Unlock Nature's Finest Shellac!

Introducing the SWANLAC range of Shellac products- Natural, Eco-friendly, Biodegradable and sustainable coating solutions. Combined with more than 110 years of expertise, A.F. Suter’s technical team provides bespoke solutions for all your project requirements. With applications in Nutraceutical, Pharmaceutical, Paper & Packaging, Paints and many other industries, A.F. Suter promises to meet all your Shellac requirements to create a safer, cleaner and sustainable future.

Natural Coating Material
E904 and GRAS
Biodegradable

SWANLAC ASL 10

Shellac is the purified form of a resinous secretion from a tiny scale insect called Kerria lacca (Kerr).
Shellac is insoluble in water but aqueous shellac solutions can be prepared by using a suitable base.
SWANLAC ASL 10 is the aqueous shellac solution manufactured by A.F. Suter.  

SWANLAC ASL 10

Manufactured from a uniform & traceable insect strain & host tree source for uniform product quality across all batches

Based on Dewaxed Shellac which is a Shellac manufactured by the solvent extraction process

Solid content: 25%

pH: 7-7.6

Viscosity: Less than 50 cP

Properties of
SWANLAC ASL 10

Excellent adhesion on many substrates

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Acid resistance for use as enteric polymer

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High gloss with very smooth surfaces

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Good surface hardness

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Excellent UV resistance

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Equipment can be easily cleaned by Ethanol

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Equipment can be easily cleaned by 10% Aqueous Sodium Carbonate solution

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Biodegradable

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Non allergenic & no skin irritation

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No drying or curing required after coating process

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Industries

Product Flow

Sticklac

Sticklac is the resinous secretion of the lac insect, found on the branches of host trees.

Seedlac

Seedlac is the granular form of lac, created by crushing sticklac and removing the impurities.

Shellac Flakes

Shellac flakes are created by dissolving seedlac in alcohol and then allowing the liquid to evaporate, leaving behind thin flakes of shellac.

Aqueous Shellac

Aqueous shellac is a water-based solution of shellac, which is created by dissolving shellac flakes in water.

SWANLAC ASL 10

It is used as a natural protective coating for various surfaces, such as capsules, tablets, and foods.

Customizable

A single product for all applications

SWANLAC ASL 10 can be used for enteric, moisture barrier, taste masking, micro-encapsulation etc.

Modify Drug Release

Formulate with polymers and poreformers to control drug release in tablets or capsules.

Modify Film Flexibility

Add plasticisers to shellac to adjust film rigidity or flexibility as needed.

Compatible with Colors

Shellac works well with various lakes, dyes, and colors for cosmetics and finishes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact us

What is Shellac?

Shellac is the purified form of a resinous secretion from a tiny scale insect called Kerria lacca (Kerr). Please visit About Shellac page to know more about Shellac.

What are the primary uses of Shellac?

Shellac is a versatile material which is primarily used for its moisture and water vapour barrier properties. Shellac’s gastro resistant polymer properties is used in the Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical applications. Shellac is also used as a binder in many applications like printing inks. Shellac also has insulating properties. Please visit Applications page for more details on the uses of Shellac.

What is the difference between SWANLAC Dewaxed Bleached Shellac powder and AFS 701 Dewaxed Shellac flakes?

SWANLAC Dewaxed Bleached Shellac powder is manufactured by the chemical bleaching process where sodium hypochlorite is used for reducing the water insoluble colours. Dewaxed Shellac flakes are manufactured by the solvent extraction process where activated carbon is used for the same purpose.

How is Shellac applied?

Shellac comes in various forms- powder, flakes, aqueous etc. It is readily soluble in many solvents like ethanol, IPA etc. It can be dissolved in water by using a suitable base. Shellac can be applied by spraying, dipping, brushing, padding, rolling, sponging and any other suitable form. Tablets can be coated by a perforated/ side vented coating machine and fluid bed can be used for smaller particles.

What is SWANLAC ASL 10 aqueous shellac solution and how is it different from traditional Shellac?

Shellac is insoluble in water but aqueous shellac solutions can be prepared by using a suitable base. SWANLAC ASL 10 is the aqueous shellac solution manufactured by A.F. Suter. It is 25% Shellac and 75% Demineralized Water. There are no preservatives or VOC and it is a 100% Natural product.

What is the advantage of using SWANLAC ASL 10 aqueous shellac solution as compared to a shellac dissolved in alcohol?

The major advantage of SWANLAC ASL 10 is that it does not contain volatile substances and is environment friendly. Also shellac solution in alcohol undergoes esterification over time which causes several problems like tackiness, performance loss, limited shelf life etc. Such problems are avoided in an aqueous shellac solution.

Is Shellac ecofriendly, biodegradable and sustainable?

Shellac is a natural product and is therefore ecofriendly and sustainable. Commercial products coated with SWANLAC ASL 10 have been certified to be 100% biodegradable.

Do you help with formulating SWANLAC ASL 10 aqueous shellac solutions or shellac in general for different applications?

A.F. Suter has more than a century of experience manufacturing Shellac. We work very closely with our customers to understand their requirements and design products for their requirements.

What is the advantage of using SWANLAC ASL 10 aqueous shellac solution as compared to a shellac dissolved in alcohol?

The major advantage of SWANLAC ASL 10 is that it does not contain volatile substances and is environment friendly. Also shellac solution in alcohol undergoes esterification over time which causes several problems like tackiness, performance loss, limited shelf life etc. Such problems are avoided in an aqueous shellac solution.

Can Shellac be used on food-related items?

Shellac is E904 approved and is a GRAS product. It can safely be used for food products. For more details, please visit our Regulatory page. 

How should Shellac products be stored to maintain their quality?

100% Shellac (SWANLAC Dewaxed Bleached Shellac and AFS Dewaxed Shellac) need to stored at a temperature below 200C. SWANLAC ASL 10 can be stored at cool temperatures.

Do you offer custom solutions for Shellac products?

Yes. To discuss more about your project, please Contact Us.

Where can I purchase Shellac products, and do you offer international shipping?

Please Contact Us if you wish to purchase Shellac. We have warehouses all across the globe and provide shipping worldwide.

Can I request samples of your Shellac products?

Yes. To discuss more about your project, please Contact Us.

Do you offer other products?

Yes. Please visit www.afsuter.com to know about the other products we offer. 

Begin your Shellac journey with A.F. Suter

Shellac is a versatile natural material with a number of applications. Shellac also includes a wide range of products so it is very important to identify the correct grade for your application. Our expert team have the knowledge and experience to identify the right solution for your needs. If you have any questions, or would like more information about our products and services, get in touch today.