Legal Status of Waxes from Clariant with Respect to Food Legislation

Pigments & Additives Division 

Legal Status of Waxes 

from Clariant with Respect 

to Food Legislation 

> General Leaflet 

Exactly your chemistry.

Legal status of waxes from Clariant 

with respect to food legislation 

According to the German Lebensmittelund 

Bedarfsgegenständegesetz (LMBG) 

(German Food and Utensils Law) only 

substances which are expressly permitted 

may be used in food (Article 11). 

Substances are permitted which for 

example prevent the spoilage of foods, 

preserve their natural appearance and 

taste (preservatives, colouring agents) 

or in certain cases even enabling them 

to be manufactured. Additives permitted 

for these purposes are stipulated by 

name – often with their chemical designation 

– in the appropriate regulations. 

This group includes many waxes manufactured 

by chemically refining natural 

2 

> General Leaflet 

montan wax acids, and also several 

waxes on the basis of low-molecular 

polyolefins. They are permitted as 

food additives in accordance with the 

appropriate legislation on the admissibility 

and marketing of food additives. 

The rapid development of plastics, 

and in particular their favourable properties 

for many uses, has led to an 

ever-increasing degree of acceptance 

of their use in the food industry, e.g. 

as eating, drinking and cooking utensils, 

as containers and surface protection 

agents and above all as packaging 

material. 

The Lebensmittel- und Bedarfsgegenständegesetz 

(German Food and 

Utensils Law) also contains regulations 

on utensils and packaging for food. 

Utensils must be so constituted that 

they cannot cause damage to health 

when used for their designated and 

foreseeable purpose (LMBG Articles 

30, 31). In addition, it is forbidden to 

use, or to introduce onto the market 

for such purposes, utensils from which 

substances are transferred to food or 

its surface, except for technically unavoidable 

residues which are safe to 

health and have a neutral odour and 

taste (Article 31, Paragraph 1). 

As the manufacture, processing and 

application of most plastics is only 

possible with additives, such as catalysts, 

stabilizers, lubricants, plasticizers 

etc., the appropriate regulations naturally 

also apply to them. The assessment 

of plastics intended to come into contact 

with food is carried out in conjunction 

with the Kunststoff-Kommission (Plastics 

Commission) in the Bundesinstitut für 

Risikobewertung (German Federal 

Institute for Risk Assessment) (BfR), 

formerly the Bundesinstitut für gesundheitlichen 

Verbraucherschutz 

und Veterinärmedizin (German Federal 

Institute for Consumer Health Protection 

and Veterinary Medicine) (BgVV). 

The recommendations of the BfR are 

published as reports in the Bundesgesundheitsblatt 

(German Federal Health 

Bulletin).

These reports do not mention any brand 

names, but use the chemical composition 

to characterize the substances 

which are recommended subject to 

quantity limitations. In addition, purity 

requirements and further limiting properties 

of the substances are frequently 

specified. 

The recommendations of the BfR are 

not legally binding. However, manufacturers 

and users of utensils bear 

full responsibility in the case of any 

complaints based on the food laws. 

In view of the progressive integration 

of the single market in the EU it became 

necessary to specify uniform assessment 

criteria for plastics which come 

into contact with food. 

EU directives were drawn up for this 

purpose and these were incorporated 

into German law by the Bedarfsgegenständeverordnung 

(Regulations on 

Utensils) dated April 10, 1992 and subsequent 

guidelines. These regulations 

encompass substances admissible for 

the manufacture of cellophane and 

includes a list of monomers and other 

starting materials permitted for the 

manufacture of plastic utensils used 

in connection with food. 

The European Food Safety Agency 

(EFSA) of the EU Commission has 

already assessed an incomplete list of 

additives with regard to their impact 

on health. This assessment is published 

in a Synoptic Document and its 

Annexes. The Synoptic Document 

contains a “List of Additives for Plastics 

and Coatings”. 

A legal binding directive comprising 

monomers and additives for plastics 

on an european level is EU directive 

2002/72/EC and amendments. 

The German Ministry of Health has 

recommended that the assessment of 

the EFSA in the Synoptic Document – 

in addition to the recommendations of 

the BfR – be taken into consideration 

when evaluating additives and processing 

aids in plastic utensils used 

in connection with food. 

Some of the additives listed in the 

Synoptic Document are already included 

in EU Commission Directive 

2002/72/EC and amendments. 

Montan wax esters and oxidized polyethylene 

waxes are also permitted as 

coatings for citrus fruits in EU Directive 

No. 95/2/EC dated January 20, 1995 

concerning food additives other than 

colouring agents and sweeteners. 

Waxes from Clariant are used on a 

large scale for the manufacture and 

processing of numerous plastics. 

Their main use is in the processing of 

PVC, in which they are highly estimated 

as very effective lubricants. In addition, 

waxes from Clariant are used e.g. in 

the manufacture of pigment concentrates, 

release agents, impregnating 

agents, coatings (lacquers) and contact 

adhesives. 

The application of waxes for direct 

and indirect food contact in the USA 

is regulated by Food and Drugs 

Administration (FDA) and is codified 

in Title 21 of the Code of Federal 

Regulations (Food and Drugs, 21 CFR). 

