What Product Typically Wrapped In Paraffin Wax?

Paraffin wax is a soft, colorless, or white substance derived from petroleum that consists of saturated hydrocarbons. It is solid at room temperature and begins to melt at around 37°C (99°F). Paraffin wax has a wide range of uses including as a sealing agent, lubricant, electrical insulator, and waterproofing agent.

Some common products that utilize paraffin wax include candles, cosmetics, polishes, art supplies like crayons, cheeses, fruits and vegetables, chocolates, and various food items. Paraffin wax helps provide protection, gloss, and retention of moisture or flavor for these products. It is also used to create molds or casts in manufacturing. Overall, paraffin wax is valued for its malleability, moisture resistance, and insulating properties across many commercial and industrial applications.

Cheese

One of the most common products wrapped in paraffin wax is cheese, especially hard cheeses like cheddar and gouda. Cheese makers often dip blocks of cheese in melted paraffin wax to create a protective coating around the cheese (source). The wax seals in moisture and prevents the growth of mold on the surface of the cheese. It also helps regulate the cheese’s exposure to oxygen, allowing it to age slowly and develop complex flavors over time.

Paraffin wax is ideal for cheese packaging because it is tasteless, odorless, and moisture-resistant. It provides an airtight barrier that keeps cheese fresh. The wax coating slows down the cheese’s drying and molding process so it can be aged for months or even years to intensify its taste. Paraffin-wrapped hard cheeses like cheddar require careful storage conditions to continue maturing gracefully over time.

Chocolate

One of the most common products wrapped in paraffin wax is chocolate, specifically truffles and bonbons. Truffles are made of chocolate ganache coated in chocolate, cocoa powder, coconut, or nuts, while bonbons are chocolate candies with soft fillings like fruit, caramel, or liqueurs. Both truffles and bonbons are often coated in a thin layer of paraffin wax to seal in freshness and provide an attractive sheen.

According to Salonserve, paraffin wax infused with chocolate aroma is commonly used in beauty salons during manicures and pedicures. The chocolate-scented wax helps create a relaxing spa-like experience.

Some key points about paraffin wax and chocolate:

• Creates a protective coating to prevent melting and moisture loss
• Gives truffles and bonbons an attractive finish
• Allows easy removal of individual candies from candy molds
• Seals in freshness and flavor
• Provides sheen and luster to enhance visual appeal

Fruits and Vegetables

Many fruits and vegetables are coated in paraffin wax before being sold. The main purpose of this is to help preserve freshness and moisture. Some of the most common fruits and vegetables that receive a paraffin wax coating include:

Apples – Apples are one of the most popular fruits that are coated in paraffin wax. The wax helps seal in moisture and prevents the apple’s skin from shriveling. It also gives apples a nice sheen and can help inhibit mold growth.

Cucumbers – Most conventionally grown cucumbers found in grocery stores are coated with a thin layer of food-grade paraffin wax. This helps cucumbers retain moisture during shipping and storage. The wax coating slows down the loss of water, keeping cucumbers crisp and fresh.

Tomatoes – Some commercially grown tomatoes are waxed before being shipped to stores. The wax seals in moisture and prevents bruising and splitting of the skin. It also gives tomatoes a glossy, appetizing appearance. However, not all tomatoes are waxed, so consumers can often find non-waxed options.

Bakery Products

Bakery products like cakes, donuts, and pastries are commonly coated in paraffin wax. The wax helps retain moisture and provides a protective barrier against staling. According to the article Local Heaven on Earth, paraffin wax mesh is used for bakery items like donuts and pastries.

The wax coating gives the bakery products a shiny, appetizing appearance. It also prevents the surfaces from drying out and becoming hard and crusty. The wax seals in freshness and softness. For instance, donuts are often dipped in melted paraffin wax right after frying. The hot wax adheres to the surface and hardens into a smooth, waxy coating as the donut cools.

In commercial bakeries, cakes and pastries may be sprayed with a fine mist of liquid paraffin wax. This helps retain moisture in products with creamy fillings or frostings. The thin wax layer is flavorless, non-toxic, and ideal for maintaining the quality of baked goods during storage and transportation.

Candles

Candles are another common item that is covered in paraffin wax. Paraffin wax is ideal for candle making because it burns slowly, evenly, and releases a pleasant fragrance. There are several types of candles that utilize paraffin wax:

Pillar Candles – These candles are cylindrical in shape. They can be made in varying heights and diameters, but generally range from 4-12 inches tall. Pillar candles burn slowly from the top surface, making them ideal for long-burning. The wax pool contains the flame as the candle burns down.

