Clariant secures EU approval for renewable rice bran wax additives in food-contact plastics

SWITZERLAND – Clariant has achieved a key regulatory milestone after the European Commission granted approval for its renewable rice bran wax additives for use in food-contact plastics, following a positive safety assessment by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

The authorization, published under Regulation (EU) 2026/245 amending Annex I to Regulation (EU) No 10/2011 on February 2, 2026, covers the Licocare RBW 100–300 series, including Licocare RBW 360 Vita and RBW 560 Vita.

The additives are now approved for use at concentrations of up to 0.3% in polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polylactic acid (PLA) and rigid polyvinyl chloride (PVC) materials intended for contact with non-fatty foods.

The approval applies to applications at room temperature and below, including hot-fill processes and heating up to 100°C for up to two hours, broadening their suitability for beverage bottles, food containers and rigid packaging formats.

The amendment entered into force on February 23, 2026.

Clariant said the EU clearance complements existing food-contact authorizations from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Japan’s food safety authorities, giving converters and brand owners access to a globally compliant additive platform.

“Achieving the EU Commission approval based on the EFSA recommendation represents years of dedicated work,” said Diederik Goyvaerts, Segment Manager Additives at Clariant.

“This authorization opens significant opportunities for European manufacturers to transition to renewable alternatives while maintaining full compliance with food safety regulations.”

The timing is notable as the industry grapples with structural supply constraints for montan wax, traditionally derived from lignite coal deposits.

With key deposits in Germany depleting, manufacturers have faced supply volatility and price increases, prompting a search for stable, bio-based alternatives.

Clariant positions its rice bran wax additives as non-food competing and renewable, offering comparable lubrication, mould release, nucleation and dispersion performance in PET, PLA and PVC systems.

The company also highlights biodegradability and industrial compostability benefits, alongside potential Scope 3 emissions reductions compared with fossil-based waxes.

The approval aligns with broader industry efforts to decarbonize plastics. In recent months, Clariant has expanded its Vita portfolio of renewable-content additives and advanced mass-balance-certified solutions, while other players in the additives and polymers space have stepped up bio-based and recycled-content innovations to meet tightening EU sustainability and food-contact requirements.

With EFSA-backed clearance now in place, Clariant’s Licocare RBW line is positioned to support European converters seeking regulatory certainty, improved supply resilience and measurable progress toward circular economy targets in food packaging.

Subscribe to our email newsletters that provide busy executives like you with the latest news insights and trends from Africa and the World. SUBSCRIBE HERE