After regulatory compliance of an 

additive is determined the FDA specifies 

detailed criteria for the use of the 

additive in question according to the 

area of application. 

In Japan, the Ministry of International 

Trade and Industry (MITI) and the 

Ministry of Health and Welfare (MHW) 

regulate questions of industrial safety 

and health. This includes problems relating 

to regulatory approval and registration 

of industrial products and their 

bearing on food hygiene. Applications 

of waxes in fields relevant to food legislation 

are included in the positive lists 

of the Japan Hygienic PVC Association 

and the Japan Hygienic Olefin and 

Styrene Plastics Association. 

This leaflet summarizes the status of 

waxes with regard to food legislation 

according to the recommendations of 

the BfR and the regulations which 

apply in the EU and other countries. 

Status: date of printing 

3

The status of Clariant waxes with regard to food legislation 

in the Federal Republic of Germany 

Product Characterisation Application 

4 

Licowax ® E Ester of montan wax acids Lubricant for polymers containing plasticizers, in 

Licowax OP with ethandiol and/or accordance with recommendation II 

Licowax KPS 1,3-butandiol and/or glycerine 

Licowax KSL and mixtures of these esters Additive to plasticized PVC shrink foil with a high 

Licolub ® WE 4 with non-esterified montan wax 

acids and their calcium salts 

permeability to oxygen 

Lubricant for plasticizer-free PVC 

Lubricant for plastic piping used in equipment 

for draught beverages, e.g. in accordance with 

recommendations II and XI 

Additive to plastic coating of cellophane and to 

lacquers in conjunction with other recommendations 

Additive to polyterephthalic acid diol ester 

Lubricants for conveyor belts on the basis of plasticizer 

containing PVC, in accordance with recommendation II 

Lubricant for piping in the beverage industry 

Additive for fillers for plastic utensils 

Licowax E Esters of montan wax acids Lubricant or release agent for polyamide 

Licowax OP with ethanediol and/or 

Licowax KPS 1,3-butanediol and mixtures Lubricant for polycarbonate 

Licowax KSL of these esters with nonesterified 

montan wax acids 

and their calcium salts 

Release agent for unsaturated polyester resins 

Lubricant for plasticizer-free plastic dispersions 

Processing aid in hard paraffin and wax dispersions silicon 

resin for coating paper, in accordance with recommendation XXV

Content limited to 1) published in the Bundesgesundheitsblatt 2) BfR 3) recommendation 

4 % 1981, p. 238, 149 th report I 

– 1981, p. 295, 151 st report I 

4 % 1981, p. 238, 149 th report II 

– 1960, p. 235, 3 rd report VIII 

– 1970, p. 182, 59 th report 

0.5 % 1987, p. 112, 173 rd report XVII 

– 1964, p. 362, 19 th report XXVII 

3 % 1981, p. 295, 151 st report XXIX 

2 % 1984, p. 289,167 th report LII 

2 % 1971, p. 265, 68 th report X 

0.1 % 1965, p. 110, 23 rd report XI 

– 1964, p. 380, 20 th report XII 

2.5 % 1977, p. 28, 123 rd report XIV 

10 % 1968, p. 54, 46 th report XV 

1) = The reference figure must be taken from the relevant recommendations, e.g. with respect to the final product, the plastic content, solids etc.; if necessary, 

as the sum of various additives 

2) = Bundesgesundheitsblatt (German Federal Health Bulletin), Carl Heymanns Verlag KG 

3) = Bundesinstitut für Risikobewertung (German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment) Berlin; 

the latest complete version of the recommendations is published in “Kunststoffe im Lebensmittelverkehr” (Plastics Used in the Food Industry) by Prof. Dr. R. Frank and 

Dr. Helmut Wieczorek, Carl Heymanns Verlag KG 

5


Licowax E Esters of montan wax acids Lubricant for melamine resin bonded boards 


Licowax KPS 1,3-butanediol and mixtures Additive to utensils on the basis of natural and synthetic 

Licowax KSL these esters with nonesterified 

montan wax acids 

synthetic in accordance with recommendation XXV 

and their calcium salts Additive to paraffin and microwax for impregnation, 

coatings, contact adhesives 




6 

Lubricant for elastomers made of natural and synthetic 

latex and for dispersions of solid rubber, in accordance 

with recommendation XIV 

Lubricant for acetal resin 

Additive to extender for mixed polymers made of ethylene, 

propylene, butylene, vinyl ester and unsaturated aliphatic 

acids etc., in accordance with recommendations XXV, II, III 

Manufacturing aid for paper, carton and cardboard in 

food packaging, in accordance with recommendation 

XXV, and as a component of plastic dispersions in 

accordance with recommendation XIV 

Lubricant for plastic tubes used in milk processing machines 

Additive to utensils on the basis of polyurethane 

Release agent for linear polyurethane 

Lubricant for chlorinated PVC, plasticizer-free 

Surface treatment (in a mixture with paraffin microwax) 

