Focus: wax emulsions

Due to the water-resistant nature of wax, combining wax and water at first seems incompatible. Using sophisticated manufacturing processes and the right use of emulsifiers, however, it is possible to produce highly performant wax emulsions.

Focus: wax emulsions

Over the last few months, the Business Unit Wax has focused on the build-up of inventory and marketing of specialty wax emulsions. Collaborations with strong partners made it possible to launch a range of products for a variety of applications, with a particular focus on special emulsions for high-end applications. With tailor-made products and corresponding expertise, we are particularly well positioned in this area. 


All commonly known waxes are used as a basis of our wax emulsions. Emulsions are made from Carnauba, paraffin and microcrystalline waxes. Fischer-Tropsch waxes and polyolefin waxes like PE, HDPE and PP are also used. We are thus able to offer wax emulsions from all synthetic, natural and petroleum waxes.

Our wax emulsions at a glance:

  • Carnauba wax emulsion
  • Paraffin wax emulsion
  • Fischer-Tropsch wax emulsion
  • Polyolefin wax (such as PE, HDPE, PP) – Primary PE emulsions
  • Microcrystalline wax emulsions
  • Montan wax emulsions
  • Beeswax emulsions
  • EVA waxes (ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer)
  • Rice bran waxes 

Applications and characteristics

There is a wide variety of uses for wax emulsions. Some are simple applications, for example as an aid to concrete hardening, as a separating agent for formwork construction, for anti-graffiti paints, or even in polishes and care products. Special products are frequently used in printing inks to make them more scratch-resistant, and in wood varnishes with a particularly high level of water- and swell-resistance. Our Primary PE emulsions are used in aluminum die casting, for example, and are particularly resistant to UV radiation and high temperatures.

The way an emulsion is formulated depends on the field in which it is to be used. A high-gloss effect for a coating, for example, is achieved using small particle sizes, while larger particles create more of a mattifying effect. Very hard waxes improve abrasion resistance, a quality that is frequently required in the use of printing inks and varnishes, while anti-slip effects are achieved with softer waxes. To achieve strong, water-resistant effects, non-polar waxes should be used as a basis.

It is the wide variety of properties among the different waxes that makes this product group so astonishingly diverse. If you have any questions about the use of wax products or our portfolio, please don’t hesitate to contact our expert:

Dr. Moritz Eberspächer
Mail: m.eberspaecher[at]tergroup.com
Tel: +49 40 300 501 8107