Shellac - Wax-Containing Bleached Powder

Bleached Shellac (Ph.Eur.) – Regular Bleached Shellac (USP)

European Union Approved Food Additive: E904 – Glazing Agent

Suitable for Vegetarians. REACH exemption statement available.

CAS Number: 9000-59-3

EINECS Number: 232-549-9

Source

Shellac is a natural resin refined from Lac, the secretion of the tiny red Lac insect, Kerria lacca, which is parasitic on certain host trees in India.

Bleached Shellac is refined using the Bleaching Process, which involves dissolving Seedlac in an aqueous alkaline solution, such as sodium carbonate. The solution is then filtered to remove any insoluble material before being bleached with sodium hypochlorite to remove the colour. The Shellac is then precipitated from the solution by adding dilute sulphuric acid, before being filtered, washed with water and dried.

Properties

Swanlac Bleached Shellac is sold in the form of an off-white powder and typically contains around 5% wax. It is soluble in alcohol and aqueous alkaline solutions.

Swanlac Bleached Shellac is food grade and complies with EU Regulation 231/2012 and its specification for E904 Shellac as a food additive.

Uses

Swanlac Bleached Shellac has a milky, honey-coloured appearance when prepared in an alcohol or aqueous alkaline solution, but dries to a clear film when applied as a surface coating.

Please click on the following links for more information about how Bleached Shellac is used in the following industries and its applications:

Food & Agriculture Industry

Confectionery & Chewing Gum Industry

Pharmaceutical & Nutritional Supplements Industry

Wood Treatment Industry

Textiles & Leather Industry

Printing & Packaging

Industrial & Other

Glazing Agents & Edible Surface Coatings

Binding Agents

Varnish, Polish & Non-Edible Coatings

Technical & Other Applications