for synthetic sausage skins made of cellophane, 

in accordance with recommendation XXV 

Additive to synthetic sausage skins made of polyamide 

Additive to toys made of plastic and other polymers etc., 

in conjunction with various other recommendations


1 % 1961, p. 294, 9 th report XVIII 

0.3 % 1968, p. 9, 42 nd report XXI 

10 % 1967, p. 168, 38 th report XXV 

2.5 % 1966, p. 288, 32 nd report XXXII 

0.2 % 1969, p. 313, 54 th report XXXIII 

– 1966, p. 209, 30 th report XXXV 

2 % 1967, p. 24, 34 th report XXXVI 

2.5 % 1977, p. 28, 123 rd report 

3 % 1967, p. 316, 40 th report XXXVIII 

1.5 % 1975, p. 105, 111th report 

1980, p. 100, 139 

XXXIX 

th report 

1.5 % 1975, p. 105, 111 th report XLI 

8 % 1969, p. 209, 53 rd report XLII 

10 % 1971, p. 245, 67 th report XLIV 


– 1973, p. 170, 93 rd report XLVII 




7


Licowax E Esters of montan wax acids Additive to outer coating of hollow glassware 


Licowax KPS 1,3-butanediol and mixtures Lubricant in PVC and its mixed polymers for the 

these esters with non-esterified 

montan wax acids and their 

calcium salts 

drinking water sector 

Licowax KPE Esters of montan wax acids 

with ethanediol and/or 

butanediol and mixtures of 

Lubricant for melamine resin bonded boards 

their esters with non-esterified Manufacturing aid for paper, carton, cardboard coming 

montan wax acids and their into contact with food (as a component of plastic 

calcium salts, alkyl and 

alkylaryl ethoxylates 

dispersions in accordance with recommendation XIV) 

Licowax S Montan wax acids Additives in lacquers for cellophane 

Licowax E purified and/or their esters 


Licowax KPS 1,3-butanediol and/or its 

Licowax KSL calcium salts 

Licowax OP Esters of montan wax acids Coating on citrus fruits 

Licowax KPS with ethanediol and/or 1,3- 

Licowax KSL butanediol and mixtures with 

calcium salts of the montan 

wax acids 

Licowax C 

Licolub FA 1 

Ethylene Bisstearamide Lubricant for polymers containing plasticizers 

Lubricant for plasticizer-free PVC 




8 

Lubricant and release agent for polyethylene 

Lubricant and release agent for polystryrene 

Lubricant for styrene mixed polymers and graft


– 1974, p. 26. 100 th report XLVIII 

8 % 1977, p. 12, 1st KTW report (report on the health KTW recommendation 

assessment of plastics and other non-metal (recommendations for the use of 

materials for the drinking water sector) plastics and other non-metal 

materials for the drinking water 

sector) 

1.3.1 Polyvinyl chloride 

2.5 % or 4.0 mg/dm2 1972, p. 188, 77th in dispersion film 

report XIV 

1967, p. 24, 34 th report XXXVI 

– Bedarfsgegenständeverordnung (Regulations on 

utensils) dated April 11, 1994 Bundesgesetzblatt 

(Federal Gazette) 1994, Part I, p. 776 

140 mg/kg fruit Zusatzstoff-Verkehrsverordnung (Regulations on 

the Marketing of Additives) and Zusatzstoff-Zulassungsverordnung 

(Regulations on the Approval 

of Additives) Bundesgesetzblatt (Federal Gazette) 

Part I, No. 88 dated Dec. 23, 1977, p. 2696 und p. 2720 

2 % 1974, p. 44, 102 nd report I 

2 % 1974, p. 44, 102 nd report II 

2 % 1975, p. 49, 110 th report III 

2 % 1968, p. 24, 43 rd report V 

3 % 1976, p. 308, 121 st report VI 




9


Licowax C 

Licolub FA 1 

Ethylene Bisstearamide Lubricant and release agent for polypropylene 

Lubricant for plastic piping used in equipment for draught 

beverages, in conjunction with other recommendations 




10 

Lubricant or release agent for polyamide 

Surface treatment for cellophane film 

Additive to plastic coatings of cellophane, 

in conjunction with other recommendations 

Processing aid for polyterephthalic acid diol ester 

Additive to conveyer belts on the basis of PVC 

containing plasticizer, in accordance with recommendation II 

Lubricant for acetal resin 

Additive to mixed polymers made of ethylene, propylene, 

butylene, vinyl esters etc., in accordance with 

recommendations II, III 

Processing aid in plastic for surface coating of paper and 

cardboard, in conjunction with various other recommendations 

Additive to utensils on the basis of polyurethane 

Additive to plasticizer-free chlorinated PVC, its mixed 

polymers and polymer blends, in accordance with 

recommendation II 

Additive to PVC for the surface treatment of synthetic 

sausage skins made of cellophane, in accordance with 

recommendation II


2 % 1975, p. 49, 110 th report VII 

– 1960, pS. 235, 3 rd report VIII 

2 % 1971, p. 265, 68 th report X 

0.5 % mg/dm 2 1979, p. 401, 136 th report XIII 

– 1970, p. 182, 59 th report XIII 

0.5 % Report of the BfR dated March 6, 1996 XVII 

2 % 1964, p. 362, 19 th report XXVII 

0.2 % 1969, p. 313, 54 th report XXXIII 

0.03 % 1988, p. 365, 179 th report XXXV 

– 1967, p. 14, 34 th report XXXVI 

2 % 1974, p. 43, 101st report 

1980, p. 100, 134 

XXXIX 

th report 

< 1 % 1969, p. 209, 53 rd report XLII 

2 % 1971, p. 245, 67 th report XLII 




11


Licowax C Ethylene Bisstearamide Additive to polyethylene and polypropylene for synthetic 

