Clariant gains approval for renewable food-contact wax additives in PVC
In the US, Swiss chemical giant Clariant regulatory approval for its biobased Licocare RBW wax additives for use in rigid polyvinyl chloride food-contact applications. The authorization, effective May 7, 2026, extends the company’s existing FDA approval beyond polyester materials to include rigid PVC.
The approval covers the complete Licocare RBW product range, including the RBW 100 series, RBW 300 series, and the grades Licocare RBW 360 Vita and RBW 560 Vita. The additives are authorized for use as processing aids, lubricants, release agents, and slip additives in single- and repeat-use rigid PVC applications across all food types, except for infant formula and human milk contact.
Licocare RBW additives are derived from rice bran wax and provide a renewable alternative with substantial carbon footprint reductions compared to conventional fossil-based montan waxes. The industry has experienced supply constraints with montan wax, which is extracted from lignite coal deposits in Germany that are actively depleting. This has resulted in supply disruptions and price increases for manufacturers.
The rice bran wax additives provide processing benefits including lubrication, mold release, nucleation effects, and enhanced dispersion properties. The products are biodegradable and industrially compostable, which supports end-of-life sustainability requirements for packaging materials. The production process avoids the landscape disruption and biodiversity impact associated with lignite mining.
Category: Chemicals & Materials
