European Wax Federation

Every type of wax is defined by certain parameters such as hardness, melting point, viscosity, colour, and many others. These determine the large number of potential uses of the product.

Some waxes are approved as food additives (E 901, E 905, E 912, E 914). Those waxes must comply with stringent specifications that are described by international laws and regulations. Most important are EC, FDA, and MITI approvals, but there are other national guidelines which have to be taken into account in some countries. A great number of waxes, mineral hydrocarbons or white oils are also approved for use in pharmaceutical, cosmetic and food contact applications.

Wax applications can be classified into two categories:

• waxes as processing aids
• waxes as base materials or additives for imparting, improving or modifying product properties

Out of several thousand applications which have been reported up to present, only a small selection can be presented here. For details please refer to EWF member companies.

Field of application	Function during processing	Function/effect on finished good
adhesives, hot melts	viscosity regulation, open time	rapid set off
agriculture (fertilizers, plant protection)	anti-agglomeration aids in controlled release fertilizers; grafting	retard release of chemical protection against microbes in grafting
automotive industry		surface protection on metal and painted surfaces; corrosion protection in cavities
candles	moldability and extrudability	fuel for controlled burn
carbon paper	dispersing agent and binder	clarity of reproduction
cardboard, paper	improvement of MVT properties of substrate and adhesion	coating, impregnation, surface gloss, laminating
ceramics and metal (powder)	binder for sintering	improved surface and reduction of rejects
cheese	encapsulation; moisture controll	coating, surface protection
chewing gum	dispersion of rubber and gumbase aditives	chewability of gumbase
citrus (and other) fruit	surface and emulsifier treatment	protective coating
cosmetics	binder, consistency regulation	component of ointments, pastes, creams, lipsticks
electrical and electronic applications	release agent; masking agent in edging process	insulator
explosives	process aid	phlegmatizer
metal working	lubrication	corrosion inhibitor
paints and coatings	viscosity regulation	matting, surface protection; slip agent
pharmaceuticals	dispersion or surface treatment aid	surface protection; glazing agent; release retardant in drugs
pigments	processing aid	carrier (base wax) in pigment masterbatches
plastics and rubber	lubricant (PVC), release agent (PA)	improves surface appearance
polishes	major ingredient	surface protection of leather, floors, cars
poultry	defeathering	smooth skin
printing inks	dispersion promotor	improvement of rub resistance, slip, gloss
recycling	homogenizer	compatibilizer
ski		lubricant; polish
textile industry	sizing agent	water repellant, lustering
toner (photocopiers)	dispersing aid	print clarify