• Plastic ( soft or malleable) at normal ambient temperatures
• A melting point above approximately 45 °C.
• A  relatively low viscosity when melted (unlike many plastics)
• Insoluble in water
• Hydrophobic

We shall be discussing here on the waxes which are only being used in the rubber and plastic industry. Beeswax, perhaps , is the first wax which used by human in the beginning of our civilization, was one of the important renewable source of fuel. The honey comb formed by bees has typical hexagonal geometric pattern (Fig.1). Bees wax is used in tire building drum, if the rubber is too sticky, it can also be used in two roll mill to take care of rubber sticking to the rolls. It is frequently being used in the BC, MC, PC, TB  inner-tube making industry during pre-forming operation in the green stage when inner-tubes are expanded under mild air pressure just before curing in mold.

The main commercial source of wax is, however, crude oil but not all crude oil refiners produce wax. "Mineral" wax can also be produced from lignite. Plants, animals and even insects produce materials sold in commerce as "wax". There are five categories of waxes being used in rubber industries :

• Bees Wax
• Paraffin Wax - made of long-chain alkane hydrocarbons
• Microcrystalline Wax - with very fine crystalline structure
• Chlorinated Paraffin Wax
• Polyethylene Wax
• Chlorinated Polyethylene Wax

The major uses of petroleum based waxes are in rubber, cosmetics and in Candle industry. They are generally white in color but show usual brown color (Fig.2) due to contaminated with oil traces. Two types of waxes, in general, are used in rubber industry, Paraffinic wax and Microcrystalline wax. Its normal dose is 1-3 phr and high level of wax impairs low temperature flexibility and compression set. Rubber compounder considers wax as a very important processing aid because it has following advantages:

• Improves mixing properties

  

   

• Improves dispersion of filler and other ingredients
• Improves extrusion properties
• Improves upon extrudate and calendared surface finish
• Protects surface and acts as antioxidant /antiozonate

Paraffin and Microcrystalline waxes are derived from petroleum. They are easy to recover and offer a wide range of physical properties that can often be tailored by refining processes. Most producers offer two distinct types of petroleum waxes: paraffins, which are distinguished by large, well formed crystals; and microcrystallines, which are higher melting waxes with small, irregular crystals. Microcrystalline wax contains substantial proportions of branched and cyclic saturated hydrocarbons in addition to normal alkanes.

Some producers also sell "intermediate" wax, in which the boiling range is cut where the transition in crystal size and structure occur. Petroleum wax producers also characterize wax by degree of refinement; fully refined paraffin has oil content generally less than 0.5% and fully-refined micro-crystalline less than 3%. Paraffin wax produced from petroleum is essentially a pure mixture of normal and iso-alkanes without the esters, acids, etc. found in the animal and vegetable-based waxes.

Paraffin wax (or simply "paraffin") is mostly found as a white, odorless, tasteless, waxy solid, with a typical melting point between about 47-64 °C  and having a density of around 0.9 g/cm³. It is insoluble in water, but soluble in ether, benzene, and certain esters. Paraffin is unaffected by most common chemical reagents, but burns readily. Paraffin wax is generally unbranched hydrocarbon having carbon above C₁₇ and  are solid at room temperature. Their carbon atoms typically ranges between C₁₇ - C₃₀ and having typical melting point around 60°C. All paraffinic wax are recovered from fractional distillation of petroleum.The name paraffin implies that it contains straight hydrocarbon structure but it has branch also. Branched paraffins are called ‘Isoparafins’ and cyclic parafins are called ‘Cresines’ or ‘Isoceresies’.

Pure paraffin wax dose in rubber compounding varies from 1-3 phr. Pure paraffin wax is rarely used these days in rubber industry as it has oozing character and in excess it causes blooming on green rubber components, that results in reduction in compound tack. They are frequently blended with microcrystalline wax in rubber compounding therefore.

Pure paraffin wax is an excellent electrical insulator, with an electrical resistivity of between 10¹³ and 10¹⁷ ohm meter. This is better than nearly all other materials except some plastics (notably teflon or polytetrafluoroethylene). It is an effective neutron moderator and was used in James Chadwick's 1932 experiments to identify the neutron. Paraffin wax (C₂₅H₅₂) is an excellent material to store heat, having a specific heat capacity of 2.14–2.9 J g^–1 K^–1 (joule per gram per kelvin) and a heat of fusion of 200–220 J g^–1(joule per gram). This property is exploited in modified drywall for home building material.

