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Paraffin Wax

Paraffin Wax is a versatile paraffin hydrocarbon used in manufacturing candles, cosmetics, and packaging across East Africa.

Paraffin Wax belongs to the family of saturated hydrocarbon waxes primarily composed of straight-chain alkanes.

Packaging

25kg bags, 50kg bags, 200L drums

Supply Region

Kenya, East Africa

Supplier

Zenco Systems Ltd

What is Paraffin Wax?

Paraffin Wax belongs to the family of saturated hydrocarbon waxes primarily composed of straight-chain alkanes. It is valued in industrial sectors for its chemical stability, low reactivity, and physical versatility. The wax’s melting range between 46°C and 68°C suits diverse manufacturing processes where controlled softening and solidification are critical.

Across East Africa—including Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania—Paraffin Wax finds substantial use in pharmaceutical, cosmetics, packaging, and candle-making industries. These sectors depend on its moisture barrier properties, smooth texture, and consistent melting behavior to enhance product quality and operational efficiency. Zenco Systems Ltd supplies Paraffin Wax tailored to the requirements of these industries, addressing local market needs with dependable logistics and compliance to quality standards.

Its adaptability extends to food-grade packaging and pharmaceutical coatings, where inertness and purity are essential. Given its wide application range, Paraffin Wax holds commercial significance as an industrial raw material that supports value addition in manufacturing and packaging within the East African industrial landscape.

Paraffin Wax: Detailed Product Overview

Paraffin Wax is a semi-solid mixture of saturated hydrocarbons, predominantly straight-chain alkanes, with the general formula CnH2n+2. The carbon chain length in Paraffin Wax typically ranges between C20 and C40, which determines its melting point and hardness. This wax is chemically inert, meaning it resists oxidation and reaction under normal manufacturing conditions. These properties ensure long shelf life and stable performance when incorporated into formulations or used as a coating.

The melting point variability from 46°C to 68°C is critical for processing, enabling manufacturers to melt the wax at moderate temperatures without degradation. This temperature range also ensures suitable setting characteristics that improve finishing and textural qualities in candles, cosmetics, and packaging films. Physically, Paraffin Wax is white or colorless with a smooth, waxy texture, which contributes to its use as a moisture barrier and lubricant.

In cosmetics, the wax serves both as a thickening agent and emollient, enhancing product consistency while protecting skin from dehydration. For pharmaceuticals, the wax is used in coatings that control drug release and protect tablets from moisture. Its low chemical reactivity leverages it as a safe intermediate, while its lubricative properties enable use in industrial lubrication applications such as crayons and packaging machinery components.

Zenco Systems Ltd ensures that Paraffin Wax supplied meets regional quality expectations, though buyers should confirm specific purity and grade details with the supplier to match their application. The wax’s performance hinges on consistent quality, which impacts melting behavior, odor neutrality, and wax hardness—each critical to precise industrial processes. Reliable sourcing within Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and surrounding countries from Zenco supports uninterrupted production cycles and competitive operational costs.

Applications and Uses of Paraffin Wax

Candle Making

Paraffin Wax is a fundamental component in candle manufacturing due to its ideal melting point and clean-burning properties. It provides a steady burn rate with minimal soot, improving candle safety and user experience. Manufacturers typically blend Paraffin Wax with additives like stearic acid or fragrance oils to enhance firmness and scent throw. Zenco Systems Ltd supplies wax in grades suitable for both molded and dipped candle processes, supporting East African candle producers with reliable quality that enhances final product aesthetics and performance.

Cosmetics Formulation

Used as a thickening agent and emollient, Paraffin Wax contributes to the texture and protective qualities of skincare and other cosmetic products. It helps stabilize formulations such as lip balms, creams, and ointments by imparting viscosity without affecting absorption negatively. The wax’s moisture barrier properties prevent excessive water loss from the skin and prolong product shelf life. Cosmetic manufacturers in Kenya and neighboring countries rely on Zenco Systems Ltd’s supply to maintain consistency and regulatory compliance.

Food Packaging Coating

Paraffin Wax is applied as a coating on food packaging materials, creating a moisture-resistant barrier that extends shelf life and preserves product quality. Its inert nature ensures no chemical interaction with food items. Typical uses include coating cardboard boxes, paper wraps, and fresh produce packaging. This extends usability in the fast-growing East African food processing sector where hygiene and preservation are critical. Zenco provides wax meeting food-contact safety norms suitable for such industrial coatings.

Pharmaceutical Coatings

In pharmaceuticals, Paraffin Wax is used as a tablet coating to protect active ingredients from moisture and degradation. Its hydrophobic quality aids in controlled drug release by forming a non-reactive barrier. Additionally, it contributes to the physical integrity and cosmetic appeal of coated tablets and capsules. Pharmaceutical manufacturers in Kenya and East Africa select Paraffin Wax batches from Zenco Systems Ltd that comply with relevant pharmacopoeial standards.

Industrial Lubrication

Paraffin Wax serves as a dry lubricant or ingredient in lubricative compounds used in machinery and manufacturing lines. Its waxy texture reduces friction between moving parts without the need for oils, which can attract dust or degrade under heat. This application prolongs equipment life and minimizes maintenance downtime, vital in East Africa’s expanding industrial production sectors. Zenco supplies Paraffin Wax appropriate for such specialized lubrication needs.

Crayon Manufacturing

Paraffin Wax is an essential binder and hardener in crayons, providing smooth application and firmness to coloring materials. It ensures uniform melting and cooling during production, resulting in predictable and safe crayons that perform well for children and artists. Crayon manufacturers sourcing from Zenco Systems Ltd benefit from consistent wax quality that meets safety standards while optimizing production efficiency.

Looking for alternatives for a specific process? Browse the full Pharma & Cosmetics range or ask our technical team which grade fits your application.

