ABOUT HOME PRODUCT FINDER PRODUCTS APPLICATIONS RESOURCES SUSTAINABILITY CAREERS CONTACT Waxes are Safe & Natural Responsibility Through Research At IGI, we believe Waxes are Safe to Use Waxes are safe to use for their intended application, whether it be in the manufacture of candles, coating of wood fiber for FDA approved food grade packaging or the manufacture of crayons. In general terms, waxes are either naturally or synthetically derived. There are three types of natural waxes: mineral waxes, animal waxes (eg beeswax, lanolin, tallow), and vegetable waxes (eg carnauba, soy, palm). Mineral waxes, include petroleum based waxes (eg. paraffin, microcrystalline, petrolatum) and fossil or earth waxes (eg ceresin, montan). Synthetic waxes are prepared using chemical processes from natural gas or coal. Paraffin and Microcrystalline waxes are natural waxes derived from ancient plant and animal matter that lived millions of years ago. Once extracted from the ground, this product is transported and processed (refined) into many different product forms, including waxes. Fully refined Paraffin wax and Microcrystalline wax are non-reactive, non-toxic, colorless mixtures of hydrocarbons that are solid at ambient temperature, thermoplastic in nature and effective as a moisture barrier and non-toxic, clean burning fuel. Due to its very nature, few substances will chemically react with or bind to Paraffin or Microcrystalline wax, thus making them convenient and safe raw materials to use in many different applications. Waxes are tailored to Specific Applications and Safety Requirements Multi-step processing of wax, along with thorough product testing, ensures our end customers and the ultimate end-consumer receive clean, high quality products. In many instances, these products meet stringent testing criteria of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in food and food contact applications. Custom Blends. Custom Properties! Solid and liquid paraffin wax blends for candles, coatings and custom applications. Ultra-stable and available in low, medium and high melt points. Talk to IGI about your goals. Contact-Us Waxes are used safely in everyday life Waxes impart moisture resistance and structural strength to corrugated containers used to package vegetables, meat and seafood products. This enables the packaging to be constructed from more sustainable sources, and to be more durable, last longer and be lower in weight for transport than alternative packaging options. In food wraps and burger patty papers, waxes can protect your food for improved convenience. In recyclable and compostable drink cups and packaging, waxes provide structural integrity and reduce liquid penetration through the paper substrate. Waxes are also safely and effectively applied as a protective surface coating for various fruits, vegetables (produce) and cheese, to reduce food wastage. When used as a fuel in candles, scientific studies have shown that all major candle waxes, including paraffin and microcrystalline waxes, exhibit the same burn behavior, and produce virtually identical indoor emissions. Vegetable waxes, such as soy or palm waxes, do not exhibit any different properties to paraffin wax based candles. Sooting and emissions are typically a factor of the total candle design (eg fragrancing, wick, etc), and the environment that the candle is being burnt in (ie drafts should be avoided to minimize soot release). Vegetable waxes may be perceived as renewable, but are highly chemically treated through a process called hydrogenation, and feedstocks may contribute to deforestation of virgin forests, or compete with food production. Paraffin and microcrystalline waxes are also used to bind ingredients and serve as a component to impart “chew” characteristics in chewing gum. Paraffin has been used safely as one of the main components of crayons. Wax is used as a safe base material, to improve rheology and provide moisture barrier properties in cosmetics (eg lip balms, lotions and body washes). Paraffin and microcrystalline waxes are an important ingredient in modeling waxes for use in dentistry, and are used in medical applications (ie histology) for the purpose of embedding tissue samples. Lastly, when used in physiotherapy applications, specially designed waxes applied directly to the skin in a wax bath, permit a greater release of heat for a longer period of time than hydro-therapy. Finally, paraffin and microcrystalline waxes are used in the manufacture of tires, and in the processing of plastics for diverse end uses, including drinking water pipes. In tires, waxes protect rubber compounds from ground level ozone, and ensure a safer and longer lasting tire for you and your family. FOLLOW US linkedin youtube instagram twitter HEADQUARTERS The International Group, Inc. 50 Salome Dr Toronto, ON M1S 2A8 U.S.A. MAILING ADDRESS The International Group, Inc 1007 E. Spring St. Titusville, PA 16354 OUR OTHER WEBSITES ©Copyright – The International Group, Inc. – All rights reserved English