Polyethylene Wax (PE wax) — Frequently Asked Questions

Our PE wax grades have dropping points of 100–130°C (ASTM D3954), making them highly stable in high-temperature processing applications such as PVC extrusion (170–210°C) and hot-melt adhesive systems. Needle penetration at 25°C is typically 0–5 (very hard) — significantly harder than paraffin or microcrystalline wax at equivalent temperatures. Melt viscosity at 140°C ranges from 20 cP (low MW, for lubrication) to 500 cP (high MW, for adhesives). All grade-specific values are detailed in our technical data sheets available upon request.

PE wax pricing varies by molecular weight grade, whether oxidised or non-oxidised, and order volume. Prices are linked to polyethylene feedstock costs and refining market conditions. Contact our trading team at sales@biogreenwax.com for a current, competitive quotation. Volume-based pricing and term supply agreements are available for regular procurement requirements — particularly valuable for plastics compounders and ink manufacturers who use PE wax continuously.

Yes. PE wax is one of the most effective external lubricants in PVC pipe, profile, and rigid sheet extrusion — reducing die friction, improving surface finish, minimising plate-out on tooling, and extending production run length between cleaning cycles. It is also used as a dispersant and carrier for pigment masterbatches in polyolefin compounding.

Bio Green Wax Ltd supplies low-MW PE wax grades specifically optimised for PVC lubrication with proven compatibility across major PVC formulation systems. com with your extrusion profile specifications for grade recommendations.

Yes. Bio Green Wax Ltd supplies oxidised PE wax with acid values of 10–50 mg KOH/g for water-based floor polishes, furniture care products, leather finishes, and aqueous coating formulations. The carboxyl groups introduced by oxidation allow emulsification in water without solvents, making oxidised PE wax the ingredient of choice for eco-friendly, low-VOC polish and coating formulations. Pre-dispersed aqueous PE wax emulsions are also available for customers requiring direct addition to waterborne systems. Contact us to specify your required acid value and emulsion concentration.

PE wax is a critical performance additive in printing inks and overprint varnishes across all major print technologies — offset, flexographic, gravure, and UV-cured. It improves rub and scuff resistance of printed surfaces, provides anti-blocking properties to prevent ink transfer in stack or roll storage, reduces the coefficient of friction to prevent scratching during converting, and controls gloss in matte and satin varnish systems.

Micronised PE wax powder (D50 5–15 microns) delivers the best performance in ink systems. Contact Bio Green Wax Ltd for micronised grades with particle size specifications matched to your ink system.

Yes. PE wax grades complying with FDA 21 CFR 172.888 (polyethylene) and 175.300 (resinous and polymeric coatings) for indirect food contact applications are available from Bio Green Wax Ltd. These grades are used as components in food packaging coatings, release liners, and food-grade container manufacturing. Full FDA compliance documentation, including the specific CFR references applicable to your end use, are provided with each food-contact grade shipment to support your FDA regulatory compliance programme.

Bio Green Wax Ltd supplies PE wax in three formats optimised for different applications: pastille/prilled form in 25 kg bags (for hot-melt, candle, and plastic compounding applications); granules in 25 kg bags or 500 kg supersacks (for general industrial use); and micronised powder in 25 kg multi-wall bags with defined particle size distribution (D50 5–15 microns) for printing inks, waterborne coatings, and polish applications.

Specify your required format and particle size (for powder) when requesting a quotation — the right physical form has a significant impact on dispersion performance in your system.

Yes. Adding PE wax at 0.5–2% to paraffin wax candle blends increases hardness and rigidity, raises the effective melting point, reduces oil pooling at the wick base, and improves mould release for pillar candles. PE wax is particularly effective in large-format pillar and church candles where maximum structural integrity is required. Note that addition rates above 2% can reduce fragrance throw — our technical team can advise on the optimal level for your specific candle format and fragrance loading. Contact sales@biogreenwax.com for a technical consultation.

All PE wax supplied by Bio Green Wax Ltd comes with EU REACH-compliant Safety Data Sheets (SDS) with the relevant substance registration numbers. RoHS compliance declarations are available for electronic and electrical applications. FDA 21 CFR food contact compliance is available for relevant grades. INCI compliance documentation (INCI name: Polyethylene) is provided for cosmetic applications. REACH SVHC (Substances of Very High Concern) declarations confirming absence of restricted substances are provided on request. A complete certification package is tailored to your market and application.

