C3 Candelilla Wax-Sustainability PDF

Multiceras develops safer,
eco-friendly candelilla wax
extraction process, replacing
a 105-year-old tradition
Monterrey, Mexico, October 8, 2013 — Multiceras, S.A. de
C.V., a Mexican wax production and distribution company, has
developed a groundbreaking process to extract wax from the
leaves of the Candelilla plant using citric acid instead of
sulfuric acid.
“For the past 105 years, candelilla wax has been extracted
using a harsh sulfuric acid,” says Multiceras president Raul
Marmolejo. “But with our commitment to social responsibility
and the market demand for more natural and environmentally
friendly products, we tasked ourselves with coming up with a
process to extract the wax using a very mild form of citric acid
that is less stressful on the environment, safer for the
candelilleros who harvest the wax, and that produces a purer
wax.”
Candelilla wax is obtained from the wild Candelilla plant, which
grows in the Chihuahuan desert in the north of Mexico and
south of Texas. In order to protect itself from adverse weather
conditions and to help retain water, the plant exudes a grayish
powder to cover its surface, mostly comprised of wax. The wax
is traditionally obtained in the field by boiling the leaves and
stems with dilute sulfuric acid, and the resulting "cerote" is
skimmed from the surface and further processed.
Mr. Marmolejo says that the candelilleros in Mina, Nuevo Leon
near Monterrey, Mexico, whom Multiceras has trained in the
new process, have produced four metric tons of candelilla wax
since its introduction in August 2013. He says that although
initially skeptical of the new extraction method, they were
surprised that after more than a century the process could be
improved.
Due to the isolated location of the communities and the
extreme weather conditions in Mexico’s Chihuahuan desert,
there are limited job opportunities, and candelilla wax
collection represents the main source of income for the rural
producer.
New
Extraction Method
“Multiceras sees the candelillero community as one of our key
stakeholders,” says Mr. Marmolejo. “We collaborate with natural
regeneration and reforestation programs to ensure the viability
of the bio-stock of the candelilla plant, and continually look for
ways to improve safety conditions. The use of citric acid in a
powdered form is so safe that women in the fields also have a
chance to participate in the production process.”
Candelilla wax is a 100% natural substance, and is hard, stable,
protective, plastic, and easily moldable. Its distinctive properties
make it an essential ingredient for the manufacturing of
cosmetics, gum base, inks, dyes, adhesives, coatings,
emulsions, polishes, and pharmaceutical products.
“The improved raw materials resulting from this process
innovation open a wide range of opportunities for developing
new products and applications and may also result in increasing
performance of current applications,” says Mr. Marmolejo.
About Multiceras
Multiceras, S.A. de C.V. is a Mexican company specializing in
the design, fabrication, and commercialization of natural,
synthetic, and petroleum waxes and related products for
industrial applications. Its corporate offices are located in
Monterrey, Nuevo Leon. The company has sales offices in
Mexico City, and a global sales and distribution team.
Since 1978 Multiceras has offered high-quality products and
innovative solutions to the global wax market.
In 2012 Multiceras formalized its commitment to sustainability
with the establishment of a Social Responsibility Program. It
was awarded the Social Responsible Enterprise Accolade by
CEMEFI (Mexican Philanthropy Center) and joined the UN
Global Compact that year as well.
Media contact
Sergio Borbolla
Marketing Manager
+52 (81) 8121-0100. Ext. 214
sergio.borbolla@multiceras.com
www.multiceras.com