Licolub FA 1 sausage skins, in accordance with recommendation III or VII 

12 

Additive to cross-linked polyethylene 

Additive to toys made of plastic, in conjunction with 

various other recommendations 

Additive for fillers for utensils made of plastic 

Lubricant in PVC and its mixed polymers for the 

drinking water sector 

Lubricant in polyethylene for the drinking water 

Licomont ®CaV 102 Montan acids calcium salt Stabilizer for polyethylene 

Licomont NaV 101 Montan acids sodium salt Nucleating agent for PET 

Licowax PE 130 Low-molecular polyolefins Lubricant for polymers containing plasticizers, 

Licowax PE 190 

Licowax PE 520 Lubricant for plasticizer-free PVC 

Licowax PP 230 

Additive to plastic piping used in equipment for draught 

beverages, in accordance with recommendation II 

Processing aid for colorants to colour plastics 

Surface treatment for cellophane film, in accordance 

with recommendations II and XXV 



2) = Bundesgesundheitsblatt (German Federal Health Bulletin), Carl Heymanns Verlag KG



2 % 1972, p. 205, 79 th report XLVI 


– 1984, p. 289, 167 th report LII 



materials for the drinking water sector) plastics and other non-metal materials 

for the drinking water sector) 

1.3.1. Polyvinylchlorid 



materials for the drinking water sector) plastics and other non-metal materials 


1.3.2. Polyethylen 

0.3 % 1993, p. 114, 189 th report III 

0.4 % 1972, p. 31, 73 rd report XVII 

8 % 1964, p. 407, 21 st report I 

8 % 1968, p. 272, 48 th report II 

– 1960, p. 235, 3 rd report VII 

– 1971, p. 278, 69 th report IX 





13


Licowax PE 130 Low-molecular polyolefins Additive to coatings of cellophane, in conjunction with 

Licowax PE 190 other recommendations 


Licowax PP 230 Additive to hard paraffin and wax dispersions for silicon resin 

for coating paper, in accordance with recommendation XXV 

14 

Additive to polyterephthalic acid diol ester 

Additive to utensils on the basis of natural and synthetic 

rubber, in accordance with recommendation XXV 

Additive to impregnations, coatings, contact adhesives 

Additive to conveyer belts on the basis of PVC containing 

plasticizer, in accordance with recommendation II 

Additive to latex and dispersions of natural and synthetic 

rubber, in accordance with recommendation XXI Licowax PP 230 

Additive to mixed polymers made of ethylene, propylene, 

butylene etc., in accordance with recommendation II 

Additive to surface treatments and coatings on paper, carton 

and cardboard, in accordance with recommendation XXV 

Additive to plasticizer-free PVC, its mixed polymers and 

polymer blends, in accordance with recommendation II 

In mixtures with paraffin for the surface treatment of 

synthetic sausage skins made of cellophane in accordance 

with recommendation XXV 

Additive to toys made of plastic, in accordance with 

various recommendations 

Additive to outer coating of hollow glassware 

Additive for fillers for utensils made of plastic 



2) = Bundesgesundheitsblatt (German Federal Health Bulletin), Carl Heymanns Verlag KG



< 50 % 1968, p. 54, 46 th report XV 

0.5 % 1975, p. 328, 116 th report XVII 

< 1.5 % 1968, p. 9, 42 nd report XXI 

< 50 % 1967, p. 168, 38th report 

1984, p. 27, 162 

XXV 

nd report 

8 % 1964, p. 362, 19 th report XXVII 

< 1.5 % 1966, p. 288, 32 nd report XXXII 

< 4 % 1966, p. 209, 30 th report XXXV 

– 1967, p. 24, 34 th report XXXVI 

< 4 % 1969, p. 209, 53 rd report XLII 

– 1971, p. 245, 67 th report XLIV 


– 1974, p. 26, 100 th report XLVIII 

12 % 1984, p. 289, 167 th report LII 




15


Licowax PE 130 Low-molecular polyolefins Lubricant in PVC and its mixed polymers for the 

Licowax PE 190 drinking water sector 



16 

Additive to chewing gum 

(only Licowax PE 130, PE 190, PE 520) 

Coating on cheese 

Licowax PED 121 Oxidized polyethylene wax Lubricant for polymers containing plasticizers, 

Licowax PED 136 in accordance with recommendation II 

Licowax PED 153 

Licowax PED 191 Lubricant for plasticizer-free PVC 


Licowax PED 522 Lubricant and release agent for polystryrene 

Licolub H 12 

Licolub H 22 

Licowax PED 121 Oxidized polyethylene wax Lubricant and release agent for stryrene mixed and 



graft polymers 



Lubricant for PVDC polymer 




Licolub H 12 

Licolub H 22 

Coating on citrus fruits


8 % 1977, p. 12, 1st KTW report (report on the KTW recommendation 

health assessment of plastics and other (recommendations for the use of 

non-metal materials for the drinking water plastics and other non-metal materials 


