PRODUCTS

E903 CARNAUBA WAX

E903 Carnauba wax is commonly applied to candies, chewing gum, chocolate products, bakery decorations, nuts, coffee beans, and fresh fruits.
E903 Carnauba wax helps improve the visual appeal of foods while also extending shelf life by reducing dehydration and surface damage during storage and transportation.
In pharmaceutical applications, E903 Carnauba wax is used as a coating and polishing agent for tablets and capsules.

CAS Number: 8015-86-9
EC Number: 232-399-4
MDL Number: MFCD00130724
Molecular Formula: Complex natural mixture (no exact single formula)
Molecular Weight: Not precisely defined because it is a complex mixture

SYNONYMS:
Palm wax, Brazil wax, Carnauba Wax, Brazil wax, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax, DTXSID3044178, RefChem:13399, Wax, Carnauba, 232-399-4, 8015-86-9, Cera carnauba, Copernicia Prunifera wax, Copernicia cerifera wax, E-903, E903, INS-903, R12CBM0EIZ, Carnauba, Waxes, carnauba, Carnauba Wax, Brazil Wax, Palm Wax, Copernicia Cerifera Wax, Copernicia Prunifera Wax, Cera Carnauba, Ceara Wax, Brazilian Wax, E903, E-903, INS 903, Carnauba, Vegetable Palm Wax

E903 Carnauba wax, often called the "queen of waxes," is a natural plant-based wax derived from the leaves of the Brazilian palm tree Copernicia prunifera (or Copernicia cerifera).
This hard, lustrous wax, E903 Carnauba wax, has excellent glossing properties, making it an ideal coating for various food and non-food applications.

E903 Carnauba wax has the highest melting point of natural waxes (82-86°C/180-187°F), providing durability and heat resistance.
E903 Carnauba wax is a natural polymer produced by some palm species.
E903 Carnauba wax is classified into different grades based on purity, color, and leaf origin.

These grades determine E903 Carnauba wax's suitability for various industrial and commercial applications.
E903 Carnauba wax is classified into three main grades—T1, T3, and T4—based on purity, color, filtration level, and intended application.
These grades are internationally recognized and directly affect product performance and regulatory compliance.

E903 Carnauba wax is a hard, natural wax derived from the leaves of the Copernicia prunifera palm , native to northeastern Brazil.
Recognized as a premium wax among simple lipids, E903 Carnauba wax is obtained by drying, threshing, and refining the protective outer layer of the leaf.
Known as the food additive, E903 Carnauba wax is valued for its superior luster, hardness, and heat resistance compared to softer waxes such as beeswax.

Additive E903 Carnauba wax is a plant-derived wax obtained from the leaves of the Brazilian wax palm Copernicia cerifera.
In nature, the leaves of this palm secrete wax that protects them from the intense tropical sun.
To produce E903 Carnauba wax, the leaves are cut, dried, and the wax is gently scraped off, then washed, boiled, and, if necessary, refined or bleached.

In its natural form, the color of E903 Carnauba wax ranges from white-yellow to light green.
E903 Carnauba wax is produced from the leaves of the carnauba palm tree, which grows only in northeastern Brazil.
Therefore E903 Carnauba wax can be used for vegan cosmetics (INCI Copernicia Cerifera) and food addtitives (E903).

E903 Carnauba wax has an outstanding hardness and abrasion resistance and is compatible with many other waxes.
Chemically, E903 Carnauba wax is a complex mixture of esters, free acids, alcohols, hydrocarbons, and resins.
The melting point of E903 Carnauba wax is one of the highest among natural waxes — approximately 83–86 °C.

E903 Carnauba wax is an indigestible and harmless wax for humans and the environment, as it is extracted from the leaves of the carnauba palm.
E903 Carnauba wax is a natural glazing agent and texturizer derived from the leaves of the Brazilian wax palm tree (Copernicia prunifera/cerifera).
E903 Carnauba wax is widely used in the food industry to provide a protective, glossy coating on confectionery, fresh fruits, chewing gum, and chocolate.

E903 Carnauba wax functions by creating a moisture barrier and enhancing visual appeal, with applications extending beyond food to cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and automotive polishes due to its high melting point (83-86°C) and exceptional shine properties.
The addition of E903 Carnauba wax helps patients swallow tablets.

A very small amount (30 grams for a 300 kg batch by weight) is sprinkled onto a batch of tablets after spraying and drying.
E903 Carnauba wax and tablets are then mixed together for a few minutes before being discharged from the tablet coating machine.
E903 Carnauba wax is one of the best waxes on the automotive wax market.

E903 Carnauba wax has a high melting point.
This means E903 Carnauba wax can withstand higher temperatures in hot climates without losing its shine.
E903 Carnauba wax provides a deep, natural shine.

E903 Carnauba wax gives your vehicle a deep, natural shine.
E903 Carnauba wax helps protect from the elements.
E903 Carnauba wax protects your vehicle from rain, snow, and other weather conditions.

E903 Carnauba wax has protective properties.
E903 Carnauba wax provides protection against common environmental pollutants such as bird droppings, tree sap, and road grime.
E903 Carnauba wax is a long-lasting finish.

E903 Carnauba wax lasts longer than other natural car waxes, so you won't need to polish your car as often.
E903 Carnauba wax provides ease of application.
E903 Carnauba wax is easy to both apply and remove.

E903 Carnauba wax is environmentally friendly.
E903 Carnauba wax is both biodegradable and non-toxic.
Especially when mixed with beeswax and turpentine, E903 Carnauba wax is durable and versatile enough to be used in industrial applications such as floor polish and furniture polish.

E903 Carnauba waxis the preferred finishing coat for most briar tobacco or pipes.
E903 Carnauba wax is a natural vegetable wax obtained from the leaves of the Brazilian palm tree Copernicia prunifera (also called Copernicia cerifera).
E903 Carnauba wax is widely used in the food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, automotive, and industrial sectors because of its hardness, glossy appearance, water resistance, and high melting point.

