Clariant has received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, FDA, for the use of bio-based Licocare RBW wax additives in rigid polyvinyl chloride, PVC, applications intended for food contact. The authorization takes effect on May 7, 2026 and extends the company’s previous approval, which covered polyester materials, to rigid PVC. The approval covers the entire Licocare RBW portfolio, including the RBW 100 series, the RBW 300 series, and the Licocare RBW 360 Vita and RBW 560 Vita grades. The additives have been authorized for use as processing aids, lubricants, release agents, and slip additives in single-use and repeat-use rigid PVC articles for all food types, except infant formula and human milk contact.
For direct food-contact applications, the additives have been approved for use at levels of up to 0.5 wt% under conditions of use C through H, with a maximum temperature of 80°C for hot-fill applications. Clariant has also received a Letter of No Objection, LONO, for repeated use at concentrations of up to 1% in food-contact articles used in food-processing equipment made of rigid PVC. The dual authorization enables the use of the additives in multiple applications, such as rigid PVC containers, packaging materials, and food-processing equipment components, including conveyor belts, cutting boards, storage containers, seals, and gaskets. The different concentration levels allow formulators to adjust specifications to the requirements of a specific application while maintaining regulatory compliance.
The FDA approval adds to the existing regulatory authorizations for the Licocare RBW portfolio. In February 2026, the European Commission published an 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. This set of approvals is intended to provide manufacturers with regulatory compliance across major international markets.
As Diederik Goyvaerts, Market Manager, Additives at Clariant, said, "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. This authorization represents years of work and opens significant opportunities for manufacturers seeking to transition to renewable alternatives while maintaining full compliance with food safety regulations in both North American and European markets."
Application scope and raw material background
Licocare RBW additives are produced from rice bran wax and, according to the company, provide a renewable alternative that can significantly reduce the carbon footprint compared with conventional fossil-based montan waxes. As stated, the industry is experiencing supply constraints for montan wax, which is extracted from lignite deposits in Germany that are gradually being depleted. This situation is leading to supply disruptions and price increases for manufacturers.
The rice bran wax-based additives are intended to provide processing benefits including lubrication, release effect, nucleating action, and improved dispersion properties. The products are biodegradable and industrially compostable, which is expected to support end-of-life requirements for packaging materials. The production process also eliminates the landscape and biodiversity impact associated with lignite mining.
The FDA approval for rigid PVC is part of Clariant’s approach of securing regulatory authorizations for different materials and regions. With authorizations now covering FDA, EFSA, and Japanese authorities, the company has established a regulatory compliance framework for its bio-based Licocare RBW portfolio in key global markets. This is intended to provide manufacturers with a basis for implementing renewable alternatives in food-contact applications.
Clariant secures FDA approval for bio-based Licocare RBW additives in rigid PVC food-contact applications