Microcrystalline waxes: This is produced by de-oiling petrolatum, as part of the petroleum refining process. Microcrystalline wax contains a higher percentage of isoparaffinic (branched) hydrocarbons and naphthenic hydrocarbons. It is characterized by the fineness of its crystals in contrast to the larger crystal of paraffin wax. It consists of high molecular weight saturated aliphatic hydrocarbons with comparatively higher melting point than paraffinic wax. It is generally darker, more viscous, denser, tackier and more elastic than paraffin waxes. The elastic and adhesive characteristics of microcrystalline waxes are related to the non-straight chain components which they contain. Typical microcrystalline wax crystal structure is small and thin, making them more flexible than paraffin wax. It is commonly used in rubber formulation and cosmetic formulations.

Its usual carbon atom ranges from C₄₀–C₇₀ , having comparatively higher melting point (Fig.4) between 80-105 ⁰C because they have higher number of carbon. Common dose in rubber compounding is between 1-3 phr. Some time higher dose of  100% Micro crystalline wax is difficult to process and as a result they are often blended with paraffinic wax for rubber use. Blending is also done for economical reasons as microcrystalline wax is comparatively costlier. Paraffinic wax, having smaller molecular weight bleeds faster in cured rubber article, whereas, 100% micro crystalline wax  will have inherent resistance to faster volatilization and eventually, blended wax will have an intermediate property. Refineries may also utilize blending facilities to combine paraffin and microcrystalline waxes. This type of activity is prevalent especially for industries such as tire and rubber industries.

Higher dose of antioxidant and anti ozonates are always advised to add along with microcrystalline wax because the later help slower migration of antioxidant and antiozonates on the product surface and thereby increase on the product durability against ageing process. Tire curing bladder is often blended with 1-3 phr of microcrystalline wax.

Chlorinated Paraffin Wax

Upon chlorination of paraffinic wax we get Chlorinated Paraffin Wax(CPW). This is available in batch process that is processed from effective exothermic reaction. This reaction generates a by-product hydrochloric acid that is later removed out of the solution. Finally stabilizer and solution is mixed that provide the required final product, which is used in various industrial applications. With 30 to 70% chlorine and insolubility in water, these CPWs have low vapor pressure. Chlorinated Paraffin Wax is highly inert, insoluble in water and they have low vapor pressure. Generally used as plasticizers in plastic and elastomers, where flame retardant property is important.

Polyethylene waxes (PE-Wax)

Polyethylene waxes or PE-Wax is same familiar polyethylene chemical structure (Fig.5) but with lower molecular weight , generally around or less than 3000.This is a processing aid in elastomer and plastics but basically they are a form of synthetic resins. It is a white solid product (Fig.6) appears in the market as powdery, lumpy, or flaky product. It is a non-toxic product having concentrated distribution of molecular weight of 1500 with specific gravity about 0.94 with high softening point but low fusion viscosity with melting point; 112 - 118°C, melt peak 110 °C, flash point 210°C, minimum. It has excellent stability against polishing, scratch resistance, metal mark resistance, scuff resistance. PE-Wax is resistant to water and chemical materials.

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Zeon Corporation broke ground on a multi-product research and prototyping complex at the Kawasaki Innovation Frontier Port in Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture, on 16 October with a ceremony held beforehand to seek safety during construction. The company expects the complex to shorten the path from laboratory work to mass production for established and emerging businesses alike, making it central to its long-term growth strategy.

Set inside an existing building within the port's Research & Development Center area, the complex is slated to begin operating in January 2028. Its design aims to move products past the laboratory stage and into medium-scale sample output more quickly, clearing a bottleneck on the route to full-scale manufacturing.

Zeon's core production methods – polymerisation, hydrogenation, coagulation and drying – will be built into the complex, which is engineered to handle diverse manufacturing conditions and operating approaches. Beyond serving established and new businesses, the polymer design company envisions the site as a centre for technology development and a platform for rolling out new processes and operational, analytical, and measurement technologies within and beyond the company. It will eventually host development and prototyping work across a wide range of technologies, including contract prototypes commissioned by outside parties.

The Kawasaki Innovation Frontier Port is the umbrella name for the site combining the neighbouring Kawasaki Plant and Research & Development Center. The label underscores the location's role in breaking new ground by merging innovation, research and development and production and casts the Kawasaki waterfront as a port that propels innovation. Once a co-creative innovation facility begins operating in December 2026, the two sites will function as one continuous operation, turning out ever more sophisticated products and production methods and reinforcing their standing as a launchpad for technology.

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Vipal Rubber has launched the VT290, a tread designed for truck drive axles used on motorways and paved roads, targeting regional and long-distance transport operations in Europe.

The product is available in widths of 240mm, 250mm, 260mm, 270mm and 280mm. It is designed to provide traction and stability on dry and wet roads, as well as in demanding conditions involving snow.

Frederico Schmidt, General Manager of Vipal EMEA, said, “The launch of the VT290 reinforces Vipal’s ongoing commitment to offering technologically advanced solutions suited to the specific characteristics of European roads and climate.” “We want to further consolidate our presence in the region, delivering a high value-added product that combines innovation, operational efficiency and safety,” he added.

