Clariant has secured a major regulatory win in Europe by gaining approval from the European Commission for its renewable rice bran wax additives used in food-contact plastics. This decision follows a positive safety evaluation by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and marks an important step toward wider adoption of sustainable alternatives in packaging applications.
Expanded Authorization Across Key Polymers
As per Clariant press release, the new authorization covers the Licocare RBW 100–300 series, including the Licocare RBW 360 Vita and RBW 560 Vita products. The approval permits their use at concentrations up to 0.3% in plastics such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polylactic acid (PLA), and rigid polyvinyl chloride (PVC). It also allows these materials to contact non-fatty foods under typical storage and processing conditions — even during hot-fill or heating up to 100 °C for two hours.
Strengthening Global Compliance
Moreover, the EU approval builds on existing food-contact authorizations from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Japanese food safety authority. Consequently, manufacturers now have a broadly compliant, internationally recognized solution for incorporating rice bran wax additives into food-contact plastic products. The regulatory amendment officially entered into force on February 23, 2026.
Responding to Supply Challenges and Sustainability Goals
Clariant’s rice bran wax additives also address broader industry challenges. In recent years, traditional fossil-based montan wax supply has been constrained due to depletion of lignite coal deposits in Germany. Therefore, shifting to renewable rice bran wax not only lessens supply risks but also significantly reduces the carbon footprint — by up to 70% compared with montan wax alternatives.
Performance and Environmental Benefits
Finally, these renewable wax additives don’t just meet regulatory standards — they also enhance processing performance. Manufacturers benefit from improved lubrication, mold release, nucleation, and dispersion properties across applications ranging from beverage bottles to protective food packaging. Additionally, the products support biodegradability and industrial compostability, aligning with evolving sustainability demands in the plastics industry.
