Fischer-Tropsch (FT) wax — Frequently Asked Questions

Fischer-Tropsch wax from Bio Green Wax Ltd has a hydrocarbon content of 99%+ with near-zero aromatic content — typically below 1 ppm total aromatics by GC analysis.

This extreme purity is a result of the synthetic FT process: syngas (CO and H₂) is converted catalytically to straight-chain alkanes (n-paraffins) with a very narrow carbon number distribution, completely free from the aromatic, naphthenic, and polyaromatic hydrocarbons present in petroleum-derived waxes.

This makes FT wax the safest choice for food-contact, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and precision coating applications where aromatic contamination is unacceptable.

Fischer-Tropsch wax commands a significant price premium — typically 40–100% above fully refined paraffin wax — reflecting its synthetic origin, near-zero aromatic content, narrow molecular weight distribution, and consistent batch-to-batch quality. This premium is justified by its superior technical performance in hot-melt adhesives, precision coatings, and bitumen modification, where it delivers measurably better results than petroleum wax. Contact our trading team at sales@biogreenwax.com for current per-tonne pricing based on your required grade, volume, and delivery destination.

Yes. FT wax is the premium wax component in high-performance hot-melt adhesive systems. Its key advantages include: very high melting point ensuring heat resistance in the bonded assembly; exceptionally low melt viscosity at processing temperature enabling high-speed application; narrow molecular weight distribution for precise control of open time and set speed; and excellent compatibility with EVA, SIS, APAO, and metallocene polymer systems.

These properties make FT wax the preferred choice for demanding packaging hot-melts, automotive assembly adhesives, bookbinding, and case-and-carton sealing applications. Contact Bio Green Wax Ltd for grade recommendations specific to your adhesive polymer base.

FT wax has a melt viscosity of typically 5–15 cP at 120°C (Brookfield) — remarkably low for a wax with a melting point of 90–115°C. This combination of high melting point and low melt viscosity is a defining technical characteristic of FT wax that no petroleum-derived wax can match, making it uniquely effective in high-temperature hot-melt adhesive and road construction applications.

Needle penetration at 25°C is typically 0–3 (ASTM D1321) confirming extreme hardness. Grade-specific viscosity and hardness values are provided in technical data sheets available from Bio Green Wax Ltd upon request.

Yes. FT wax is used in printing ink and toner formulations to improve rub and scuff resistance of printed surfaces, reduce the coefficient of friction (anti-scratch), provide anti-blocking in high-speed printing and converting, and act as a melt flow modifier in laser toner particles improving image fusing performance.

Micronised FT wax powder with D50 of 5–15 microns is the preferred form for ink and toner applications, delivering superior performance over coarser grades due to better dispersion. Bio Green Wax Ltd supplies both standard pastille and micronised powder forms — contact us for particle size specifications.

Bio Green Wax Ltd supplies Sasol-origin FT wax from South Africa — the globally recognised benchmark for Fischer-Tropsch wax quality. Sasol grades available include Sasolwax H1 (medium-melt, hot-melt adhesive grade), Sasolwax C105 (high-melt, road construction and bitumen grade), and Sasolwax 80 (very high-melt, industrial coating grade).

Equivalent-quality FT wax from other certified synthetic wax producers is also available where Sasol grades are not in stock. Full Sasol origin documentation and specification sheets matching your required grade are provided. com to confirm current availability.

FT wax from Bio Green Wax Ltd is supplied with EU REACH-compliant Safety Data Sheets and registered under REACH as a synthetic hydrocarbon substance. Food contact compliance under FDA 21 CFR and EU Regulation 10/2011 is available for food-contact grades. MOSH/MOAH analysis and PAH4 test reports (confirming near-zero aromatic content) are provided for food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic applications.

RoHS and SVHC compliance declarations are available for electronic applications. EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC 1223/2009) compliance documentation is provided for cosmetic-grade FT wax (INCI name: Synthetic Wax).

FT wax has a needle penetration at 25°C of typically 0–3 (ASTM D1321) — making it one of the hardest waxes commercially available, considerably harder than both fully refined paraffin and microcrystalline wax at equivalent measurement temperatures. The congealing point (ASTM D938) closely matches the stated melting point grade for each product. These exceptional hardness values, combined with FT wax's very low melt viscosity, explain its superior performance in applications requiring maximum rigidity below processing temperature and maximum flow at application temperature.

Yes. FT wax is one of the most effective warm-mix asphalt (WMA) additives in road construction. When added at 2–4% to bituminous binders, FT wax reduces binder viscosity at mixing and compaction temperatures by 30–50%, allowing road surfacing at 20–40°C lower temperatures. This reduces fuel consumption, CO₂ emissions, and worker exposure to bitumen fumes during laying.

FT wax also improves the high-temperature rutting resistance of finished asphalt surfaces. Bio Green Wax Ltd supplies road construction grades with the technical documentation required by highway authorities. Contact us for WMA application-specific grade recommendations.

