MATERIALS | PVC ADDITIVES
Above: The divestment of Arkema’s impact
modifiers and processing aids businesses to Praana includes the Vlissingen production facility in the Netherlands
equipment manufactured from rigid PVC, the dual authorisation structure addressing both direct food-contact packaging applications and industrial processing equipment requirements. “This FDA approval represents another step in our systematic approach to securing comprehen- sive food-contact authorisations across materials and regions,” said Diederik Goyvaerts, Market Manager, Additives at Clariant. “The expansion from polyester to rigid PVC demonstrates the versatility of rice bran wax chemistry and provides processors with regulatory compliance for a broader range of applications.”
Montan alternative Montan wax, extracted from lignite coal deposits, has been widely used as a lubricant in PVC formu- lations for some time. However, lignite is a finite resource with depleting reserves, particularly in Germany where primary deposits are located. This situation has resulted in supply disruptions and price volatility, creating challenges for PVC proces- sors dependent on consistent additive availability. “The current and future montan wax supply challenge presents the market with a short-term challenge as well as a long-term strategic opportu- nity,” said Goyvaerts. “Increasing supply concerns are already encouraging companies to switch to Licocare RBW Vita products as valid sustainable alternatives. The steady progress related to the broadening food contact compliance will certainly accelerate this switch.” Clariant points out rice bran wax is derived from an annually renewable agricultural source, provid- ing supply stability compared to geological deposits with finite reserves. The material is sourced from non-food-competing fractions of rice process- ing, utilising an existing agricultural by-product. Licocare RBW Vita additives function as both
38 COMPOUNDING WORLD | June 2026
internal and external lubricants in PVC processing, reducing melt viscosity and minimising friction at polymer-metal interfaces during extrusion and moulding operations. The additives demonstrate thermal stability at standard PVC processing temperatures (160-200°C) and provide effective pigment dispersion, mould release functionality, and low migration characteristics. They also exhibit a renewable carbon index of 98% with substantial product carbon footprint reductions compared to montan wax-based alternatives. The combined FDA and EFSA authorisations enable rice bran wax additive use across multiple rigid PVC application categories, including food processing equipment components such as conveyor belts, cutting boards, seals, and gaskets, as well as rigid PVC containers and packaging materials. The dual concentration specifications (0.5% for direct food contact, 1% for processing equipment) provide flexibility for different applica- tion requirements, while the systematic expansion of food-contact approvals across regulatory jurisdictions provides PVC processors with comprehensive compliance documentation and viable alternatives to conventional montan wax-based additives while addressing supply chain constraints.
Divestment At K2025, Arkema displayed its full range of additives including Durastrength acrylic impact modifiers designed to deliver optimum cost and performance in rigid and flexible PVC applications for siding, fence, deck, rail, pipe, and injection moulding applications, plus its Clearstrength impact modifiers, Plastistrength process aids and Biostrength additives for bio-based polymers. The Clearstrength E-series has been developed to withstand severe processing conditions and bring
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IMAGE: ARKEMA
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