E903 Carnauba wax is often called the “queen of waxes” due to its exceptional physical characteristics among natural waxes.
As a food additive, E903 Carnauba wax functions mainly as a glazing agent and coating material.
E903 Carnauba wax creates a shiny protective surface on foods such as candies, chewing gum, chocolate products, fruits, and bakery items.
In cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, E903 Carnauba wax is valued for its stabilizing and film-forming properties.

USES and APPLICATIONS of E903 CARNAUBA WAX:
E903 Carnauba wax can also be used to extend the shelf life of fruits by preventing them from drying out and losing their firmness, as its consumption is not hazardous to health.
In combination with nisin, E903 Carnauba wax can reduce the proliferation of microorganisms, which has an additional preservative effect.
E903 Carnauba wax is widely used in the food industry as a glazing and coating agent because it provides a bright glossy appearance and forms a protective barrier against moisture loss.

E903 Carnauba wax improves the appearance of medicines, enhances swallowability, reduces dust formation, and protects active ingredients from humidity and environmental exposure.
E903 Carnauba wax is also used in controlled-release formulations because of its stability and film-forming properties.
In the cosmetic industry, E903 Carnauba wax is highly valued for its hardness, shine, and thickening ability.

E903 Carnauba wax is commonly found in lipsticks, lip balms, mascaras, eyeliners, creams, lotions, hair styling products, and deodorants.
E903 Carnauba wax improves texture, increases product stability, enhances gloss, and helps cosmetic products maintain their shape under high temperatures.

E903 Carnauba wax is also extensively used in automotive and industrial products.
E903 Carnauba wax is a major ingredient in car waxes, furniture polishes, shoe polishes, leather care products, and wood coatings.
E903 Carnauba wax's excellent water resistance and polishing characteristics create a durable protective layer that improves shine and protects surfaces from moisture, oxidation, dust, and environmental wear.

Other application areas of E903 Carnauba wax (CAS 8015-86-9) include: Paint and Printing Inks, Cosmetics, Pharmaceuticals, Leather and Shoe Care, Car Sealing Coat, Wood Turning.
Printing & Packaging Industry: E903 Carnauba wax is used as a hardener for printing inks and coating for paper.
E903 Carnauba wax is used in wax polishes across a wide range of industries, particularly automotive polish, because of its high gloss finish.

E903 Carnauba wax is also used as a thickener for solvents and oils and a mould release agent in the manufacture of plastics.
Other applications of E903 Carnauba wax include surfboard wax (combined with coconut oil) and explosives.
E903 Carnauba wax is widely used in personal care products because of its durable, glossy finish and hypoallergenic and emollient properties.

E903 Carnauba wax is an ingredient in skin care and sun care products, as well as acting as a thickening agent in make-up, such as lipstick, lip salves and balms, eye shadow, mascara, eyeliner and foundation.
E903 Carnauba wax is also used in toiletries such as deodorant and dental floss.

Food Industry: E903 Carnauba wax is used as a food-grade polish, where the shiny coating functions as a protective barrier and preservative.
Confectionery Industry: E903 Carnauba wax is mainly used as a glazing agent for candies, but also acts as a release agent.
Pharmaceutical Industry: E903 Carnauba wax is used as a coating agent for tablets and capsules as it is believed to assist patients to swallow them.

Only a tiny amount of the wax needs to be added to a batch of tablets (less than a hundredth of one percent by weight) prior to tumbling in the tablet-coating machine.
Candle Industry: E903 Carnauba wax is a constituent in the manufacture of candles.

E903 Carnauba wax is widely used in both industrial and consumer products because it is plant-based and non-toxic (especially when a natural or vegan-friendly option is preferred).
E903 Carnauba wax is of great importance to the chemical, electronics, cosmetics, food, and pharmaceutical industries, where it is used as a raw material in many industrial products.

E903 Carnauba wax is widely used in the food industry due to its physico-chemical properties, where esters and inert and stable components are dominant.
In the food industry, E903 Carnauba wax (E903) is primarily used as a surface coating or polishing agent to improve the appearance, shelf life, and processing of products.

In food applications, E903 Carnauba wax is used as a glazing agent, body or bulking agent, acidity regulator, carrier, and anti-caking agent in surface treatments for other functions.
In confectionery, E903 Carnauba wax coats candies such as jelly beans, gums, and chocolates, preventing sticking and enhancing their gloss.
In fruits, E903 Carnauba wax is used to reduce moisture loss and enhance visual appeal in apples, citrus fruits, and others.

E903 Carnauba wax helps prevent clumping in nuts and seeds and preserves their texture.
E903 Carnauba wax gives chewing gum a glossy appearance to the outer shell.
E903 Carnauba wax is used in coffee beans to improve appearance and reduce dusting.

E903 Carnauba wax is applied in thin layers to give foods a shiny and attractive appearance; it also protects them from moisture and oxidation.
In the European Union, E903 Carnauba wax (E 903) is permitted as a coating agent for food supplements, for small products of thin bakery products coated with chocolate, and for snacks, nuts, and coffee beans.

The maximum of E903 Carnauba wax permitted use is 200 mg/kg food.
E903 Carnauba wax is also permitted as a surface treatment up to 200 mg/kg food on fresh citrus fruits, melons, apples, and pears, as well as peaches and pineapples.

E903 Carnauba wax can be used up to 500 mg/kg in confectionery and up to 1200 mg/kg in chewing gum.
As a food additive, E903 Carnauba wax is used in baked goods and baking mixes, chewing gums, sauces, fresh fruits and fruit juices, processed fruits and soft candies; as an anti-caking agent, formulation aid, lubricant, release agent and surface finishing agent.
E903 is used in a variety of food products, including: Confectionery and candy coatings, Chocolate products, Fresh fruit coatings (apples, citrus fruits), Chewing gum, Dried fruits and nuts, Pill and tablet coatings (pharmaceutical), Coffee beans, Baked goods with decorative glazes, Cheese coatings, Dietary supplements.

