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Microplastic-free Wax Additives
What Does “Microplastic-Free” Mean?
As sustainability regulations evolve, microplastic-free additives are becoming essential in modern coatings and ink formulations. Understanding the EU definition of microplastics is critical when selecting compliant materials.
Under EU regulation, a material is classified as a microplastic if it meets all of the following:
- A synthetic polymer (solid, organic, non-degradable)
- Present as particles (≥1% w/w) or as a coating on particles
- Particle size of ≤5 mm (≤15 mm for fibers)
- Insoluble in water
Importantly, materials such as Fischer-Tropsch (FT) waxes and paraffin waxes are considered microplastic-free wax additives because they do not meet the EU definition of a polymer.
For example:
- Natural wax additives like sugarcane wax are not classified as microplastics
- However, bio-based polyethylene wax derived from sugarcane is still considered a microplastic due to its polymer structure
High-Performance, Microplastic-Free Wax Additives
Our portfolio of microplastic-free wax additives for coatings, inks, and overprint varnishes delivers advanced surface performance while supporting regulatory compliance and sustainability goals.
Key performance benefits include:
- Superior matting agents for coatings
- Enhanced abrasion resistance additives
- Improved slip and rub resistance
- Effective mar and scuff resistance
- Broad compatibility in water-based coatings, solvent-based coatings, and UV coatings
Water-based solutions are available under our HydroCER® wax emulsions and dispersions, engineered for stability and ease of incorporation. The oxidized chemistries within our Neptune® line ensure excellent compatibility in water-based ink and coating systems.
Our S-Series wax additives include synthetic and hybrid wax alloys designed for industrial coatings, wood coatings, packaging inks, and UV-curable systems, with select options incorporating bio-based wax technology.
Microplastic-free wax additives
| Product | DSC Melt Point | NPIRI Grind | Hegman Grind | Particle Size Mean Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BioSLIP® 222 | 102-106ºC | 2.5 max | 6.5 min | 5 µm |
| BioSLIP 677 | 83-85°C | 2.5 max | – | 8 µm |
| BioSLIP 678 | 83-85ºC | 2.5 max | – | 8 µm |
| BioSLIP C-519 | – | 5.0 | 5.0 | 11 µm |
| BioSLIP C-521 | 82-85ºC | 5.0 Max | 6.5 Min | 7 µm |
| BioSLIP E-400 | 142 – 145ºC | – | 6.0 | 5 µm |
| BioSLIP EA-65 | 147°C | 3.5 Max | 6.5 – 7.0 | 5 μm |
| BioSLIP® EC-722 | 141-145ºC | 2.5 | 7.0 | 4 µm |
| HydroCER® 135 | 145°C | – | 6.0 Min | 8 µm |
| HydroCER® 257 | 100 | 4 Max. | 6.5 Min. | 10 µm |
| S-256-N1 | – | 2.5 Max | 6.5 Min | 5 µm |
| S-379-H | 100°C | 5.0 max | 6.0 min | 9 µm |
| S-381-N1 | 91°C | 2.5 max | 6.5 min | 6 µm |
| S-381-N5 | 209°F / 98°C | 5.0 max | 6.0 – 7.0 Min | 8.0 – 10.0 µm |
| S-394-MG | 235°F / 113°C | 2 Max. | 6.75 Min | 3 – 4 μm |
| S-394-N1 | 110°C | 2.5 Max. | 6.5 min | 6 µm |
| S-394-N5 | 235°F / 113°C | 3.0 – 4.5 Max | 6.0 – 7.0 Min | 7 – 9 μm |
| S-400-N1 | 144°C | 2.5 Max. | 6.0 Min. | 5 µm |
| S-400-N5 | 144 | 5.0 Max | 6.0 Min. | 8 µm |
| S-400-Q | 140-145°C | – | – | 8 μm |
| S-400-SP5 | 144 | 8.5 Max | 5.5 Min | 10 μm |