The VT290 carries the M+S marking and 3PMSF certification. Its design includes side sipes and grooves intended to help remove snow and mud from the tread, improving grip on slippery surfaces.

The tread pattern is also designed to distribute engine torque more evenly, helping to reduce uneven wear. Tie bars between the tread blocks add structural stability, supporting vehicle control during driving.

Fabrício Nedeff, Commercial Manager of Vipal EMEA, said, “With the VT290, weare responding directly to the real needs of fleet operators and truck drivers, combining performance, adherence and efficiency in different driving conditions. [RS2.1]In addition to expanding options for our customers, the product strengthens business opportunities for our partners in the region,”

Vipal said the launch would expand its offering for retreaders, distributors and fleet operators in the European market.

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The Association of Natural Rubber Producing Countries (ANRPC) published its Monthly Natural Rubber Statistical Report for August 2026, noting firmer prices in several markets. Supply constraints, stable downstream demand and persistent geopolitical and macroeconomic uncertainty shaped the month. Renewed conflict and disruptions to major shipping routes added further pressure.

Physical prices for major grades moved in different directions. SMR-20 in Kuala Lumpur averaged USD 2.31 per kg, up 4.25 percent from July, while STR-20 in Bangkok rose 1.40 percent to USD 2.39 per kg. RSS-3 dropped 4.18 percent to USD 2.80 per kg, but RSS-4 in Kottayam gained 0.57 percent to USD 2.92 per kg. Latex-in-bulk fell 4.73 percent to USD 1.73 per kg. Brent crude averaged USD 91.08 per barrel, driven by concerns over possible restrictions on oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz and wider Middle East instability, which raised energy supply risks and strengthened the oil market risk premium.

On trade, China's imports climbed 3.39 percent month-on-month, while India fell 10.18 percent and Malaysia dropped 8.24 percent; Viet Nam rose 5.08 percent. Exports advanced 5.63 percent in Viet Nam but declined in Thailand (-5.24 percent), Indonesia (-5.36 percent), Malaysia (-1.48 percent) and Cambodia (-1.88 percent).

Global production is projected to rise 0.6 percent to 15.039 million tons in 2026 from 14.952 million tonnes in 2025, after revisions to Thailand's 2025 output and updated 2026 estimates for Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia. Weather, including erratic rainfall and drier Southeast Asian conditions, affected output. August 2026 production was estimated at 1.396 million tonnes, down 4.51 percent from 1.462 million tonnes a year earlier. Demand is forecast to grow 0.4 percent to 15.356 million tonnes in 2026 from 15.301 million tonnes, with the largest consumption gains expected in China, Malaysia and Cambodia. Prospects depend on vehicle sales, tyre production, shipping conditions and weather-related supply disruptions, while steady EV-linked demand supported modest growth led by China and India. The ringgit traded between RM4.02 per USD and RM4.09 per USD, and the baht between 32.68 and 33.34. The SHFE January 2027 contract averaged 18,109 CNY per tonne, up 7.78 percent month-on-month, while the SGX November 2026 contract averaged USD 2.24 per kg, up 4.32 percent.

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Epsilon Carbon Pvt. Ltd., a global speciality carbon and carbon black manufacturer, has broadened its emissions accounting to include value chain impacts beyond its direct operations. The move advances measurement and management of Scope 3 emissions across its supply and distribution network, according to the company.

The initiative spans Epsilon Carbon’s integrated carbon complex in Vijayanagar, Karnataka. That site has a production capacity of 500,000 tonnes per annum of speciality carbon and 215,000 TPA of carbon black. It combines carbon manufacturing with energy circularity efforts in one integrated ecosystem. The company assessed material Scope 3 categories under GHG Protocol guidelines.

Scope 3 emissions are indirect and arise from purchased goods and services, transportation, business activities and downstream product use where relevant. The assessment gives Epsilon Carbon clearer visibility into emissions outside its direct control and a foundation for spotting reduction opportunities. It builds on existing operational emissions and energy efficiency work.

The company previously reported a 98 percent Scope 2 reduction against its baseline year. A 17 MW captive power plant uses waste heat from carbon black operations, energy consumption intensity fell 6 percent from baseline, and 77 percent of energy needs came from waste heat recovery, avoiding over 89,000 tonnes of CO₂. Epsilon Carbon now emphasises supplier engagement, data transparency and circularity, aligning disclosures with global sustainability frameworks to track value chain emissions consistently and develop measurable reduction initiatives.

Vikram Handa, Managing Director, Epsilon Carbon, said, “Meaningful climate action requires us to look beyond the boundaries of our operations and understand the impact of the entire value chain. Scope 3 measurement gives us greater visibility into the emissions and enables deeper engagement with our partners and suppliers. Building this visibility will help us make more informed decisions as we scale our operations and advance our decarbonization plans.”

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