16 May 2024

Did you know that rice bran waxes can replace carnauba waxes?

MUTTENZ, May 16, 2024 - Carnauba wax, derived from palm leaves, has long been considered as the gold standard for delivering key properties like hardness, scratch resistance, and gloss in coatings. However, with increasing supply constraints and sustainability concerns, formulators are actively seeking alternatives[1]. At Clariant, we recognize the need for alternatives driven by customer demands as well as our responsibility to address environmental challenges. We strive to make a meaningful impact in the industry all while maintaining our focus on meeting the diverse needs of our customers.

The power of Licocare^® rice bran waxes

Licocare RBW Vita offers an innovative bio-based solution that retains the shine, durability, and formulation potential associated with carnauba while aligning with sustainability preferences. This renewable carnauba alternative achieves exceptional performance qualities through 100% plant-based sourcing.

Our upvalued rice bran waxes offer high-performance solutions at the same time as addressing the key sustainability mega-trends transforming the coatings industry. They are not just renewable-based, but also non-food competing, contain no microplastics or PFAS chemicals, and have a remarkable renewable carbon index exceeding 98%. Clariant’s rice bran waxes can already be found in automotive coatings, furniture coatings, and protective coatings such as in cell phones.

Its lighter color enables flexible adaptation across color-sensitive applications. Produced through controlled industrial processes, our consistent quality avoids production adjustments needed with natural waxes. With a broad portfolio and wide variety of solutions, Licocare RBW Vita offers formulators a choice of characteristics like polarity, hardness, and melting point to select the optimal product for their care products, emulsions, coatings, and plastics.

Licocare RBW Vita simplifies the substitution in existing carnauba-based coatings thanks to an extensive portfolio offering a wide choice of characteristics (polarity, hardness, drop point, particle size) to fit diverse applications like care, emulsions, coatings, plastics, and many more. You can expect high performance in the following key areas:

Outstanding scratch resistance and slip
Excellent formulation stability
Neutral transparency that prevents discoloration

“With Licocare RBW Vita, we bring meaningful, high-quality solutions to coatings applications while reflecting our sustainability values. These bio-based rice bran waxes represent the future of coatings.” - Ray Gonzales, Head of Global Marketing Coatings & Adhesives.

Whether seeking to overcome supply chain hurdles or improve sustainability, Licocare RBW Vita unlocks the next generation of renewable coatings while minimizing any necessary compromises. Carnauba-like functionality and beyond is possible with rice bran wax.

Ready to elevate your next formulation?

Visit our dedicated rice bran wax landing page to learn more about the power of Licocare RBW Vita and contact our experts, who will help you achieve sustainable success.

To view more information on Clariant’s rice ban waxes, please visit the blog.

Licocare® IS A TRADEMARK OF CLARIANT REGISTERED IN MANY COUNTRIES.

[1] giz2021-en-carnauba-wax-brazil.pdf.

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Clariant International Ltd
Rothausstrasse 61
4132 Muttenz 1
Switzerland

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Notes for editors

www.clariant.com

Clariant is a focused specialty chemical company led by the overarching purpose of “Greater chemistry – between people and planet.” By connecting customer focus, innovation, and people the company creates solutions to foster sustainability in different industries. On 31 December 2023, Clariant totaled a staff number of 10 481 and recorded sales of CHF 4.377 billion in the fiscal year for its continuing businesses. Since January 2023, the Group conducts its business through the three Business Units Care Chemicals, Catalysts, and Adsorbents & Additives. Clariant is based in Switzerland.

The products described herein are for coatings use only. This media release may be accessible from various countries around the world and hence it may contain statements or product classifications not applicable to your country. Statements contained herein may not be applicable to products regulated by the US FDA or Health Canada.

This information corresponds to the present state of our knowledge and is intended as a general description of our products and their possible applications. Any user of this product is responsible for determining the suitability of Clariant´s products for its particular application.

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