1.3.1 Polyvinylchloride 

– Zusatzstoff-Verkehrsverordnung (Regulations on 

the Marketing of Additives) and Zusatzstoff- 

Zulassungsverordnung (Regulations on the 

Approval of Addites) 1990 

10 % Käse-Verordnung (Regulations on Cheese) 

Bundesgesetzblatt (Federal Gazette) Part I, No. 88 

dated Dec. 23, 1977, p. 2738 

3 % 1992, p. 362, 188th report 

1996, p. 120, 193 

I 

rd report 

3% II 

3% V 

3% VI 

0.3 % 1993, p. 115, 189 th report XXXIV 

140 mg/kg fruit Zusatzstoff-Verkehrsverordnung (Regulations on the 

Marketing of Additives) and Zulassungsverordnung 

(Regulations on the Approval of Additives) Bundesgesetzblatt 

(Federal Gazette) 

Part I No. 88 dated Dez. 23, 1977, p. 2699 und p. 2720 







17

Admissible additives in the EU 


Licowax S Montan wax acids Additives to plastics 

Licowax E and/or their esters with ethylene glycol 

Licowax OP and/or with 1,3-butanediol 

Licowax KPS and/or glycerine 

Licowax KSL PM-Ref.-Nr. 67840 

Licolub WE 4 

Licowax C 

Licolub FA 1 

Ethylene Bisstearamide Additives to plastics 

Licowax E Montan wax acid ester E 912 Surface treatment of citrus fruits 

Licowax OP 

Licowax KPS 

Licowax KSL 

Licolub WE 4 

Licowax PED 121 Oxidized polyethylene wax Surface treatment of citrus fruits 








Licolub H 12 

Licolub H 22 

E 914 

18

Quantity Published 

– Directive 95/3/EC dated Feb. 14, 1995 

Official Journal of the European Union 

No. L 41/44 dated Feb. 23, 1995 



No. L 41/44 dated Feb. 23, 1995 


on other additives to food as colorants and 

sweeteners 

– Official Journal of the European Union 

No. L 61/1 dated March 18, 1995 

19


Licowax PE 130 Polyethylene wax Additives to plastics 

Licowax PE 190 PM-Ref.-No. 80000 


Licowax PP 230 Polypropylene wax 

PM-Ref.-No. 81060 

Additives to plastics 

Licowax PED 121 Oxidized polyethylene wax Additives to plastics 








Licolub H 12 

Licolub H 22 

PM-Ref.-No. 80077 

20

Quantity Published 

– Directive 2005/79/EC dated Nov. 18, 2005 


No. L 302/35 dated November 19, 2005 

– Directive 2005/79/EC 

– EC Additive List, Synoptic Document 

and amendments 

21

The status of Clariant waxes with regard to food legislation in other countries 

The legislation on food in the USA and 

many other countries is similar developed 

to that in Germany. The FDA – the 

Food and Drug Administration, USA – 

regulate the substances permitted to 

come “into direct or indirect contact 

with food” which are codified in the 

Title 21, Code of Federal Regulations 

(21 CFR). 

22 

There are also legal requirements for 

processing aids permitted for use in 

the processing of plastics in Australia, 

Belgium, the Czech Republic, Britain, 

France, the Netherlands, Italy, Japan, 

Austria and Spain. In many cases, 

countries without their own comprehensive 

food legislation refer to the 

legal requirements valid in the Federal 

Republic of Germany and the USA. 

Country Product Characterisation 

United Kingdom 

Rec.-No. T-141 Licowax E Montan wax ester 

Rec.-No. T-142 Licowax OP 

Rec.-No. T-137 Licowax KPS 

Rec.-No. T-177 Licowax PE 130 Non oxidized polyethylene waxes 

Rec.-No. T-178 Licowax PE 190 

Rec.-No. T-179 Licowax PE 520 

Rec.-No. T-172 Licolub C Ethylene Bisstearamide 

The national regulations of individual 

countries in the European Union are 

increasingly becoming replaced by the 

EU regulations for the whole of Europe. 

The legal admissibility of the Clariant 

waxes in individual countries is summarized 

in the following tables. 

Licolub WE 4 Glycerolesters of oxidatively refined montan wax acids 

France Licowax E Montan wax acids and esthers with ethanediol and/or 

Licowax OP 1,3-butanediol and mixtures these esters with non-esterified 

Licowax KPS 

Licowax KSL 

Licowax S 

montan wax acids and their calcium salts 

Licowax PE 130 Polyethylene wax 


Licowax PE 520

Application Quantity Published 

Lubricant for plastic 8 % BPF/BIBRA-Code of Practice 1976 

Additive to plastic 8 % BPF/BIBRA-Code of Practice 1991 

Additive to plastic 5 % BPF/BIBRA-Code of Practice 1991 

Lubricant for plastic – BPF/BIBRA-Code of Practice 1988 

Lubricant for plastic 3 % Journal officiel, April 16, 1959 

Circulaire No. 175, March 23,1959) 