E903 Carnauba wax used as a glazing agent, also having emulsifying, anti-caking, thickening and stabilizing functions.
Other possible uses for E903 Carnauba wax are: Care and cleaning products for cars or furniture contain E903 Carnauba wax: E903 Carnauba wax is added to these products to give them a better shine and seal the surface.
As the most important polishing agent, shoe polishes contain high-quality E903 Carnauba wax.

In paints, additions of E903 Carnauba wax can reinforce certain effects and increase scratch resistance.
In addition to these applications, E903 Carnauba wax is also used in ski wax, polishing agents for woodworking and turning and for leather care.
E903 Carnauba wax was also used in the production of vinyl records.

E903 Carnauba wax is also mixed with other waxes to increase their melting point and provide a more beautiful shine.
Key applications of E903 Carnauba wax: Raw materials for the food industry, Raw materials for household chemicals production, Raw materials for candle production, Cosmetic raw materials.

In the food industry, E903 Carnauba wax is used in many different ways and is labelled E903 on food packaging.
E903 Carnauba wax is used, for example: as a coating agent for gummy bears or chewing gum to prevent sticking.
E903 Carnauba wax serves here as a hardening additive to beeswax, which is also used.

E903 Carnauba wax is used as a protective coating for citrus fruits or apples.
E903 Carnauba wax protects the fruit from drying out.
As a polishing agent during coating, this is E903 Carnauba wax of a candy with a firming layer.

E903 Carnauba wax is also used for medical tablets.
Since E903 Carnauba wax is a vegetable wax, it is often used for vegan sweets, so in some cases animal beeswax can be avoided.
E903 Carnauba wax, a plant-based wax, has been widely used in food applications, including edible films and coatings to extend the post-harvest shelf life of numerous fruits and vegetables.

E903 Carnauba wax has also been used as a food additive since the 1920s and researched in the production of emulsified composite hydrophobic films and coatings.
Despite the many possibilities for the use of E903 Carnauba wax in food, numerous studies worldwide are still seeking new applications and demanding new products with novel technologies to improve existing ones.

Recently, many sections of research have been conducted focusing on the use of this wax in preservation and food processing; some highlighting E903 Carnauba wax's significant role in microencapsulating flavors, preparing edible films, and in superhydrophobic and biodegradable packaging.
E903 Carnauba wax is used in medical applications to make tablets or capsules easier to swallow and to increase their shelf life.
E903 Carnauba wax is also used as a tablet coating agent in the pharmaceutical industry.

Moreover, E903 Carnauba wax is also used in applications such as dental floss, surfboard polish, and shoe polish.
Although too fragile to be used alone, E903 Carnauba wax is often combined with other waxes (especially beeswax) to treat and waterproof many leather products; this results in a high-gloss finish and increases the leather's hardness and durability.
E903 Carnauba wax is abrasion-resistant and has a high-gloss finish.

E903 Carnauba wax can be used as a lubricant for sliding wooden parts and as corrosion protection for metal surfaces.
When polished to wood, E903 Carnauba wax forms a high-gloss finish.
This finish dulls over time rather than flaking (like most other finishes used).

E903 Carnauba wax's use in paper coatings is the most common application in the United States.
E903 Carnauba wax was often used in its purest form as a coating on speedboat hulls in the early 1960s to increase speed and facilitate handling in saltwater environments.
E903 Carnauba wax is also a key component of surfboard wax when combined with coconut oil.

E903 Carnauba wax is used in the production of polishes, varnishes, and insulation compounds.
Due to its hypoallergenic and emollient properties, as well as its shine, E903 Carnauba wax is used as an ingredient in many cosmetic formulas to darken lipsticks, eyeliners, mascaras, eyeshadows, foundations, deodorants, various skin care products, sun care products, etc.

-Use of E903 Carnauba wax in cosmetic products:
E903 Carnauba wax is also widely used in cosmetics: In firmer creams and ointments, E903 Carnauba wax gives consistency.
E903 Carnauba wax is used as an additive to stabilise lipsticks, sun creams, mascara or waterproof make-up.
E903 Carnauba wax is often also an ingredient in the production of soaps and candles.
Paraffin and stearic acid are also used in candle production.

-E903 Carnauba wax in the automotive industry
E903 Carnauba wax is also known for its positive properties in the automotive industry.
E903 Carnauba wax is used as a sealant for paintwork.

E903 Carnauba wax finishes the coating of car paint and is thus able to protect against dirt and damage.
E903 Carnauba wax also gives the paint a shiny effect.
Car seat polishes, however, are also often treated with E903 Carnauba wax, as it not only seals surfaces and provides a natural shine.
The wax also protects leather from water, dirt and UV light.

-Wood Treatment Industry uses of E903 Carnauba wax:
E903 Carnauba wax produces a high gloss finish when added to furniture and floor waxes, lacquers and polishes, particularly in combination with Beeswax and with turpentine.
E903 Carnauba wax is also used to polish musical instruments and tobacco pipes.
Rather than flaking off like many other finishes, the glossy finish only tends to dull over time.

-Leather Industry uses of E903 Carnauba wax:
E903 Carnauba wax is used in combination with Beeswax and other waxes to polish and waterproof shoes and other leather products since it is too brittle to be used by itself.
E903 Carnauba wax provides a glossy finish and increases leather’s hardness, improving its durability.

