Page 186 - CW E-Magazine (22-10-2024)

Special Report

Rice bran wax: a sustainable and superior alternative

to montan wax

n a world increasingly focused on footprint by up to 80% compared to
sustainability, the materials we fossil-based montan wax. This reduc-
Ichoose for our products have never tion in carbon emissions is a signifi cant
been more important. For decades, advantage in meeting both regulatory
montan wax has been a staple in the requirements and corporate sustainabi-
coatings and plastics industries, valued lity goals.
for its performance and cost-effective-
ness. However, it’s time to rethink our Advanced performance with added
reliance on fossil-based materials like benefi ts
montan wax. Enter rice bran wax – a It’s easy to assume that choosing
bio-based, renewable option that offers a more sustainable wax means sacri-
performance comparable to montan Financial impact fi cing performance, but rice bran wax
wax while minimizing environmental The European Union’s Emissions challenges that perception. In coatings,
impact. Trading Scheme (EU ETS) imposes a consumer and care products, it delivers
cost on CO emissions that is steadily impressive gloss, hardness and compati-
2
Let’s explore why the transition to increasing. In Germany, for example, bility, offering performance that can
rice bran wax is not only benefi cial, but the CO price per tonne of emissions be a great alternative to montan wax.
2
essential to the future of the coatings is set at €45, with a further increase to In some cases, it even offers additional
and plastics industries. €55 planned for 2025, putting further benefi ts, making it an excellent choice
pressure on industries to reduce their for applications as diverse as metal
The hidden cost of Montan wax: reliance on fossil fuels(4). The rising packaging coatings, furniture fi nishes,
fossil fuel dependence cost of CO permits has already begun protective and powder coatings.
2
Montan wax is derived from lig- affecting the profi tability of industries
nite coal, a non-renewable fossil fuel. dependent on fossil materials. This is Licocare RBW Vita additives also
Here’s why long-term reliance on fossil leading to higher operational costs for function as effective lubricants, disper-
fuels is problematic: companies and increasing pressure to sion aids, and nucleating agents, suit-
transition to cleaner, more sustainable able for engineering thermoplastics
Environmental impact resources(5). and biopolymers, further reducing the
Lignite coal processing has a signi- industry’s reliance on fossil-based
fi cant contribution to greenhouse gas The rise of rice bran wax: a more materials. By incorporating rice bran wax
emissions(1). These emissions are sustainable solution into plastic formulations, manufacturers
accelerating global warming, leading to Rice bran wax is a by-product of can improve processing effi ciency
rising temperatures, more frequent and the rice industry, making it a renewable and enhance material properties. The
severe natural disasters, and disruptions and more environmentally friendly latest formulations of rice bran waxes
to ecosystems. Additionally, open-cast option. Unlike montan wax, which is tied are designed to meet the high-perfor-
mining can be linked to deforestation, to fi nite fossil resources, rice bran wax mance demands of the coatings and
loss of biodiversity, and soil and water is derived from an agricultural source. plastics industries, while supporting the
contamination(2). This by-product utilisation means transition towards renewable and more
that rice bran wax not only avoids the environmentally friendly materials.
Resource depletion environmental pitfalls of mining, but
Fossil fuels are fi nite resources and also adds value to an existing industry. Now is the time to consider the
continued reliance on them puts future switch
generations at risk. Unlike renewable Clariant’s Licocare RBW Vita rice As the coatings and plastics indus-
resources such as solar or wind power, bran waxes illustrate the potential of tries continue to prioritize sustainabi-
fossil fuels are found in the earth’s this bio-based alternative. With over lity, the choice between montan wax
crust. They cannot be replenished on a 98% renewable carbon index, these and rice bran wax becomes clear. Mon-
human timescale(3). waxes dramatically reduce the carbon tan wax, with its fossil origin and high

186 Chemical Weekly October 22, 2024

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