Recently, Clariant of Switzerland received approval from the European Commission, based on a positive assessment by the European Food Safety Authority, for its Licocare RBW series of additives made from rice bran wax, to be used in food contact plastic products.
This approval specifically applies to the Licocare RBW 100-300 series, including Licocare RBW 360 Vita and RBW 560 Vita models.
Following approval, this series of additives can be used in the European market at a maximum concentration of 0.3% in non-greasy food contact materials and products made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polylactic acid (PLA), and rigid polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The approval covers both ambient and low-temperature food packaging applications, as well as hot-fill processes and heating scenarios up to 100°C for up to 2 hours.
This type of additive is extracted from rice bran wax-a renewable byproduct not used in food production, with over 98% bio-based components.
Rice bran wax is a natural plant wax byproduct produced during the refining of rice bran oil. It is a high-melting-point, crystalline, hard solid wax. Due to its non-toxic, renewable, and high-performance characteristics, it has become a superior alternative to petroleum-based waxes and carnauba wax, and is widely used in food, daily chemicals, chemicals, plastics, and other fields. It is also the core ingredient in Clariant's Licocare RBW series of food contact additives.
Its functions include lubricant, mold release agent, dispersant, and nucleating agent. It improves the flow properties of melts, enhances the release effect of products, and allows for uniform pigment distribution.
Applications include beverage bottles, food containers, and protective packaging. For inquiries about similar plant-based food-grade lubricants, dispersants, and compatibilizers, please contact Ms. Song at 18026368513. This EU approval represents another breakthrough following the product's previous food contact approvals from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Japanese food safety authorities.
Iederik Goyvaerts, Product Manager of Clariant's Additives Division, stated, "This approval creates a significant opportunity for European manufacturers, allowing them to use renewable alternative ingredients while fully complying with food safety regulations. It is also further confirmation of the quality and safety of our innovative bio-based products."