Tapers – Taper candles are long, thin candles that generally measure 12 inches or taller. They have a small diameter, usually around 1/2 inch. The slim profile allows the flame to release wax down the sides as it burns. Tapers are commonly used for candlelit ceremonies and formal table settings.

Votives – Votive candles are short and compact, measuring 1-3 inches tall. They are designed to fit into small glass containers, which helps protect the flame. Votives provide ambient lighting and are very popular for centerpieces, religious ceremonies, and memorials.

Crayons

One of the most well-known products wrapped in paraffin wax are crayons, specifically from the popular Crayola brand. Crayola first started producing crayons in 1903 and became famous for their bright colors and smooth texture. The classic Crayola crayon is made by mixing paraffin wax with color pigments and then molding them into the iconic Crayola crayon shape.

According to the Crayola website, their crayons are made with a combination of paraffin wax and mineral oil. The wax comes from petroleum derivatives, while the mineral oil allows for smoother application. Pigments are added for color, and the liquid wax mixture is then poured into molds to create the crayon shape [1]. The molded crayons are then wrapped in paper wrappers displaying the Crayola name and color.

While the exact Crayola crayon recipe is a trade secret, it’s well known that paraffin wax is a key ingredient that provides the crayons’ distinct consistency and ability to apply color smoothly to paper. Generations of children and artists alike have enjoyed the creativity enabled by Crayola’s paraffin-based crayons.

Cosmetics

Paraffin wax is commonly used in various cosmetic products to help moisturize lips and skin. Lip products like lipstick and chapstick often contain paraffin wax as an emollient. The wax helps create a protective barrier on the lips to seal in moisture and prevent dryness (https://beautyimaginespace.com/products/nded-cosmetic-paraffin-wax-450-g). When included in lipstick, paraffin wax gives the product a smooth, glide-on texture. It also helps the color adhere evenly to the lips.

Chapstick and lip balms utilize paraffin wax to make the product spreadable while also sealing in hydration. The occlusive properties of the wax prevent moisture loss from dry, chapped lips. Many cosmetic manufacturers choose to use paraffin wax in lip care products because it is odorless, tasteless, and inert. This allows the oils and flavors in the products to shine through (https://purespadirect.com/products/gena-peach-cosmetic-paraffin-wax-1-lb-vo-224382).

Paraffin wax baths and treatments are also popular in nail and skin care. The wax is melted and hands or feet are dipped into the warm paraffin, allowing it to coat the skin. As it hardens it forms an insulating barrier that boosts moisture levels in dry skin and cuticles. The occlusive barrier helps the skin retain hydration and improves circulation. Paraffin wax treatments smooth rough areas and soften skin (https://tnd-cosmetics.com/en/parafin/144-orange-paraffin-500-g.html).

Medications

Paraffin wax is commonly used to coat pills, tablets, and capsules in the pharmaceutical industry. The wax provides a protective barrier and smooth finish on medications. According to the ASTM D612 standard test method, paraffin wax is ideal for pharmaceutical coatings because it is inert, stable, and considered safe for internal consumption by the FDA (https://www.astm.org/d0612-88r17.html).

The process of applying paraffin wax to pills and tablets is called “sugar coating.” The medications are tumbled in a coating pan while the melted wax is sprayed on. The wax cools and dries quickly to form a shiny, durable external shell around each pill or tablet. This coating protects the medicine, masks any unpleasant tastes, and makes it easier to swallow. Paraffin wax coatings are commonly found on over-the-counter medications like pain relievers, vitamins, and supplements.

For capsules, a dip-coating method is used. Empty two-piece gelatin capsules are dipped into melted paraffin wax using automated equipment. The capsules are then cooled and the paraffin wax dries into a smooth, sealed exterior shell. This provides a protective barrier to keep the capsule contents contained and isolated. Wax-coated capsules are impermeable to air, light, and moisture, helping extend the shelf life of medication. Paraffin-coated capsules are commonly used for probiotic supplements, fish oil, and other sensitive ingredients.

Conclusion

In summary, the main products that are typically wrapped in paraffin wax include cheese, chocolate, fruits and vegetables, bakery goods, candles, crayons, cosmetics, and medications. Paraffin wax helps protect these items and extend their shelf life by creating a protective barrier against moisture, air, light, mold, and bacteria. It also gives some products like cheese and chocolates an appealing waxy coating. Overall, paraffin wax wrapping is useful for preserving freshness and quality across a diverse range of food, personal care, household, and medical items.