Clariant Gains EU Approval for Rice Bran Wax in Food-Contact Plastics
- EU Commission approved rice bran wax additives for use in PET, PLA, and PVC materials.
- Approval allows up to 0.3% additive use in non-fatty food contact applications.
- The authorization complements existing approvals from the FDA and Japanese food safety authority.
- Montan wax supply challenges drive demand for renewable rice bran wax alternatives.
EU Approval for Rice Bran Wax Additives
Clariant has received EU Commission approval for its renewable rice bran wax additives, based on a positive safety assessment from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). This approval allows the use of these additives in polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polylactic acid (PLA), and rigid polyvinyl chloride (PVC) materials intended for food contact.
Scope and Applications
The authorization covers the Licocare RBW 100-300 series, including RBW 360 Vita and RBW 560 Vita, permitting their use at up to 0.3% in non-fatty food contact applications. It includes conditions for use at room temperature and below, as well as hot-fill and heating up to 100°C for up to two hours.
Global Regulatory Framework
This EU approval complements existing authorizations from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Japanese food safety authority, providing a comprehensive regulatory framework for international markets. The amendment to the regulation came into force on February 23, 2026.
Addressing Supply Chain Challenges
The approval is timely as the industry faces supply challenges with traditional montan wax, which is extracted from lignite coal deposits. Clariant's rice bran wax additives offer a sustainable alternative with a lower carbon footprint, addressing both supply disruptions and environmental concerns.
Source: Clariant