PE wax has a density of 0.92–0.97 g/cm³ at 23°C (ASTM D792) — similar to low-density polyethylene but in a much lower molecular weight form. The dropping point (ASTM D3954) is typically 100–130°C depending on grade. Melt viscosity at 140°C ranges from 20 cP for low-MW lubrication grades to 500+ cP for high-MW adhesive grades (Brookfield viscometry). These three parameters together define the processing window and performance profile for your specific application. Full grade-specific values are confirmed in technical data sheets provided by Bio Green Wax Ltd upon request.

Yes. PE wax is used in rubber compounding as an external lubricant and mould release agent — preventing adhesion of rubber compounds to mixing equipment, calenders, and vulcanisation moulds during processing. It also provides a degree of surface ozone protection when it migrates to the surface of finished rubber goods, supplementing the primary anti-ozonant wax package (typically paraffin and microcrystalline wax). Bio Green Wax Ltd can supply PE wax alongside our paraffin and microcrystalline wax range for a complete rubber processing wax package.

Bio Green Wax Ltd supplies both LDPE-derived PE wax (produced by thermal cracking or low-pressure polymerisation of ethylene) and Fischer-Tropsch derived polyethylene wax.

FT-derived PE wax delivers higher purity, a narrower molecular weight distribution, near-zero aromatic content, and more consistent batch-to-batch performance — making it the preferred choice for demanding ink, coating, and adhesive applications where impurities and colour are critical. LDPE-derived PE wax is available as an economical alternative for lubrication and plastic processing applications. Contact us to specify your preferred type.

Oxidised PE wax for emulsion applications is available from Bio Green Wax Ltd with acid values across the following ranges: 8–15 mg KOH/g (lightly oxidised, for hot-melt and plastic lubrication); 15–30 mg KOH/g (moderately oxidised, for floor polish and leather finish emulsions); and 30–50 mg KOH/g (highly oxidised, for aqueous paper treatment and waterborne coating formulations). The acid value determines emulsifiability and the stability of the resulting wax emulsion. Specify your target acid value and emulsion type (anionic, non-ionic) when requesting a quotation.

Yes. PE wax and carnauba wax are highly compatible and are routinely blended in premium polish and protective coating formulations. PE wax contributes durability, scuff resistance, and ease of application; carnauba wax delivers high gloss, hardness, and a premium surface feel. This combination is used in automotive detailing waxes, floor polish systems, furniture care products, and overprint varnishes. Bio Green Wax Ltd supplies both carnauba wax and PE wax — allowing you to source a complete wax ingredient package from a single, trusted supplier. Contact us for blend ratio guidance.

Standard lead times for PE wax from Bio Green Wax Ltd are 2–4 weeks for European customers from stock, and 4–6 weeks for non-stock or specific grade requirements. For Asian and Middle Eastern customers, 3–5 weeks depending on shipping route and port of destination. We hold stock of the most commonly requested grades for faster dispatch to established customers. Contact us at +44 20 7101 3847 or sales@biogreenwax.com for current availability and a confirmed delivery schedule for your order.

Yes. Micronised PE wax powder with tightly controlled particle size distribution — D50 of 5–15 microns and D90 below 25 microns — is available from Bio Green Wax Ltd for waterborne coatings, UV-cured inks, and floor care product applications. The controlled particle size is critical for consistent performance in aqueous systems: particles that are too large cause surface defects; too small may not provide adequate anti-slip and mar resistance.

Pre-dispersed aqueous PE wax emulsions (30–40% active content) are also available for direct addition to waterborne formulations. Contact us to specify your target particle size and solids content.

Yes. PE wax is a key performance ingredient in wood floor polishes, furniture care waxes, and hard-surface protective coatings. It provides excellent hardness and durability in buffed polish films, outstanding water and stain resistance, long-lasting surface protection, and ease of reapplication without build-up. Oxidised PE wax emulsions are used in water-based floor care products; solvent-based systems use standard or oxidised PE wax dissolved in aliphatic solvents. Bio Green Wax Ltd can supply the appropriate grade with technical support. Contact us with your formulation requirements.

Yes. Bio Green Wax Ltd provides comprehensive technical data sheets for all PE wax grades, covering dropping point, needle penetration, melt viscosity, density, molecular weight, and acid value (for oxidised grades). Our technical team offers direct support on grade selection for your application, recommended dosage levels, solvent compatibility, blending protocols with other waxes, and processing temperature recommendations.

We welcome technical enquiries and provide formulation consultation as a standard part of our customer service. com or +44 20 7101 3847 to speak with our technical team.