-Food Industry uses of E903 Carnauba wax:
Coating agent for confectionery: E903 Carnauba wax prevents chewing gum, gummy sweets, and chocolate from sticking – a vegan alternative to beeswax.
Preservation of fresh fruit: Protective layer on citrus fruits, apples, and pears against mould and moisture loss.
Coffee beans & hard cheese: E903 Carnauba wax increases shelf life and preserves flavour by forming a water-repellent barrier.
Note: In food products, E903 Carnauba wax is labelled as E903.

-Cosmetics uses of E903 Carnauba wax:
E903 Carnauba wax is used stabiliser in lipsticks, mascara, and moisturising creams
Vegan alternative to beeswax, especially in natural cosmetics and DIY products
The INCI name for E903 Carnauba wax in cosmetics is: Copernicia Cerifera Cera.

-Technical Applications of E903 Carnauba wax:
Car care: Component in car waxes and polishes for scratch-resistant, glossy surfaces
Gloss enhancer: E903 Carnauba wax gives furniture surfaces, wooden floors, musical instruments, and other wood surfaces a unique shine
Moisture protection: E903 Carnauba wax protects wood, leather, and other materials thanks to its water-repellent properties

-E903 Carnauba wax as an Emulsion
When combined with emulsifiers (e.g. cetyl alcohol or stearyl alcohol), emulsions can be made from E903 Carnauba wax.
These are water-soluble and allow for easier application, as melting E903 Carnauba wax is no longer necessary.

-E903 Carnauba wax in the food industry:
The purely plant-based E903 Carnauba wax is harmless to the organism and the environment, which is why it is a component of numerous foods.
On the packaging of the corresponding foodstuffs, E903 Carnauba wax is usually labelled with the abbreviation E903.

E903 Carnauba wax is a popular alternative to beeswax, so that it is used in gummy bears, for example, to make them palatable for vegans.
In addition, E903 Carnauba wax has the advantage as a coating agent that gummy animals or chewing gum do not stick together.
E903 Carnauba wax can also be used as a protective coating for citrus fruits to preserve them and make them last longer.

Such a coating by E903 Carnauba wax can also be helpful in coating.
In this process, sweets in particular are coated with a solid layer to protect the coated food from external influences such as moisture, heat or oxygen.
In addition, E903 Carnauba wax gives the food a beautiful sheen - as is the case with Smarties, for example.

E903 Carnauba wax is used in the food industry primarily as a separating and coating agent in the following products:
*Sweets
*Fruits
*Nuts
*Coffee Beans

E903 Carnauba wax is indigestible, but since it is only used in very small quantities, it does not pose a problem for the organism and is considered to be well tolerated.

WHAT IS E903 CARNAUBA WAX USED FOR?
Since E903 Carnauba wax comes from tree leaves, it can be used for vegan cosmetics (INCI Copernicia Cerifera) and food additives (E903).
Additionally, it is absolutely harmless to humans, animals and the environment.
Due to E903 Carnauba wax's gloss, hardness and compatibility, as well as its high temperature resistance, the E903 Carnauba wax is used for various purposes.
E903 Carnauba wax is very often used as a release agent and coating material in the food industry (E903), particularly in confectionery, chocolate, fruits, chewing gum, nuts, nutritional supplements, coffee beans, and baked goods.

BENEFITS of E903 CARNAUBA WAX:
E903 Carnauba wax offers many important benefits due to its natural origin and unique physical properties.
One of its main advantages is E903 Carnauba wax's exceptionally high hardness compared with other natural waxes, which provides durability and long-lasting protective coatings.
Its high melting point allows products containing E903 Carnauba wax to remain stable even under warm conditions.

E903 Carnauba wax produces an intense glossy finish, making products appear smoother, cleaner, and more attractive.
E903 Carnauba wax's strong water-resistant properties help reduce moisture loss and protect surfaces from humidity and environmental damage.
In food products, this protective barrier can improve freshness and extend shelf life.

E903 Carnauba wax is also valued because it is biodegradable, plant-derived, and generally considered safe for food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical use.
E903 Carnauba wax has low toxicity, minimal odor, and excellent chemical stability under normal conditions.
In cosmetics, E903 Carnauba wax improves texture, consistency, and heat resistance, while in industrial products it enhances polishing performance and surface protection.

Another important benefit is E903 Carnauba wax's versatility.
E903 Carnauba wax can be blended with other waxes and ingredients to improve flexibility, texture, gloss, and durability in a wide range of formulations.
Because of these characteristics, E903 Carnauba wax is considered one of the most valuable and multifunctional natural waxes used commercially today.

CHARACTERISTICS OF E903 CARNAUBA WAX:
E903 Carnauba wax is recognized for its exceptionally high hardness compared with most natural waxes.
E903 Carnauba wax provides a durable glossy coating and creates a smooth protective barrier on surfaces.
Because of its high melting point, E903 Carnauba wax remains stable even in warm environments where softer waxes may melt or deform.
E903 Carnauba wax has strong polishing and film-forming properties, making it extremely useful in industrial coatings, automotive waxes, cosmetics, and food glazing systems.

E903 Carnauba wax is also resistant to moisture and oxidation, which helps improve shelf life and product stability.
E903 Carnauba wax is considered a premium natural wax because it combines hardness, shine, durability, and safety.
E903 Carnauba wax is often blended with softer waxes to improve texture and performance.

PROPERTIES of E903 CARNAUBA WAX:
E903 Carnauba wax is known as E903.
Despite a name associated with chemical preservatives, E903 Carnauba wax is a natural product obtained from the leaves of the wax palm tree.
E903 Carnauba wax is used in the production of confectionery (chewing gum, candy, chocolate products).
E903 Carnauba wax is most often used to give food an inviting shine.

SOURCE of E903 CARNAUBA WAX:
E903 Carnauba wax is obtained from the leaves of the Carnauba Palm (Copernicia prunifera or Copernicia cerifera) which grows in northeast Brazil, where it is known as the “tree of life” because of the wide variety of its uses.
During the regular dry seasons in Brazil, the leaves exude the wax to conserve moisture and protect the tree against dehydration.
The leaves are cut and dried in the sun before being beaten to release the powdery wax, which is then refined by melting, straining and cooling.

