Karnaubaviasz

Karnaubaviasz, also known as carnauba wax, is a natural plant wax produced by the leaves of the Brazilian palm Copernicia prunifera. The wax was historically collected by communities in northeastern Brazil and earned the nickname “the queen of wax” for its hardness and high melting point.

In composition, carnauba wax consists mainly of long-chain esters, fatty acids and hydrocarbons, with a very high hardness and a melting point typically around 80 to 86 degrees Celsius. It forms a durable, glossy film when applied, which makes it especially valued in coatings and finishes. The wax is available in different grades, from crude yellow to refined white forms, the latter preferred for food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic applications.

Harvesting and production involve collecting the wax from the surface of dried palm leaves. The leaves are processed to separate the wax, which is then melted, purified and refined to remove impurities. Refined white carnauba wax is widely used in industries that require a high-gloss, tough film, while yellow and lower-grade forms find usage in more basic coatings and polishes.

Common uses of carnauba wax include automotive and furniture polishes, shoe polishes, floor finishes, and protective coatings. It is also employed in confectionery as an edible glaze, in pharmaceuticals for capsule and coating applications, and in cosmetics as a thickener and film former. The wax is generally regarded as safe for use in food and consumer products, and sustainable harvesting practices are important to its supply, given its economic significance in Brazil.