdings, Inc., a publicly traded company with operations worldwide.

Koppers Holdings operates through two main segments: Wood Treatment and Carbon Materials and Chemicals. Wood Treatment produces creosote and other preservatives used to protect timber in railroad and utility infrastructure, while Carbon Materials and Chemicals manufactures activated carbon, pitch and coke, and other carbon-derived products for industrial applications. The company operates plants and distribution networks across North America, Europe, and Asia, serving customers in rail, construction, chemicals, and mining industries.

Koppers as a surname is of German origin.