> Lubricant for PVC, polystyrene homopolymers – Instruction dated Nov. 30, 1987 

and copolymers, polyolefins, polyamides and rubber 

> Additive to hot melt adhesives 

> Paper and carton coating 

> Additives to lacquers and printing inks 

Bulletin Officiel dated Dec. 16, 1987 

23


France Licowax PED 121 








Licolub H 12 

Licolub H 22 

Oxidized polythylene wax 

24 

Licowax C Ethylene Bisstearamide 

Licolub FA 1 

Italy Licowax E 

Licowax OP 

Licowax KPS 

Licowax KSL 

Esters of montan wax acids with ethanediol and 1,3-butanediol 

Licolub WE 4 Esters of montan wax acids with glycerine 


Licolub FA 1 

Licowax PE 130 Polyethylene 



Licowax PED 191 Oxidized polyethylene wax 


Licolub H 12 

Licolub H 22


> Lubricant for PVC, polystyrene homopolymers – Instruction dated Nov. 30, 1987 

and copolymers, polyolefins, polyamides 

and rubber 

> Additive to hot melt adhesives 

> Paper and carton coating 

> Additives to lacquers and printing inks 

Bulletin Officiel dated Dec. 16, 1987 

Additive to plastic 2 % Journal Officiel, June 4, 1969 

(Circulaire dated April 2, 1969) 

Additive to plastic and processing aid for – Gazzetta Ufficiale No. 104, 

regenerated cellulose April 20, 1973 

Additive to plastic – Gazzetta Ufficiale Nr. 120, 23.5.85 

Additive to plastic and processing aid for 0.5 % in PE Gazzetta Ufficiale No. 104, 

regenerated cellulose and PVC 

in other 

plastics 0.2 % 

April 20, 1973 

Utensils – Gazzetta Ufficiale No. 104, 

April 20, 1973 

Unplasticized PVC – Gazzetta Ufficiale No. 198, 

Aug. 25, 1994 

25


Spain 

26 

Licowax E Esters of the montan wax acids with ethanediol 

Licowax OP and/or 1,3-butanediol or glycerine and/or 

Licowax KPS calcium and sodium salts 

Licowax KSL 

Licolub WE 4 

Licowax S Purified montan wax acids 


Licolub FA 1 

Licowax PE 130 Polyethylene waxes, polyolefins of a low 



degree of polymerisation 

Licowax PP 230 Polypropylene wax 

Licowax PED 121 Oxidized polyethylene waxes 






Licolub H 12 

Licolub H 22 

Licowax PED 191 Oxidized polyethylene wax 


Switzerland To some extent these countries follow the regulations of the EU, 

Denmark the Federal Republic of Germany and the USA 

Sweden 

Norway


Additive to plastic for food packaging – 

Positive list, Ministerio de Sanidad 1982 

and/or registration number, 

Registro Sanitario Espaniol 

39.16/B-109 

39.16/B-110 

39.16/B-154 

39.16/B-132 

39.16/B-396 

Additive to plastic for food packaging – 39.16/B-130 



39.16/B-85 

39.16/B-84 

Additive to plastic for food packaging – – 

Coating of citrus fruits and additive to plastic and – 39.16/B-458 

for food packaging 39.16/B-367 

39.16/B-368 

39.16/B-152 

39.16/B-1 

Additive to plastic for food packaging – – 

– – – 

27


The Netherlands Licowax S Montan wax acids, esters of the montan wax acids 

Licowax E with ethanediol and/or 1,3-butanediol and/or 

Licowax OP 

Licowax KPS 

Licowax KSL 

Licolub WE 4 

glycerine, calcium salts of the montan wax acids 

28 

Licowax S Montan wax acids, esters of the montan wax acids 

Licowax E with ethanediol and/or 1,3-butanediol and/or calcium 

Licowax OP salts of the montan wax acids 

Licowax KPS 

Licowax KSL 


Licolub FA 1 

Licowax PE 130 Polyethylene, molecular weight > 200 



Licowax PP 230 Polypropylene, molecular weight > 400


Additives to plastics – Verpakkingen en Gebruiksartikelen 

Besluit (Warenwet) 1980, 

7th Supplement April 1994 

Additive for paper and cartons, rubber products – Verpakkingen en Gebruiksartikelen 

(Category II + III), metals, Besluit (Warenwet) 1980, 

film made from regenerated cellulose, coatings 6th Supplement June 1993 

Additives to plastics, metals, film made from – Verpakkingen en Gebruiksartikelen 

regenerated cellulose Besluit (Warenwet )1980, 


Additives to plastics, metals, paper and carton, – Verpakkingen en Gebruiksartikelen 

coatings Besluit (Warenwet) 1980, 


Coatings – Warenwet 1980, 

5th Supplement January 1992 

29


Belgium Licowax S Purified montan wax acids, esters of the montan wax 

Licowax E acids with ethanediol and/or 1,3-butanediol and/or 

Licowax OP 

Licowax KPS 

Licowax KSL 

Licolub WE 4 

glycerine 

30 


Licolub FA 1 

Licowax PE 130 Polyolefins of a low degree of polymerisation 




Licowax PED 121 Oxidized polyethylene 








Licolub H 12 

Licolub H 22


Additive to plastic for food packaging – Official Belgian Journal 

dated July 24, 1992, 

Royal decree dated May 11, 1992 

Additive to plastic for food packaging – Official Belgian Journal dated July 24, 

1992, Royal decree dated May 11, 1992 

Additive to plastic for food packaging – Official Belgian Journal 



Additive to plastics – Official Belgian Journal 



31


Austria Licowax E Montan wax acids: 

