Clariant achieves EU approval for renewable additives in food-contact plastics

Based in Switzerland, specialty chemical company Clariant has achieved EU Commission approval for its renewable rice bran wax additives in food-contact plastics. The additives are claimed to have an up-to-70% lower carbon footprint compared to fossil-based montan wax, while also addressing supply chain challenges.

The EU Commission approval is based on the EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) positive safety assessment of the additives. It covers the Licocare RBW 100-300 series, including Licocare RBW 360 Vita and RBW 560 Vita, authorising their use as additives at up to 0.3% in polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polylactic acid (PLA), and rigid polyvinyl chloride (PVC) materials and articles intended for contact with non-fatty foods. The approval encompasses applications at room temperature and below, including hot-fill and heating up to 100°C for up to two hours, addressing a wide range of food packaging needs.

The EU approval complements existing food contact authorisations from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Japanese food safety authority.

Image credit: AI-generated ©Clariant