Benefits and Advantages

Chemical Stability and Inertness

Paraffin Wax’s composition of saturated hydrocarbons makes it chemically inert and resistant to oxidation or rancidity. This stability holds its properties intact through long storage periods and varied processing conditions. Buyers appreciate this because it minimizes waste and off-spec products, maintaining consistent manufacturing results.

Controlled Melting Point Range

The wax’s melting range between 46°C and 68°C allows for precise temperature control during melting and molding processes. This temperature window prevents degradation while enabling easy handling. The benefit for manufacturers is improved control over final product texture and performance, reducing defects and enhancing throughput.

Moisture Resistance

Paraffin Wax forms an excellent hydrophobic barrier, protecting products from moisture ingress. This makes it invaluable for food packaging and pharmaceutical coatings which require moisture protection to maintain quality and shelf life. This property also prevents microbial contamination and product spoilage, directly impacting end-user satisfaction.

Versatile Industrial Utility

Its wide application spectrum, from candles to cosmetics and packaging, allows industries to consolidate suppliers and inputs. Zenco Systems Ltd’s ability to provide Paraffin Wax suitable for multiple sectors ensures operational efficiency and easier supply chain management across East Africa.

Packaging Information

Paraffin Wax is supplied in economically sized 25kg and 50kg bags for convenience in handling and storage. For larger industrial users, 200L drums are also available, facilitating bulk purchase and ease of transport. This packaging range supports regional distribution logistics across Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, enabling smooth customs clearance and warehousing. Customers demanding higher volumes may discuss tailored bulk packaging solutions directly with Zenco Systems Ltd to optimize cost and delivery schedules.

Standard formats: 25kg bags, 50kg bags, 200L drums

Storage and Handling

Store Paraffin Wax in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight and sources of heat. Ideal storage temperatures range between 15°C and 25°C to prevent melting or deformation. Containers should be sealed tightly to avoid contamination from dust or moisture. Keep away from strong oxidizing agents and incompatible materials to maintain wax integrity. Proper handling includes using clean melting equipment at recommended temperatures to avoid thermal degradation, ensuring consistent product quality during use. Under these conditions, Paraffin Wax can be stored safely for up to two years or until the supplier’s recommended expiry date.

Safety Information

Paraffin Wax is generally considered non-toxic and poses low health risks under normal handling. However, it is combustible and can release irritating fumes if overheated or burned. Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) includes gloves and safety glasses to avoid skin and eye contact during handling and melting. Ensure adequate ventilation when heating to prevent inhalation of vapors. In case of fire, use foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide extinguishers; avoid water jets. Dispose of Paraffin Wax residues in accordance with local environmental regulations. For comprehensive safety details, consult the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) provided by Zenco Systems Ltd.

Full hazard detail is available in the technical data sheet.

Technical Specifications

GradeConfirm with supplier
PurityConfirm with supplier
FormulaCnH2n+2 (Mixture of alkanes)
Packaging25kg bags, 50kg bags, 200L drums
AppearanceWhite to colorless waxy solid
CAS Number8012-95-1
Chemical NameParaffin Wax
Storage ConditionsStore in cool, dry place below 25°C, away from sunlight

Applications

  • Candle making
  • Cosmetics formulation
  • Food packaging coating
  • Pharmaceutical coatings
  • Industrial lubrication
  • Crayon manufacturing

Technical Data Sheet (TDS)

GradeConfirm with supplier
PurityConfirm with supplier
FormulaCnH2n+2 (Mixture of alkanes)
Packaging25kg bags, 50kg bags, 200L drums
AppearanceWhite to colorless waxy solid
CAS Number8012-95-1
Chemical NameParaffin Wax
Storage ConditionsStore in cool, dry place below 25°C, away from sunlight

Product Features

  • - Saturated hydrocarbon mixture
  • - Melting point 46–68°C
  • - White to colorless solid
  • - Chemically inert
  • - Moisture resistant
  • - Smooth waxy texture

Industries Served

  • - Pharmaceutical
  • - Cosmetics
  • - Packaging
  • - Candle Manufacturing
  • - Food Processing
  • - Industrial Lubrication
  • - Art Supplies

Product Overview

Frequently Asked Questions About Paraffin Wax

What is Paraffin Wax used for in East Africa?

Paraffin Wax is used extensively in candle making, cosmetics, pharmaceutical coatings, food packaging, industrial lubrication, and crayon manufacturing across Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and nearby countries.

Do you supply Paraffin Wax outside Kenya?

Yes, Zenco Systems Ltd supplies Paraffin Wax across East Africa including Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Somalia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, supporting cross-border logistics.

What purity should I expect for Paraffin Wax?

Purity varies by grade and application; confirm exact purity with Zenco Systems Ltd at order time to ensure it meets your industry requirements.

What packaging options are available for bulk buyers?

Paraffin Wax is available in 25kg and 50kg bags and 200L drums. For large-volume buyers, custom bulk packaging solutions can be arranged by contacting Zenco Systems Ltd.

How should Paraffin Wax be stored to maintain quality?

Store wax in a cool, dry place below 25°C, sealed from contaminants and away from sunlight to prevent melting and degradation.

Is Paraffin Wax safe to handle without specialized PPE?

Basic PPE such as gloves and safety glasses is recommended when handling or melting to avoid irritation. Avoid overheating to prevent fume inhalation.

Can Paraffin Wax be used in food-related applications?

Yes, Paraffin Wax is commonly used as a moisture-resistant coating in food packaging. Zenco Systems Ltd can confirm if the supplied wax meets local food-contact safety standards.

What is the typical melting point range of Paraffin Wax?

Paraffin Wax typically melts between 46°C and 68°C, making it suitable for controlled melting processes in various manufacturing applications.

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