PROPERTIES of E903 CARNAUBA WAX:
E903 Carnauba wax mainly consists of esters of long-chain alcohols and acids.
Relative to other natural waxes, E903 Carnauba wax is one of the hardest and has among the highest melting points at around 85 degrees Celsius.
E903 Carnauba wax is insoluble in water and ethyl alcohol, but dissolves when heated in ethyl acetate or xylene.

E903 Carnauba wax is sold in the form of an off-white powder or flakes that range in colour between yellow and brown, depending on the age of the leaves and the level of refining, and is available in grades T1, T3, and T4 (Fatty Grey), which reflect the level of purification achieved after filtration and bleaching.

Type 1 is the highest grade and is produced from the tops of the leaves which lack chlorophyll, making it lighter in colour.
Type 4, the lowest grade, is available in flake form.
E903 Carnauba wax is sometimes used as an alternative to Beeswax, particularly by vegans and other individuals who choose not to use animal-derived products.

SOURCE AND PRODUCTION of E903 CARNAUBA WAX:
E903 Carnauba wax comes exclusively from a sustainable natural source:

Natural origin:
Harvested from the leaves of the carnauba palm, native to northeastern Brazil

2. Production process:
Young leaves are cut and dried in the sun
The wax naturally forms on leaf surfaces as a protective coating
Leaves are beaten to release the wax powder
Crude wax is collected, melted, filtered, and refined
Processing may include bleaching for different grades

3. Sustainability:
Harvesting doesn't harm the trees, supporting sustainable agriculture
The production is largely artisanal and provides livelihoods for many Brazilian communities, particularly in the states of Ceará, Piauí, and Rio Grande do Norte.

SOURCE of E903 CARNAUBA WAX:
E903 Carnauba wax is exclusively plant-derived.
E903 Carnauba wax comes from the leaves of the carnauba palm, a tree native to northeastern Brazil (states of Ceará, Piauí, Paraíba, and others).
The production process is entirely mechanical and natural: leaves are harvested, dried in the sun, and the wax that naturally coats the leaves (protecting them from intense tropical heat) is gently scraped off.

The collected wax, E903 Carnauba wax, is then washed, filtered, and sometimes refined or bleached for specific applications.
E903 Carnauba wax consists of esters, free fatty acids, alcohols, hydrocarbons, and resins—all of plant origin.
There are no animal derivatives, synthetic chemicals, or microbial processes involved in its production.
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has confirmed that E903 Carnauba wax is practically not absorbed in the human gastrointestinal tract and poses no health risk at current usage levels.

FUNCTIONAL PROPERTIES of E903 CARNAUBA WAX IN FOOD:
E903 Carnauba wax offers several valuable properties in food applications:

Glazing agent:
E903 Carnauba wax provides exceptional gloss and shine

Moisture barrier:
E903 Carnauba wax helps prevent dehydration or moisture absorption

Oxygen barrier:
E903 Carnauba wax protects against oxidation, extending shelf life

Surface protection:
Reduces physical damage during handling

Anti-sticking agent:
E903 Carnauba wax prevents sticky foods from adhering together

Hardening agent:
E903 Carnauba wax increases hardness of certain coatings

Heat resistance:
E903 Carnauba wax maintains integrity at higher temperatures than other waxes

BENEFITS of E903 CARNAUBA WAX:
E903 Carnauba wax is not a biologically active substance and is not inherent to the human body.
When used in food, E903 Carnauba wax does not provide direct health benefits, but it offers valuable technological properties — for example, creating a glossy coating.

Carnauba (/kɑːrˈnɔːbə, -ˈnaʊ-, -ˈnuː-, -nɑːˈuː-/; Portuguese: carnaúba [kaʁnaˈubɐ]), also called Brazil wax and palm wax, is a wax of the leaves of the carnauba palm Copernicia prunifera (synonym: Copernicia cerifera), a plant native to and grown only in the northeastern Brazilian states of Ceará, Piauí, Paraíba, Pernambuco, Rio Grande do Norte, Maranhão and Bahia.

E903 Carnauba wax is known as the "Queen of Waxes".
In its pure state, E903 Carnauba wax is usually available in the form of hard yellow-brown flakes.
E903 Carnauba wax is obtained by collecting and drying the leaves, beating them to loosen the wax, then refining and bleaching it.

COMPOSITION of E903 CARNAUBA WAX:
Carnauba consists mostly of aliphatic esters (40 wt%), diesters of 4-hydroxycinnamic acid (21.0 wt%), ω-hydroxycarboxylic acids (13.0 wt%), and fatty alcohols (12 wt%).
The compounds are predominantly derived from acids and alcohols in the C26-C30 range.
E903 Carnauba wax is distinctive for its high content of diesters and its methoxycinnamic acid.
E903 Carnauba wax is sold in grades of T1, T3 and T4 according to its purity level, which is accomplished by filtration, centrifugation and bleaching.

ORIGIN, PRODUCTION AND PROCESSING OF E903 CARNAUBA WAX:
E903 Carnauba wax is obtained from the Brazilian carnauba palm.
E903 Carnauba wax has been known since 1648 and has been produced on a large scale in Brazil since about 1810.
The leaves of the carnauba palm are coated on both sides with the plant wax to protect the plant from excessive evaporation in the hot north of Brazil.

Due to its origin exclusively from Brazil, E903 Carnauba wax is also called Brazilian wax or Ceara wax: Only in the northern states of Ceara, Piaui and in parts of Paraiba does the carnauba palm grow naturally.
During the drying of the leaves, the majority of the wax is already detached.

