FDA authorizes Clariant's bio-based wax additives for rigid PVC food-contact applications
Last update on May 29, 2026
Clariant has received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for its bio-based Licocare RBW wax additives for use in rigid polyvinyl chloride (PVC) food-contact applications. The authorization extends the company’s existing FDA approval from polyester materials to rigid PVC applications.
The approval applies to the full Licocare RBW range, including the RBW 100 series, RBW 300 series, 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 food-contact applications for all food types except infant formula and human milk contact.
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For direct food-contact applications, the additives are approved at concentrations up to 0.5% by weight under conditions of use C through H, with a maximum temperature of 80°C for hot-fill applications. Clariant also received an Opinion Letter of No Objection (LONO) covering repeated-use applications at concentrations up to 1% in rigid PVC food-processing equipment.
According to Clariant, the approvals support use in rigid PVC containers, packaging materials, and food-processing equipment components such as conveyor belts, cutting boards, storage containers, seals, and gaskets. The different concentration limits allow formulators to adjust specifications depending on application and compliance requirements.
The FDA authorization adds to existing regulatory approvals for the Licocare RBW portfolio. In February 2026, the European Commission published authorization based on a positive EFSA opinion covering the same product line for PET, PLA, and rigid PVC applications. Clariant also reports 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.”
According to Clariant, Licocare RBW additives are derived from rice bran wax and are intended to provide a renewable alternative to fossil-based montan waxes. The company states that the materials can contribute to lower carbon footprint compared to conventional montan waxes. Clariant also noted ongoing supply constraints in the montan wax market due to depletion of lignite coal deposits used for extraction.
The company reports that the additives provide lubrication, mold release, nucleation effects, and improved dispersion properties during processing. Clariant further states that the products are biodegradable and industrially compostable, supporting end-of-life sustainability targets for packaging applications.
With approvals from FDA, EFSA, and Japanese authorities, Clariant has expanded regulatory coverage for the Licocare RBW portfolio across several global food-contact markets.
You can access full product portfolio of Clariant with their technical details in our Master Catalog of Additives!
Image credits: Clariant