Licowax OP esters of the montan wax acids with ethanediol 

Licowax KPS 

Licowax KSL 

and/or 1,3-butanediol 

32 

Licolub WE 4 Esters of the montan wax acids with glycerine 

Licowax KPE Esters of the montan wax acids with ethanediol 

and/or 1,3-butanediol and alkylaryl and aryl ethoxylates 


Licolub FA 1 

Licowax PE 130 Low-molecular polyolefins 




Licowax PED 121 Oxidized polyethylene waxes 








Licolub H 12 

Licolub H 22


Lubricant for plastic 2 % Austrian Health Authority Bulletin, 

77th year, dated March 15,1976, p. 73 

Lubricant for PVC max. 2 % Plastic Additive List September 1995, 

Austrian Chamber of Commerce 

Additive to plastic for food packaging 2 % Austrian Health Authority Bulletin, 

77th year, dated March 15, 1976, p. 73 

Lubricant for plastic 2 % Austrian Health Authority Bulletin, 

77th year, dated March 15, 1976, p. 73 

Additive to hard paraffin and microwax, resin – Austrian Health Authority Bulletin, 

and plastic for impregnated coatings and contact 77th adhesives 

year, dated March 15, 1976, p. 73 

Lubricant for PVC, polystyrene homopolymers max. 3 % Plastic Additive List September 1995, 

and mixed polymers Austrian Chamber of Commerce 

33


Czech Republic Licowax E Vosk E 

Licowax OP Vosk OP 

Australia 

4) = In positive lists which use the trade name of the permitted products the old designation for polyethylene wax is still partly used, e. g. Hoechst Wax PA 520. 

In 1977 the nomenclature was changed. Since then, PA wax has been called PE wax, e. g. PE 520. 

34 

Licowax C Vosk C, 

or Ethylene Bisstearamide 

Licowax PE 520 Vosk PA 520 4) 

Licowax E Montan waxes 

Licowax OP 

Licowax KPS 

Licowax KSL 

Licolub WE 4 


Licolub FA 1 

Licowax PE 130 Polyethylene 


Licowax PE 520


Lubricant for polyethylene, polyamide (basis 

caprolactam), PVC, polystyrene, polyvinyl 

acetate, polypropylene, melamine formaldehyde 

resin, styrene copolymers 

– Hygienické P`´redpisy Svazek 42/1978 

Lubricant for: Polyethylen 0.2 % Hygienické P`´redpisy Svazek 42/1978 

Polystyrene 0.2 % 

Styrene copolymers 0.5 % 

Lubricant for: PVC 1.5 % Hygienické P`´redpisy Svazek 42/1978 

Polystyrene – 

Styrene copolymers 0.5 % 

Additive to PVC 3 % 

Australian Standard 

AS 2070.2-1992 

AS 2070.8-1992 

Additive for PE 5 % AS 2070.1-1992 

PVC 5 % AS 2070.2-1992 

Polystyrene 0.5 % AS 2070.3-1992 

Polyacrylnitrile 5 % AS 2070.4-1992 

Polypropylene 5 % AS 2070.5-1992 

AS 2070.8-1992 

Additive to polyacrylnitrile 3 % AS 2070.4-1992 

AS 2070.8-1992 

35


USA Licowax E Polyhydric alcohol diesters of oxidatively refined 

Licowax OP (Gersthofen process) montan wax acids 

36 

Licowax KPS Polyhydric alcohol diesters of oxidatively refined 

Licowax KPE (Gersthofen process) montan wax acids 

Licowax E Polyhydric alcohol diesters of oxidatively refined 

Licowax OP (Gersthofen process) montan wax acids 

Licowax KPS 

Licowax KPE 

Licolub WE 4 Polyhydric alcohol diesters of oxidatively refined 

(Gersthofen process) montan wax acids 

Licowax E Polyhydric alcohol diesters of oxidatively refined 

Licowax KPS (Gersthofen process) montan wax acids 

Licowax E Conversion product of montan wax acids with 

Licowax KSL ethylene glycol 


Licolub FA 1 

Licowax KP 303 Montan wax


Lubricant for food-contact utensils made of PVC – Code of Federal Regulations (FDA) Title 21 

§ 178.3770 (a) 

Release agent in resin and polymer coating for 5 % in § 178.3770 (b) 

polyolefin film in acc. with § 175.320 conjunction 

with § 178.3400 

Additive in aqueous PVDC dispersions – § 178.3770 (c) 

Lubricant in PVC – § 178.3770 (d) 

Coating on citrus fruits – § 172.210 (b) 