Bio Green Wax Ltd supplies FT wax in pastille/prilled form in 25 kg multi-wall kraft bags (the standard format for most applications, offering fast melting, accurate dosing, and clean handling), slab form in 25 kg cartons (available for some grades for customers who prefer manual processing), and micronised powder in 25 kg bags with defined particle size for ink and coating applications. Bulk liquid supply in heated ISO tanks is available for very large-volume bitumen modification customers. Contact us to specify your preferred format when requesting a quotation.

Yes.

FT wax performs as an excellent external lubricant in PVC and engineering plastic extrusion, with key advantages over paraffin wax for demanding applications: its higher melting point (95–115°C) means it remains solid at PVC processing temperatures longer, providing better plate-out resistance; its very narrow molecular weight distribution gives more predictable lubrication behaviour; and its near-zero aromatic content eliminates any risk of aromatic migration into sensitive plastic products.

FT wax is also used as a dispersant and processing aid in polyamide (PA), polyester (PET/PBT), and polycarbonate compounding. Contact us for grade recommendations for your polymer system.

The key technical differences that make FT wax superior to refined paraffin wax in hot-melt adhesive applications are: purity (FT wax is 99%+ hydrocarbon with <1 ppm aromatics vs. paraffin wax which contains trace aromatics and naphthenics); molecular structure (FT wax is composed primarily of straight-chain n-alkanes with narrow chain length distribution vs.

paraffin's broader, more branched distribution); melting point-viscosity relationship (FT wax has a dramatically lower melt viscosity for its melting point than paraffin wax); and polymer compatibility (FT wax is more compatible with synthetic rubber and metallocene polymer systems used in premium adhesive formulations). The cost premium of FT wax is consistently justified by measurably better adhesive performance.

Yes. Cosmetic-grade FT wax (INCI name: Synthetic Wax) is increasingly specified in premium cosmetic formulations — particularly lip products, mascara, and sunscreen sticks — where its near-zero aromatic content and exceptional purity provide a significant safety and regulatory advantage over petroleum-derived waxes.

Bio Green Wax Ltd provides EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC 1223/2009) compliance documentation, PAH and MOSH/MOAH test reports confirming aromatic content well below EU limits, INCI name and function documentation, and heavy metals test reports. These support the cosmetics safety assessment required for EU market approval of finished cosmetic products.

Yes. Micronised FT wax powder with D50 of 5–15 microns and D90 below 25 microns is available from Bio Green Wax Ltd for waterborne coatings, UV-cured printing inks, and floor care product applications. FT wax in micronised form provides superior anti-scratch, anti-mar, and coefficient-of-friction reduction performance compared to petroleum wax equivalents, due to its harder crystalline structure.

Pre-dispersed aqueous FT wax emulsions are also available for customers requiring a ready-to-use dispersion for direct addition to waterborne formulations. Contact us with your particle size and solids content requirements.

Yes. Fischer-Tropsch wax is produced entirely via chemical synthesis from syngas feedstock — it is not derived from petroleum refining and contains no petroleum-origin aromatic hydrocarbons. Total aromatic content of FT wax is typically below 1 ppm by GC analysis, which is undetectable by most standard analytical methods.

This makes FT wax the definitive choice for applications where trace aromatic hydrocarbon contamination is not acceptable — including food contact packaging, pharmaceutical excipients, premium cosmetics, and precision electronic component coatings. MOSH/MOAH test reports confirming this purity are provided with every relevant grade shipment.

Lead times for FT wax from Sasol South African origin to European ports are typically 4–6 weeks for sea freight. For Asian and Middle Eastern markets, 5–8 weeks. FT wax is produced in lower volumes than petroleum paraffin wax, so advance ordering is strongly recommended — particularly for container load quantities. Bio Green Wax Ltd maintains FT wax stock at European warehouses to support shorter lead times for established customers. Contact us at +44 20 7101 3847 or sales@biogreenwax.com for current stock availability and confirmed lead times for your destination.

Yes. Adding FT wax at 1–5% to paraffin or soy wax candle blends delivers significantly improved hardness and structural rigidity, a higher melting point for better performance in warm ambient conditions, superior white opacity in pillar candles, slower wax crystallisation reducing surface defects such as cracking and mottling, and better mould release from metal, polycarbonate, and silicone candle moulds.

These benefits make FT wax particularly valuable for premium pillar, taper, sculptural, and church candle applications where a flawless white finish and sharp mould release are essential. Contact Bio Green Wax Ltd for trial samples and blend ratio recommendations.

Yes. Bio Green Wax Ltd provides comprehensive technical support for FT wax customers at every stage. Pre-sale, our technical team advises on grade selection, provides technical data sheets, and supplies samples for formulation trials. During development, we offer guidance on dosage levels, polymer compatibility, blending ratios with other waxes, and processing temperature protocols.

Post-sale, we support production troubleshooting and product qualification for your customers. We understand that FT wax is often used in technically demanding applications where formulation expertise is critical — we are committed to being a technical partner, not just a supplier. com to arrange a technical consultation.