Can biomass waste improve manufacturing efficiencies & circularity?

Biomass waste can significantly improve manufacturing efficiencies and support circularity in the plastics industry. One example of this is Clariant International Ltd's Licocare® RBW Vita waxes, which are made from crude rice bran wax, a by-product of the production of rice bran oil. These bio-based processing aids can now be used in polyester applications that require FDA approval, including food packaging, infant care, appliances, and water filtration. In addition to being suitable for use in virgin and recycled engineering thermoplastics, these multi-purpose additives have a high renewable carbon content and can help plastics processors meet their efficiency and carbon emission goals while also improving product performance.

Licocare® RBW Vita waxes offer a low-carbon solution for improving polymer melt flow and increasing dispersion, reducing the force needed to remove injection molded parts or release film sheets. This makes it easier for manufacturers to meet demanding end-application requirements for smooth surfaces and filling difficult geometries, and can also enhance mechanical properties, even when working with recycled content. In addition, the use of these renewable additives can lead to faster processing at lower temperatures, which can reduce carbon generation and consumption, as well as energy use, product rejections, and waste.

Not only do these additives help to improve efficiency and reduce carbon emissions in the manufacturing process, but they also have a positive impact on the circular economy. The easier material release enabled by Licocare® RBW Vita waxes means less time is lost to stuck parts and cleaning, and any scrap can be reused, including in FDA-approved material, for new packaging or other applications such as PET fibers for water filters or children's clothing.

Overall, Licocare® rice bran waxes are a significant contribution to the transition from fossil carbon to renewable carbon in the plastics industry, and can help supply chain partners achieve the Sustainable Development Goals of responsible consumption and production and climate action while remaining competitive.