Clariant’s Licocare RBW wax additives have received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for use in rigid polyvinyl chloride (PVC) food-contact applications, effective 7 May 2026. The authorization extends the company’s existing FDA approval beyond polyester materials to cover rigid PVC.
The approval covers the complete Licocare RBW product range, including the RBW 100 series, RBW 300 series, and the grades Licocare RBW 360 Vita and RBW 560 Vita. The additives are authorized for use as processing aids, lubricants, release agents, and slip additives in single- and repeat-use rigid PVC applications across all food types, with the exception of infant formula and human milk contact.
For direct food-contact applications, the additives are approved at levels up to 0.5% by weight under conditions of use C through H, with a temperature maximum of 80°C for hot-fill applications. Clariant has also received an Opinion Letter of No Objection (LONO) for repeated use at concentrations up to 1% in food-contact articles for food processing equipment made of rigid PVC.
The dual authorization enables use across rigid PVC containers, packaging materials, and food processing equipment components such as conveyor belts, cutting boards, storage containers, seals, and gaskets. The differing concentration levels allow formulators to adjust specifications based on application requirements while maintaining regulatory compliance.
The FDA approval adds to Clariant’s existing regulatory authorizations for the Licocare RBW portfolio. In February 2026, the EU Commission published authorization based on EFSA’s positive opinion for the same product line in PET, PLA, and rigid PVC materials. The company also holds authorization from the Japanese food safety authority.
“Achieving FDA approval for our Licocare RBW additives in rigid PVC applications demonstrates Clariant’s commitment to delivering sustainable solutions that meet the highest regulatory standards across multiple jurisdictions,” said Diederik Goyvaerts, market manager, additives at Clariant. “This authorization represents years of dedicated work and opens significant opportunities for manufacturers to transition to renewable alternatives while maintaining full compliance with food safety regulations in both North American and European markets.”
Licocare RBW additives are derived from rice bran wax and, according to the company, offer a renewable alternative with lower carbon footprint compared to conventional fossil-based montan waxes. Montan wax is extracted from lignite coal deposits in Germany that are said to be actively depleting, which the company states has contributed to supply disruptions and price increases for manufacturers.
The rice bran wax additives provide processing benefits including lubrication, mold release, nucleation effects, and enhanced dispersion properties. The products are described as biodegradable and industrially compostable. The company also notes the production process avoids the landscape disruption and biodiversity impact associated with lignite mining.