Additive in paper and paperboard – § 176.170 

§ 176.180 

Additive to cellophane, – § 177.1200 

release agent § 175.300 

component of adhesives, § 175.105 

component of paper and paperboard in contact 

with aqueous and fatty food 

§ 176.170 

component of paper and paperboard in contact with dry food, § 176.180 

additive to polymers Prior Sanction 

Component of adhesives – § 175.105 

component of rubber articles § 177.2600 

37


USA Licowax PE 130 



Polyethylene wax 

38 

Licowax PE 130 Olefin polymers 



Licowax PP 230 Polypropylene


Additive for 

> chewing gum – § 172.615 

> adhesives – § 175.105 

> contact adhesives – § 175.125 

> resin and polymer coatings – § 175.300 

> coating of polyolefin films max. 90 % § 175.320 

> paper and paperboard in contact with 

aqueous and fatty food 

50 % § 176.170 

> paper and paperboard in contact with dry food – § 176.180 

> cellophane – § 177.1200 

> closure with sealing gaskets for food containers – § 177.1210 

> rubber articles for repeated use max. 2 % § 177.2600 

> textile and textile fibres max. 50 % § 177.2800 

> lubricants with incidental food contact – § 178.3570 

> reinforced wax for packaging cheese – § 178.3850 

Additive for articles in contact with food – § 177.1520 (c) 2.1, 2.3 

– § 177.1520 (c) 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 

max. 50 % § 177.1520 (c) 2.3 

Additive for articles in contact with food – § 177.1520 (c) 1.2 

component of adhesives – § 175.105 

39


USA Licowax PED 121 Polyethylene, oxidized 




Licolub H 12 

(acid value 9-19) 

40


Additive for 

> fruit coating – § 172.260 

> adhesives – § 175.105 

> pressure sensitive adhesives – § 175.125 

> resin and polymer coatings – § 175.300 

> coating of polyolefin films – § 175.320 

> paper and paperboard in contact with 

aqueous and fatty food 

– § 176.170 

> paper and paperboard in contact with dry food – § 176.180 

> cellophane – § 177.1200 

> closures with sealing gaskets – § 177.1210 

> articles in contact with food – § 177.1620 

> rubber articles for repeated use – § 177.2600 

> textile and textile fibres – § 177.2800 

> lubricants with incidental food contact § 178.3570 

> reinforced wax for packaging cheese – § 178.3850 

41


Japan 

42 

Licowax E Montan wax acids, ester of ethanediol 

Licowax OP Montan wax acids, ester of 1,3-butanediol 

Licowax S Montan wax acids 








Licolub WE 4 Montan wax acids, glycerol ester 


Licomont CaV 102 Montan acids calcium salt


PVC – J-0277 

PE – [B] NM-0644 

BDR – 

PED 3.0 % 

PET 3.0 % [B] NM-0644 

PS – [B] NL-0611 

PA 2.0 % 

PC 0.1 % 

POM 0.2 % 

PE 3.0 % [B] NL-0645 

PP 2.0 % 

ABS 3.0 % 

PC 0.1 % 

PE 3.0 % [B] NL-0762 

PP 2.0 % 

ABS 3.0 % 

PC 0.1 % 

POM 0.2 % 

PBT – 

PS – [B] NL-1200 

ABS – 

PA 2.0 % 

PBT – 

PET – 

PC 0.1 % 

POM 0.2 % 

Positive lists of the Japan Hygienic PVC 

Association (J-XXXX) and Japan Hygienic 

Olefin and Styrene Plastics Association 

([B]XX-XXXX) 

43


Japan 

44 

Licomont NaV 101 Montan acids sodium salt 


Licolub FA 1 


Licolub FA 1 






Licowax PE 520


PE 0.4 % [B] NL-1201 

PP 0.4 % 

PS 0.4 % 

PA 0.4 % 

PET 0.4 % 

POM 0.4 % 

PPE 0.4 % 

PVC – J-0278 

PE 0.5 % [B] NL-0648 

PP 2.0 % 

PMP 0.2 % 

PS 0.4 % 

AS 2.0 % 

ABS 2.0 % 

PMMA 0.2 % 

PB-1 0.2 % 

BDR 0.2 % 

PA 0.2 % 

PET 0.2 % 

PC 0.2 % 

PVC – J-0279 

PE – [B] NL-0647 

PP – 

PS – 

AS – 

ABS – 

PET 0.5 % 

PC – 


Association (J-XXXX) and Japan Hygienic 


([B]XX-XXXX) 

45


Japan 

46 

Licowax PP 230 Polypropylene 

Licowax PED 521 Oxidized polyethylene 

Licowax PED 121


PE – [B] NJ-0920 

PP – 

PMP – 

PS – 

ABS – 

PMMA – 

PB-1 – 

BDR – 

PA – 

PET – 

PC – 

PE – [B] NJ-0649 

PP – 

PS – 

AS – 

ABS – 

BDR – 


Association (J-XXXX) und Japan Hygienic 


([B]XX-XXXX) 

47

Please note 

This information is based on our present state of knowledge and is intended to provide 

general notes on our products and their uses. It should not therefore be construed 

as guaranteeing specific properties of the products described or their suitability for 

a particular application. Any existing industrial property rights must be observed. 

The quality of our products is guaranteed under our General Conditions of Sale. 

® = Trademark of Clariant registered in numerous countries. 

Edition: November 2006 

www.pa.clariant.com 

Clariant International Ltd. 

Pigments & Additives Division 

Rothausstrasse 61 

4132 Muttenz 

Switzerland 

Phone: +41/61/469-7921 

Fax: +41/61/469-7543 

Exactly your chemistry. 

DA 8250 E_11/06

Legal Status of Waxes from Clariant with Respect to Food Legislation

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