Clariant has achieved a regulatory milestone with the EU Commission approval based on the EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) positive safety assessment for its renewable rice bran wax additives in food-contact plastics. This authorization, published in the (EU) 2026/245 amending Annex I to Regulation (EU) No 10/2011 on February 2, 2026 positions Clariant's Licocare RBW product line as a sustainable and compliant solution for applications intended to come into contact with food across the European plastics industry.
The EU Commission approval based on the EFSA opinion covers the Licocare RBW 100-300 series, including Licocare RBW 360 Vita and RBW 560 Vita, authorizing their use as additives at up to 0.3% in polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polylactic acid (PLA), and rigid polyvinyl chloride (PVC) materials and articles intended for contact with non-fatty foods. The approval encompasses applications at room temperature and below, including hot-fill and heating up to 100°C for up to two hours, addressing a wide range of food packaging needs.
This authorization represents a critical achievement in Clariant's global regulatory strategy for rice bran wax additives. The approval complements existing food contact authorizations from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Japanese food safety authority, providing manufacturers with a comprehensively approved solution for international markets. With the amendment entering into force on February 23, 2026, the European plastics industry can now confidently incorporate these sustainable additives into their formulations while meeting stringent regulatory food contact requirements.
"Achieving the EU Commission approval which is based on the EFSA recommendation for our Licocare rice bran wax additives represent years of dedicated work and demonstrates Clariant's commitment to delivering sustainable solutions that meet the highest regulatory standards," 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. It's a testament to the quality and safety of our bio-based innovations."
