Clariant secures EU approval for renewable rice bran wax additives in food packs
Key takeaways
- Clariant receives EC approval, based on a positive EFSA safety assessment, for its Licocare rice bran wax additives in food-contact plastics.
- The additives deliver lubrication, mold release, nucleation, and dispersion benefits for packaging, such as beverage bottles and food containers.
- The bio-based rice bran wax aims to offer a fossil-free alternative to lignite-derived montan wax.
Clariant has received approval from the European Commission (EC) for its renewable rice bran wax additives in food-contact plastics, based on the European Food Safety Authority’s (EFSA) positive safety assessment.
The rice bran wax additives are said to provide processing benefits, including effective lubrication, mold release, nucleation effects, and improved dispersion properties for applications like beverage bottles, food containers, and protective packaging.
Diederik Goyvaerts, segment manager additives at Clariant, says: “Achieving the EC approval, which is based on the EFSA recommendation for our Licocare rice bran wax additives, represents years of dedicated work and demonstrates Clariant’s commitment to delivering sustainable solutions that meet the highest regulatory standards.”
“This authorization opens significant opportunities for European manufacturers to transition to renewable alternatives while maintaining full compliance with food safety regulations. It’s a testament to the quality and safety of our bio-based innovations.”
Complementing existing authorizations
The EC approval covers Clariant’s Licocare RBW 100-300 series, including the Licocare RBW 360 Vita and RBW 560 Vita. It authorizes their use as additives in amounts up to 0.3% in PET, polylactic acid (PLA), and rigid polyvinyl chloride (PVC) materials intended for contact with non-fatty foods.
The approval encompasses applications at room temperature and below, including hot-fill and temperatures of up to 100 degrees Celsius, for up to two hours, meeting different food packaging needs.
Clariant says that the authorization represents a “critical achievement in its global regulatory strategy for rice bran wax additives.”
The solution has already received food contact authorizations from the US Food and Drug Administration and the Japanese food safety authority.
Accelerating renewable materials
Clariant’s rice bran wax additives aim to provide an alternative to the traditional montan wax supply and eliminate dependence on finite fossil resources.
Clariant notes that montan wax, extracted from lignite coal deposits, confronts structural supply constraints as key deposits in Germany deplete. Supply disruptions and steady price increases are creating a need for reliable alternatives.
According to the company, Licocare RBW Vita additives offer biodegradability and industrial compostability, promoting end-of-life sustainability for packaging materials.
The production process avoids the landscape disruption and biodiversity impact associated with lignite mining, while providing Scope 3 emissions reductions for customers.
