Expanding Opportunities for Bio-Based Licocare™ RBW Additives in Food-Contact Packaging

Clariant has expanded the application scope of its Licocare™ RBW range of bio-based wax additives, following new U.S. FDA approval for use in rigid PVC food-contact applications. This development significantly broadens the use of these materials across global packaging markets, complementing existing EFSA approvals in Europe and creating a harmonised regulatory framework for food-contact compliance.

Derived from rice bran wax, the Licocare RBW portfolio offers a renewable alternative to traditional fossil-based waxes, particularly montan wax, where long-term supply constraints continue to affect availability and pricing. In addition to sustainability advantages, these additives deliver proven technical performance, including lubrication, mould release, improved dispersion, and controlled slip behaviour in PVC processing.

The recent FDA approval, effective May 2026, extends authorisation beyond polyester to include rigid PVC applications. The full Licocare RBW range is now approved for use as processing aids, lubricants, release agents, and slip additives in both single- and repeat-use rigid PVC articles intended for food contact. This includes a wide variety of packaging formats, such as rigid containers, caps, and storage solutions, as well as food processing equipment components.

Importantly, the FDA approval works in combination with existing EFSA-based authorisations in Europe, which already cover PET, PLA, and rigid PVC applications. This dual approval enables packaging manufacturers and compounders to develop globally compliant formulations using a single additive platform. For multinational converters and brand owners, this reduces formulation complexity and supports faster product development across regions.

From a practical perspective, this regulatory alignment opens opportunities to incorporate bio-based Licocare RBW additives into a broader range of food-contact packaging applications, without compromising compliance or performance. It also supports the ongoing transition towards more sustainable materials, driven by both regulatory pressure and brand owner commitments.

Check out Clariant's press release here:

Azelis is proud to be the distribution partner for Licocare RBW waxes in the UK, France, and Türkiye, supporting customers with application development, regulatory guidance, and formulation optimisation. With access to a globally approved, bio-based additive platform, compounders in these markets can now confidently integrate Licocare RBW into their next-generation packaging solutions.

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