applications we serve
Our products are used extensively in the following application areas:
Other wax markets
The unique properties of waxes, polymer and wax dispersions have resulted in an enormous array of applications. Some of these small niche applications are specialties of Paramelt.Paramelt is always looking for the niche applications in which formulation knowledge, pilot facilities and application experience is available to support the project at the customer.
Coatings & inks
Wax additives are widely used in the formulation of coatings & inks to control a number of key surface characteristics, such as abrasion or scuff resistance, gloss, release, anti-block and slip.
Paramelt waxes are supplied into a wide range of surface coating applications. Based on our knowledge in this field, combined with our extensive global sourcing network, we are able to help you identify the right wax for your coating application.
In addition to the supply of primary wax materials, Paramelt also has extensive dispersion and emulsification technologies (atmospheric, high pressure and in-line homogenization) to supply tailored wax emulsions compatible with your water-based coating formulation. We also work with a number of key partners to provide high quality bespoke emulsions on a toll manufacturing basis.
Adhesives
A wide range of EVA and metallocene-based hot melt adhesives rely on the use of both mineral and synthetic waxes (e.g. Fischer-Tropsch wax) to control rheological (viscosity and flow) and setting properties (open and set time). In addition to controlling flow and set performance, waxes also have an influence on other key adhesive characteristics such as tack, bond strength and brittleness/flexibility balance. Due to our extensive experience both in wax characteristics and in adhesive formulation, we are a strong partner to assist you in optimizing the performance of your adhesive system.
For the adhesives industry, we also invite you to experience our adhesives toll manufacturing capabilities in Europe, USA and China for water-based and hot melt adhesives.
Metal industry
There are several applications in the metal industry where waxes are used such as in etching and plating operations and as a temporary fixing medium in metal processing.
Stop-off wax for etching and plating
Waxes are used to provide a temporary protection mask on metal for wet chemical processes involving dipping, such as etching and plating operations. Waxes naturally lend themselves to this application as they are highly non-reactive, chemically resistant and hydrophobic. Frequently the wax is applied to the entire component (to be etched or plated) and then patterned to expose the areas requiring treatment using a range of techniques, such as steam, solvents or abrasive blasting.
Depending on the temperature of operation of the etching or plating process, either high melting point, synthetic waxes (> 80°C) or mineral, frequently microcrystalline, waxes (< 80°C) are used. In general, microcrystalline waxes are preferred as they are more cost effective, cleaner and easier to remove. After treatment, the wax mask can be simply removed and collected for re-use by immersion in hot wax or water.
There are many different approaches to such temporary masking applications, such as lacquers, films, tapes and permanent masks. However, the use of wax is frequently most economic and efficient, since the wax can be easily applied, flexibly patterned, readily removed and re-usable for a number of processing cycles.
Machinable wax
Rigidax™ is a castable, thermoplastic material that is used to tightly clamp awkward metal parts for subsequent machining. It can be melted out and recycled to make its use even more cost effective. Hard-to-fixture, thin-walled, odd-shaped and non-magnetic parts benefit tremendously from the use Paramelt’s Rigidax™ tooling compound. Typical applications include Blisks and IBR's, Blades and Vanes as well Missile & Rocket Castings. Rigidax is qualified by Rolls Royce under Approval: CSS185/Omat297.
These products are supported in most geographical areas by highly experienced distribution partners
- USA: MachinableWax.com Inc
- Europe: International Waxes Ltd
In addition to these traditional segments we are involved in fields such as blade & chain lubricants and corrosion protection compounds.
Please contact us to discuss your requirements.
Glass processing
Wax emulsions are widely used in glass processing industries to impact the final surface characteristics of the glass. We offer a number of Syncera™ formulated wax emulsions and Aquaseal™ formulated polymer dispersions to meet the various requirements of this sector.
Cold-end treatment of glass bottles and containers
Glass packaging containers, in their untreated state, have a fragile, micro-rough, exposed surface morphology. This means that the containers have a dull, low-slip surface, which is highly susceptible to further abrasion, scratching and fouling. Wax emulsions are therefore applied to the external surface of the containers after annealing (so-called cold-end treatment) to modify the surface characteristics of the final glass packaging.
