Clariant obtains FDA approval for renewable rice bran wax additives in PVC food packs
Key takeaways
- Licocare RBW additives have been approved for food-contact PVC by the FDA, supporting processing aids, lubricants, and release agents.
- The bio-based rice bran wax offers a sustainable alternative to fossil-based montan wax, with biodegradable and compostable properties.
- The FDA approval complements EU and Japan authorizations, enabling global market expansion for rigid PVC applications.
Clariant has received US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for a bio-based wax additive for use in rigid PVC food-contact applications.
The range Licocare RBW additives is approved for use in processing aids, lubricants, release agents, and slip agents in single and repeat-use PVC food packaging applications.
Diederik Goyvaerts, market manager for Additives at Clariant, says: “Achieving FDA approval for our Licocare RBW additives in rigid PVC applications demonstrates Clariant’s commitment to delivering sustainable solutions that meet the highest regulatory standards across multiple jurisdictions.”
“This authorization represents years of dedicated work and opens opportunities for manufacturers to transition to renewable alternatives while maintaining full compliance with food safety regulations in North American and European markets.”
For food-contact applications, the additives are authorized at levels up to 0.5% by weight under certain conditions, with a temperature maximum of 80 degrees Celsius for hot products. A letter of no objection also means that Licocare RBW can be used for repeated use of up to 1% in food-contact processing equipment made of rigid PVC.
“The dual authorization enables use across multiple applications, including rigid PVC containers, packaging materials, and food processing equipment components such as conveyor belts, cutting boards, storage containers, seals, and gaskets,” says Clariant.
Moreover, the different concentration levels can allow formulators to customize formulas based on specific applications.
Commercializing bio-additives
The Licocare RBW range is made from rice bran wax and offers an alternative to conventional fossil-based montan waxes. Clariant highlights that the montan wax, which is extracted from lignite coal deposits in Germany, is “actively depleting,” resulting 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,” continues Clariant. The additives are also biodegradable and industrially compostable.
The FDA approval follows authorizations from the European Food Safety Authority and Japanese frameworks, enabling the company to bring the Licocare RBW portfolio into “key global markets.”
