Description

Shellac is a natural resin secreted by the lac insect, Kerria lacca, and is valued for its excellent film-forming, adhesive, and protective properties. This versatile biopolymer is a key ingredient in creating high-gloss, durable, and safe coatings for a wide range of industrial and consumer products. It is essential for manufacturers in the food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and wood finishing industries seeking a natural, compliant, and effective resin solution.

Application

• Food Glazing & Coating Agent: Used as a confectioner's glaze for candies, chocolates, nuts, and fruits to provide a shiny, protective barrier and extend shelf life.
• Pharmaceutical & Nutraceutical Coating: Serves as an enteric or sustained-release coating for tablets and capsules, protecting active ingredients from stomach acid.
• Wood Finishing & Furniture Polish: A traditional and premium ingredient in French polish and other high-quality wood varnishes, offering a deep, warm luster.
• Cosmetics & Personal Care: Functions as a film-former and holding agent in hair sprays, mascara, and nail varnishes.
• Microencapsulation: Employed to encapsulate flavors, fragrances, and active ingredients for controlled release in food and agrochemical applications.
• Electrical Insulation: Used in the formulation of insulating varnishes and sealants for electrical components.
• Adhesives & Inks: Acts as a binding agent in specialty adhesives, printing inks, and sealing wax.

Basic Information

Product Name	Shellac
CAS No.	9000-59-3
Molecular Formula	Complex mixture (Natural resin)
Molecular Weight	~1000 Da (Variable)
Synonyms	Lac resin; Gum lac; Shellac gum; Bleached shellac; Dewaxed shellac; Confectioner's glaze; Pharmaceutical glaze; E904; Lacca; Button lac; Seed lac; Garnet lac; Shellac wax free; Aleuritic acid resin ester
EINECS	232-549-9

Quality Control

Our Shellac is produced and tested to meet stringent quality standards appropriate for its intended application, whether for food (FCC, EU Directive 95/2/EC as E904), pharmaceutical (USP/NF, EP), or industrial use. Each batch undergoes rigorous analysis for key parameters such as color index, melting point, acid value, and wax content. A Certificate of Analysis (COA) documenting purity and compliance is available for every shipment.

Storage

Preserve in a tightly closed container, protected from light. Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area at room temperature (15-25°C). Shellac is hygroscopic (moisture-sensitive) and should be kept away from excessive heat and humidity to prevent caking and maintain optimal performance.

Specification

Item	Specification
Description	Yellowish to brown flakes or granules
Identification (IR)	Conforms
Acid Value	65 - 85 mg KOH/g
Ester Value	120 - 180 mg KOH/g
Melting Point	75 - 85 °C
Color Index (Gardner)	< 18 (for bleached grades)
Wax Content	< 5.5% (for dewaxed grades)
Solubility in Alcohol	Clear or slightly opalescent solution
Heavy Metals (as Pb)	< 10 ppm
Loss on Drying	< 2.0 %

Note: Specifications can be tailored. Please contact us for the detailed technical data sheet of a specific grade.