The emulsions provide the following benefits:
- Decrease of CoF of the bottle surface
- Enhance scratch resistance
- Allow container slippage in conveying and collation
- Reduce breakage rates
- Faster filling speeds
- Increase recycling life time
- Boost gloss
Typically, cold-end treatments are based on our Syncera™ PE wax emulsions and grades are available depending on the final package temperature at application. Please contact us for more details regarding your specific requirements.
Heat seal primer for glass and ceramic packaging containers
The surface chemistry and morphology of the sealable surface (to be used in combination with lidding films and foils) depends strongly on the glass making process and the hot-end treatment employed. For heat seal applications therefore, a primer treatment is often applied at the cold-end, either as the cold-end treatment itself or in a secondary step, in order to give the controlled and lasting heat sealability required in many food packaging applications.
In addition, depending on the required conditions of use, a variety of different heat seal lacquers or polymer films can be used to form the lidding material (such as vinyl, Surlyn ionomer, EAA, PP and so on). These different sealant media each have unique seal compatibility with the substrate and may therefore require a specific primer to achieve optimal adhesion.
In order to address both these requirements, Paramelts offer a number of different Aquaseal™ grades tailored to the desired container, lidding material and food to be packaged.
Contact a specialist
We're here when you need us, every step of the way.
Susann Groβ-Matthäi
Business Development Manager Specialty Waxes
our dna
Paramelt is a global leader in specialty waxes, adhesives and coatings. For more than 125 years we are essentially wax formulators and are an independent, privately owned company.
Paramelt heritage
Paramelt
Dutch, since 1898
revenue 2024: €265 mln
# employees 2024: 490
owned by Ter Group
Ter Group
German, since 1908
revenue 2024: €920 mln
# employees 2024: 1105
owned by Westphal family
As the recognized wax specialists, we harbor industry experts and rank # 1 or 2 positions in our core markets. We continue to invest in process technology leadership and consolidation in these core wax markets and grow by offering ‘value for money’. Over time this position has enabled us to grow strongly in adhesives and dispersions markets. Value is our driver and custom-made products the norm.
Specialists (niche player)
Top 3 reasons to
recommend Paramelt*)
– reliable supplier
– consistent quality
– value for money
*) Customers survey Europe and USA
# active formulas
~2750
We are specialists, but are always open to complementary opportunities. We have direct decision making and short communication lines, our people throughout the organization take ownership and with a can-do attitude we make it happen. The annual re-investment rate is high and the company’s financial mass can underpin substantial investments.
With an entrepreneurial attitude
Annual re-investment rate
~10%
Technology drives our thinking. We combine long term strategic product and process research with flexible and responsive product development. We are inquisitive and challenge conventions which can result in ‘blue sky investments’. We are recognized by our knowledge leadership in core markets.
Driven by technology and innovation
# laboratory requests
> 1000 last year
# new commercial products
~ 110 last year
‘Batch-to-batch consistency is our constant goal’: this is our focus both for investment casting waxes used for aerospace parts and our food grade waxes and adhesives produced in our FSSC/ISO 22000 sites. This is why our customers rely on us.
Delivering security and consistency
Financial stability
D&B rating 1
From our 8 manufacturing sites we can address regional differences and trends and provide product equivalence with local sourcing. We have our own regional sales and technical staff and have a specialized and knowledgeable distributor network for ‘selected market niches’.
With a global reach and local service
manufacturing sites
Europe : 3
USA : 3
China : 2
customers in
87 countries
At the core of our performance lies a team of experienced and knowledgeable employees. We build long-term partnerships and are responsive, flexible, committed and loyal.
Building on people and partnership
Average employee retention
> 12 years
Paramelt = ‘knowledge & experience’
recognized by > 85% customers
(Customers survey Europe and USA)
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With 8 production facilities supplying to more than 80 countries, we truly combine a global perspective with local service.