The remaining residues are obtained by scraping, tapping and brushing.
Each palm has about 35 leaves, 10-20 of which are harvested and dewaxed annually.
The palm continues to grow naturally and can be harvested for many years without damaging the plant.

One carnauba palm yields about five grams of E903 Carnauba wax per harvest.
This extracted wax dust then serves as a raw material for further processing by a smaller number of processing companies, the so-called Carnauba producers.
Here the raw E903 Carnauba wax is melted and filtered to remove impurities.

Since E903 Carnauba wax can be extracted in different purities, it is extracted at different stages of the leaf opening.
The purest E903 Carnauba wax "T1" or prima yellow used to be boiled exclusively by water extraction from the young shoots and leaves of the palm.
E903 Carnauba wax can then be skimmed off the surface of the water.

CHARACTERISTICS OF E903 CARNAUBA WAX
In the raw form, E903 Carnauba wax can be found in various shades.
These range from yellow or yellow-greenish to dark grey.
E903 Carnauba wax is the hardest natural wax.
These different colour types can be divided into the different types of E903 Carnauba wax.

E903 Carnauba wax is an amorphous complex mixture of free fatty acids, i.e., long-chain alcohols, and long-chain esters consisting of an even number of carbon atoms, namely C28–C34 and C44–C62, respectively.
• Esters are the main components, making up more than 80% of E903 Carnauba wax.
• The majority of these are aliphatic esters and diesters of cinnamic acid, which makes it relatively hard among natural waxes.

• E903 Carnauba wax is one of the hardest natural waxes.
• In the US, E903 Carnauba wax is classified as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) and is permitted for use in various foods.
• In the European Union,

E903 Carnauba wax (E 903) is an authorized food additive as a coating agent.
• In 2012, the European Food Safety Authority encouraged the reassessment of E903 Carnauba wax (E 903) as a food additive.
• E903 Carnauba wax is the hardest wax and has the highest melting point of commercial natural waxes.
• E903 Carnauba wax has low solubility and consists mainly of aliphatic esters and diesters of cinnamic acid.
• E903 Carnauba wax is also unique because it is derived from the carnauba palm.

This makes E903 Carnauba wax a renewable resource that is good for the environment.
• High water loss rate and rapid respiration cause a significant decrease in firmness, turgor, crispness, and weight loss, leading to rapid deterioration of post-harvest quality and shortened shelf life of fruits and vegetables.
Wax-based coatings can effectively protect the post-harvest quality of these perishable products and extend their shelf life.
However, petroleum-based synthetic waxes are harmful to consumer health and the environment.

• E903 Carnauba wax is a plant-based natural wax obtained from the leaves of the Brazilian palm tree (Copernicia prunifera).
• E903 Carnauba wax is a GRAS (Graphical Standard Requirement) and is considered a food additive (E 903) that is inherently highly hydrophobic.
• E903 Carnauba wax coatings effectively increase post-harvest shelf life by reducing water loss and respiration rate, and by maintaining the firmness, crispness, and consumer acceptability of numerous fruits such as oranges, guavas, apples, pomegranates, tomatoes, and eggplants for longer periods.

• When incorporated into biopolymer-based (e.g., starch, chitosan, gelatin, fish protein, glucomannan, etc.) composite films, the wax exhibits excellent moisture, gas, and light barrier properties, enhancing mechanical and thermal stability.
• E903 Carnauba wax has low solubility and a higher melting point.

• The melting temperature of E903 Carnauba wax varies between 82°C and 86°C among different subspecies of the carnauba tree, making it very heat-resistant.
• Since wax is a dielectric material, E903 Carnauba wax is partially soluble in polar solvents.

PROPERTIES of E903 CARNAUBA WAX:
As it creates a glossy finish, E903 Carnauba wax is used in automobile waxes, shoe polishes, dental floss, food products (such as sweets), polishes for musical instruments, and floor and furniture waxes and polishes.
E903 Carnauba wax is commonly used for paper coatings in the United States.
E903 Carnauba wax is also used to make cutler's resin for attaching handles to bladed tools and weapons.

Although too brittle to be used alone, E903 Carnauba wax is often combined with other waxes (principally beeswax) to treat and waterproof leather products, where it provides a high-gloss finish and increases leather's hardness and durability.
In 1890, E903 Carnauba wax was patented as a replacement for the standard paraffin/beeswax mixture used in phonograph cylinders.
E903 Carnauba wax may be used as a mold release agent for manufacturing fibre-reinforced plastics.

An aerosol form is made by dissolving it in a solvent.
Unlike silicone or PTFE, E903 Carnauba wax is suitable for use with liquid epoxy, epoxy molding compounds (EMC), and some other plastic types.
It is not very soluble in chlorinated or aromatic hydrocarbons.
E903 Carnauba wax is used in melt/castable explosives to produce an insensitive explosive formula such as Composition B, which is a blend of RDX and TNT.

ADDITIONAL TECHNICAL INFORMATION of E903 CARNAUBA WAX:
E903 Carnauba wax mainly consists of:
Fatty acid esters (approximately 80–85%)
*Fatty alcohols
*Hydrocarbons
*Resins
*Free fatty acids

The high ester content contributes to E903 Carnauba wax's hardness, durability, and glossy appearance.
Because of its unique chemical composition, E903 Carnauba wax is frequently combined with beeswax, paraffin wax, or synthetic waxes to optimize texture and performance.
E903 Carnauba wax is harvested by drying palm leaves, beating them to release the wax powder, then refining and filtering the material into commercial grades.

