Canaba wax, this natural wax from the Brazilian canaba palm tree, is often called the "Queen of Waxes." Its unique composition and properties have made it popular in many industries. This article will deeply explore the ingredients and functions of canaba wax as well as the production and export conditions behind it.
Canaba wax comes from the canaba palm (Copernicia prunifera), a plant that only grows in certain areas of Brazil. In the process of collecting canaba wax, workers first collect and dry palm leaves, then beat the leaves to loosen the wax, and finally obtain pure wax blocks through the process of refining and bleaching.
The main ingredients of canaba wax include: 40% fatty acid esters, 21% 4-hydroxycinnamic acid diester, 13% omega-hydroxycarboxylic acid and 12% fatty alcohol. Its unique composition gives it many remarkable properties, especially its superior gloss and durability.
Its high-gloss properties make Canaba wax widely used in car wax, shoe polish, dental floss, food additives and various beauty products. It is also used as an important ingredient in many cosmetic products due to its hypoallergenic and emollient properties.
“Canaba wax can improve the texture and durability of cosmetics, making it an important ingredient in beauty products.”
According to reports, Brazil's canaba wax production reached 22,409 tons in 2006, of which 14% was solid wax and 86% was in powder form. Although the market demand for canabawa wax is growing, its production still faces many challenges, including the working conditions of workers and its ecological impact.
“The working conditions of some workers are extremely harsh and have even been described as modern slavery.”
In order to improve production conditions and protect biodiversity, the Initiative for Responsible Canaba (IRC) was established in 2018. The organization promotes the responsible production of canaba wax, ensuring transparency in the production process and the basic rights of workers.
Canaba wax has a melting point of 82 to 86 degrees Celsius, making it one of the highest melting point options among all natural waxes. Its extremely high hardness and durability have led to its growing use in industrial applications. As market demand continues to expand, the future of canabawa wax is still full of potential.
However, with the increasing awareness of sustainability and environmental protection, how to protect workers' rights and ecological balance while promoting business growth has become an important issue that the industry must face. So, how do you think companies should find a balance between growth and sustainability?