Commercial grades vary depending on:
*Purity
*Color
*Refinement level
*Bleaching treatment
*Intended industrial application

PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES of E903 CARNAUBA WAX:
• E903 Carnauba wax is obtained from the leaves of the Brazilian palm tree (Copernicia prunifera) and has a highly hydrophobic structure with good water barrier properties.
• E903 Carnauba wax has a mild, pleasant odor, exhibits good oil-binding properties, and is light in color.
• E903 Carnauba wax consists of a complex mixture of esters, free alcohols, aliphatic acids, aromatic acids, α-hydroxycarboxylic free acids, hydrocarbons (paraffins), and diols and triterpenes.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES of E903 CARNAUBA WAX:
E903 Carnauba wax is a yellow to greenish-yellow solid, with the purest grade classified as T1.
E903 Carnauba wax has a density of approximately 0.99 g/cm³ and a melting point of 82–86°C, the highest among natural waxes.
E903 Carnauba wax is insoluble in water and ethanol, but becomes soluble in chloroform and ether above 40°C.
E903 Carnauba wax's exceptional film-forming luster is attributed to β-crystal packing, while grades T1–T4 differ according to the purity of the filtration and bleaching.

BIOSYNTHESIS AND PROCESSING of E903 CARNAUBA WAX:
In nature, the glands in the leaves of the carnauba palm secrete wax as a drought-resistant cuticle layer.
Mechanical harvesting yields raw wax, which is then refined through centrifugation, filtration, and bleaching processes.
The highest grade (T1) contains the fewest impurities.
The presence of cinnamate derivatives reflects a unique plant phenylpropanoid metabolic pathway.

CHEMICAL COMPOSITION of E903 CARNAUBA WAX:
E903 Carnauba wax is composed primarily of 80–85% aliphatic esters , mostly derived from fatty acids and long-chain alcohols (C26–C30).
E903 Carnauba wax also contains approximately 21% diesters of p-methoxycinnamic acid , which serve as a unique chemical marker.
Additional components include ω-hydroxy carboxylic acids (13%), fatty alcohols (12%), free acids (3–6%), and hydrocarbons (1–3%).
Key molecules such as triacontyl tricosanoate and C32–C34 p-methoxycinnamates contribute to its high molecular weight variability.

HOW IS E903 CARNAUBA WAX PRODUCED?
E903 Carnauba wax's name comes from the Brazilian-Portuguese Carnahuba and the old Tupi karana'iwa.
E903 Carnauba wax was first mentioned in 1648.
E903 Carnauba wax has been used on a large scale in Brazil since 1810.
E903 Carnauba wax has been used in Europe since the mid-19th century.

In 1846, E903 Carnauba wax was first exported in large quantities from Brazil, and the first agricultural enterprises were established from 1890 onwards.
E903 Carnauba wax is a natural wax obtained from the leaves of the carnauba palm (Copernicia prunifera), a plant native to northeastern Brazil.
E903 Carnauba wax is often referred to as the "queen of waxes" due to its high quality and versatile applications.

In Brazil, the homeland of the palm tree from which E903 Carnauba wax is extracted, E903 Carnauba wax is divided into three categories depending on the color of the extract.
"Olho" wax is the raw wax extract, which is yellow in color; "oily" and "sandy" waxes, obtained from the straw of the plant, are dark brown to black and gray, respectively.

In the US, E903 Carnauba wax is classified as Type 1 (cleared filtered), Type 3 (cleared filtered), Type 4 (filtered), and Type 4 (centrifuged), depending on the degree and mode of refining.
Type 1 is obtained from olho wax, while Types 3 and 4 are obtained from straw wax.

E903 Carnauba wax is the most commercially important plant wax.
The extraction and export of E903 Carnauba wax is a major industry in Brazil.
E903 Carnauba wax is found on both the upper and lower surfaces of palm leaves.

For harvesting, the leaves are cut from the palm and left to dry, after which the wax is crushed from the dried leaves.
E903 Carnauba wax is obtained from palm leaves through a systematic process of harvesting, drying, crushing, refining, and finally purification through filtration, centrifugation, and bleaching.

The palm produces E903 Carnauba wax in the cuticles of its leaves.
The leaves are collected from trees grown in the wild or cultivated by cutting the leaves, drying them in the sun, and then crushing/beating them.
This plant can only be economically exploited in the dry environment of the Northeast caatingas (shrubland).

E903 Carnauba wax can also be obtained from organic harvests.
Organic carnauba is produced by melting and filtering the highest quality raw, unprocessed E903 Carnauba wax.
Carnauba leaves are coated externally with a waxy layer.

E903 Carnauba wax is a result of the plant's adaptation to dry regions, as this waxy substance prevents excessive water loss, maintaining balance within the plant and protecting it from fungal attacks.
After extraction, E903 Carnauba wax in the leaves is called carnauba powder and becomes a basic raw material for wax production.

The average yield of wax powder and wax depends largely on environmental factors and also varies significantly depending on the leaf type and the drying method used in the powder extraction process.
The average yield of carnauba straw subjected to conventional drying (the sample is dried in the open field by direct sunlight) is 5.45 g, while in a solar dryer this yield is 7.17 g.

E903 Carnauba wax primarily accumulates in young leaves.
The qualities related to the quality of the wax obtained from E903 Carnauba wax also vary depending on the leaf type.
E903 Carnauba wax produced from powder obtained from leaves or fresh straw, especially straw eye, has a higher commercial value.

E903 Carnauba wax powder is a product ranging in color from white to grayish-brown, coating the epidermal leaf cells of the carnauba plant.
The raw E903 Carnauba wax product is obtained by dissolving the waxy powder in water or extracting it with organic solvents.
In 2015, the global market for E903 Carnauba wax was worth approximately US$246 million.

Approximately US$92 million of this value corresponded to the trade in type 1 wax.
The remaining value was distributed among type 3 and 4 waxes, which are more commonly used in the automotive industry and in polishes due to their coloring and properties.

Although they have very similar chemical compositions, compared to type 1 wax, the other types of wax are distinguished by the absence of triterpenes and the presence of esters of 4-hydroxy and 4-methoxycinnamic acids in a more polymerized form.
This can be partly attributed to climatic differences, but also because type 1 wax is harvested from young leaves that have been exposed to the sun for a longer period.

PHYSICAL and CHEMICAL PROPERTIES of E903 CARNAUBA WAX:
Melting Point: 80-86°C
Purity: Extraction
Moisture: 1,00 % max
Melting Range: 80-86 o C
Insoluble Impurities: 0,20% max
Volatile Matter at 175o C (Including Moisture): 1,00 % max
Acid Value: 02 – 07 mg KOH/g
Saponification Value: 78 – 95 mg KOH/g
Ester Value: 71 – 88 mg KOH/g

Residue Ignition: 0,25 % max
Heavy Metals: 20 μg/g max
Color: 8,00 +/- 1,0 Gardner Scale
Mold: NMT 100 cfu/g
Escherichia Coli: Absent
Pseudomonas Aeruginosa: Absent
Salmonela: Absent
Staphylococcus Aureus: Absent
Count: NMT 1000cfu/g
Yeast: NMT 100 cfu/g
Physical state: chips

Color: yellow
Odor: No data available
Melting point/freezing point: No data available
Initial boiling point and boiling range: No data available
Flammability (solid, gas): No data available
Upper/lower flammability or explosive limits: No data available
Flash point No data available
Melting point: 82–86 °C (180–187 °F) (among the highest of natural waxes; higher than beeswax, 62–64 °C (144–147 °F))

Relative density: ~0.97
Among the hardest of natural waxes
Practically insoluble in water or ethyl alcohol
Soluble by heating in ethyl acetate or xylene
Congealing Point: 78-84 °C
Drop Point: 81-86 °C
Penetration at 25 °C: max. 1 mm
Colour: light yellow
Saponification Value: 80-95 mg KOH/g

Acid Value: 2-7 mg KOH/g
INCI name: Copernicia cerifera (carnauba) wax
Melting point: 82–86 °C (180–187 °F) (among the highest of natural waxes; higher than beeswax, 62–64 °C (144–147 °F))[1]
Relative density: ~0.97
Among the hardest of natural waxes
Practically insoluble in water or ethyl alcohol
Soluble by heating in ethyl acetate or xylene
Appearance: Yellow-brown solid
Density: ~0.97 g/cm3

Melting point: 82–86 °C (180–187 °F; 355–359 K)
Solubility in water: Insoluble
Product Name: E903 Carnauba Wax
Common Name: Carnauba Wax
EC Number: 232-399-4
CAS Number: 8015-86-9
E Number: E903
Chemical Type: Natural vegetable wax

Origin: Leaves of Copernicia prunifera palm
Molecular Formula: Complex natural mixture (no exact single formula)
Molecular Weight: Not precisely defined because it is a complex mixture
Appearance: Yellow to brown hard wax flakes or powder
Odor: Odorless or faint characteristic odor
Solubility in Water: Insoluble
Melting Point: Approximately 82–86 °C
Density: Approximately 0.97 g/cm³
Physical State: Solid

Form: Flakes, powder, pellets, or blocks
Color: Yellow, yellow-brown, greenish-yellow, or light brown
Texture: Very hard and brittle
Odor: Nearly odorless
Taste: Neutral or tasteless
Melting Point: 82–86 °C
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
Density: ~0.97 g/cm³
Water Solubility: Insoluble

Solubility in Ethanol: Slightly soluble in boiling ethanol
Solubility in Chloroform: Soluble
Solubility in Ether: Soluble
Solubility in Oils: Partially soluble in warm oils
Chemical Nature: Complex mixture of esters, fatty alcohols, fatty acids, and hydrocarbons
Main Components: Long-chain fatty acid esters
pH: Neutral
Stability: Stable under normal conditions
Volatility: Very low

Flammability: Combustible at high temperatures
Gloss Level: Very high natural gloss
Hardness: One of the hardest natural waxes
Water Resistance: Excellent
Film Formation: Strong protective coating capability
Oxidation Resistance: Good
UV Resistance: Good protective properties
Emulsification Ability: Good emulsifying characteristics
Hygroscopicity: Non-hygroscopic
Biodegradability: Biodegradable natural wax

FIRST AID MEASURES of E903 CARNAUBA WAX:
-After inhalation:
Fresh air.
-In case of skin contact:
Take off immediately all contaminated clothing.
Rinse skin with water/ shower.
-After eye contact:
Rinse out with plenty of water.
Remove contact lenses.
-After swallowing:
Make victim drink water (two glasses at most).

ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES of E903 CARNAUBA WAX:
-Environmental precautions:
Do not let product enter drains.
-Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up:
Cover drains.
Collect, bind, and pump off spills.
Take up dry.
Dispose of properly.

FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES of E903 CARNAUBA WAX:
-Extinguishing media:
*Suitable extinguishing media:
Water
Foam
Carbon dioxide (CO2)
Dry powder
*Unsuitable extinguishing media:
For this substance/mixture no limitations of extinguishing agents are given.
-Further information:
Prevent fire extinguishing water from contaminating surface water or the ground water system.

EXPOSURE CONTROLS/PERSONAL PROTECTION of E903 CARNAUBA WAX:
-Control parameters:
*Ingredients with workplace control parameters:
-Exposure controls:
--Personal protective equipment:
*Eye/face protection:
Use Safety glasses.
*Skin protection:
Full contact:
Material: Nitrile rubber
Minimum layer thickness: 0,11 mm
Break through time: 480 min
Splash contact:
Material: Nitrile rubber
Minimum layer thickness: 0,11 mm
Break through time: 480 min
-Control of environmental exposure:
Do not let product enter drains.

HANDLING and STORAGE of E903 CARNAUBA WAX:
-Storage conditions:
Tightly closed.
Dry.

STABILITY and REACTIVITY of E903 CARNAUBA WAX:
-Chemical stability:
The product is chemically stable under standard ambient conditions (room temperature).