A World Class Company

With Solid Corporate Values
A World Class Company
Our Mission
Multiceras offers a wide range of wax formulations that we constantly develop, to meet the needs of a
global industry. We provide numerous products to our customers, fulfilling their expectations, while
strengthening in our people a culture of Commitment, Quality and Creativity.
Welcome to the World of
Multiceras
Multiceras S.A. de C.V. is a Mexican Corporation
specializing in the design, manufacture and
marketing of natural, synthetic and petroleum
waxes and related products for industrial
applications.
Since its beginnings in 1978, the company has
worked with great flexibility to adapt to changing
market conditions. Having started as an exporter
of Mexican beeswax and Candelilla wax,
nowadays it handles a portfolio comprised of
more than 60 different products, which are
grouped into eight main families.
A Dynamic and Innovative Company
Technological development has been one of the
keystones for the company's growth. Multiceras
has created a solid Research and Development
infrastructure and continuously trains its human
capital to face ever-rising globalization
challenges.
Multiceras products are marketed in more than
20 different industrial sectors, both in Mexico and
abroad. The company has increased its
participation in world markets, and currently
obtains 40% of its income from export sales
worldwide.
Product Families
2
Our Values
Multiceras is inspired and supported by solid corporate values, which lead our actions everyday and
help us align the efforts of all our people with the company's strategy.
Committed to Customer Satisfaction
4
Beeswax
5
Carnauba Wax
6
Cartowax
7
Synthetic Waxes
8
Wax Emulsions
9
Microcrystalline Waxes
10
Paraffin Waxes
11
UALITY
REATIVITY
Experience gathered over nearly 30 years of
active presence in the market enables Multiceras
to position itself as a mature, dynamic and
strongly committed enterprise ready to satisfy
the specific wax needs of its customers. This
vocation encourages us to be more efficient
everyday.
Since 2000, Multiceras formalized its quality
commitment, by means of the ISO 9001
certification. The rigorous application of the norm
allows keeping high quality standards and
continuous improvement practices, which have
been reflected in better customer satisfaction
results.
We are committed to a loyal
and responsible team effort in
the duties we perform daily,
which enables us to move from
promises to action, generating
tangible results.
For Multiceras, Commitment is
based upon:
#
Honesty
#
Teamwork
#
Responsibility
#
Safety
Page
Candelilla REAL
OMMITMENT
We promote the development of
skills and talent in our
personnel, so they may strive
for quality, not only in the
products and services we
provide but also in their
personal and family life.
Ideas, innovation and
improvement are the only path
to progress. We rely on our
team creativity in problem
solving and decision making,
adding value in all tasks we
carry out everyday.
For Multiceras, Quality is based
upon:
For Multiceras, Creativity is
based upon:
#
Integrity
#
Excellence
#
Service
#
Drive
#
Continuous Improvement
#
Openness to Change
Serving Mexico and the World
Multiceras plant and corporate offices are located
in Garcia, Nuevo Leon, 12 miles west of the city
of Monterrey. The plant has a production capacity
of 300 metric tons per day with modern
equipment and facilities for processing high
quality wax products.
Multiceras has sales offices in Monterrey and
Mexico City and is currently developing a reliable
distribution network throughout Mexico.
3
Candelilla REAL
®
Beeswax
Natural par Excellence
Candelilla REAL® is a family of products
developed and manufactured by Multiceras. The
products are based on high purity Candelilla wax.
Candelilla wax is obtained from the wild plant
named Euphorbia Cerifera, which grows almost
exclusively in zones of semi-arid climate in
Mexico.
Candelilla wax is a 100% natural substance,
hard, friable and easy to pulverize. Its color may
vary from light brown to yellow, depending on
the refining and bleaching degrees. It dissolves
the basic dyes well and it can reach high levels of
brilliance.
Most constituents of Candelilla wax are natural
components found normally in vegetables and
fruits.
Its chemical composition is characterized by a
high hydrocarbon content and a low amount of
volatile esters.
Its resin content can reach up to 9% in weight,
which contributes to its adhesive properties.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
classifies Candelilla wax as a Generally
Recognized As Safe (GRAS) natural substance for
applications in the food industry and it is widely
used in a diversity of sectors in this industry.
Code
Presentation
Candelilla REAL® is used in a wide diversity of
applications, and is currently used in more than
20 different industries worldwide, mainly in the
European Union, the United States and Japan.
Its distinctive properties make it an essential
material for the manufacturing of cosmetics, gum
base, inks, adhesives, coatings, emulsions,
polishes and pharmaceutical products.
In the cosmetics industry, due to its protective
properties, Candelilla REAL® is indispensable for
an important range of formulas used in the
production of lipsticks, body lotions and hair
preparations.
Because of its plastic properties, Candelilla REAL®
is used in the production of chewing gum.
Moreover, its oil retention properties allow it to
better preserve flavors.
A specialty application can be found in the
precision foundry and molding industry where,
due to the extraordinary molding properties of
Candelilla REAL®, it allows a precise reproduction
of every detail, as required in these stringent
manufacturing processes.
Its chemical stability, high melting point,
impermeability and dielectric properties, make it
highly useful in the manufacture of a diversity of
products for the electronic and electrical
industries.
Product
Acid
Number
Color
7806
Powder
Light-S Candelilla REAL®
156-163
12-22
Yellow
7808
Flakes
Light Candelilla REAL®
156-163
12-22
Yellow
7820
Pastilles
Light Special Candelilla REAL®
156-163
12-22
Yellow
7826
Powder
Micronized Candelilla REAL®
156-163
12-22
Yellow
7833
Pastilles
Refined Candelilla REAL®
156-163
12-22
Brown
Notes: Melting point (ºF) by USP 741 Class II method. Acid Number by USP 401.
4
Melting
Point
Purity and Majesty
Beeswax is commonly known as White Wax (Cera
Alba) or Yellow Wax (Cera Flava), depending on
the product degree of refining. Bees secrete the
basic raw material during the honeycomb
building process.
It can be said that Beeswax is the origin of
Multiceras existence, since this was the first
product commercialized by the company. The
hexagon, characteristic of a honeycomb, which
can be observed in the company's logo, is meant
as a tribute to this valuable natural wax.
Raw Beeswax is obtained by melting and filtering
the honeycombs, thus producing a clean wax.
This raw wax has a color that ranges between
brown and yellow, depending on the flower type
growing in the place where the bees inhabit.
Raw Beeswax is brought directly from producers
in different geographic locations to the Multiceras
facilities, to be processed for the production of
various high quality products.
Beeswax contains free acids, esters and other
natural components, which provide special
characteristics to the wax, such as emulsifying
properties, plasticity, compatibility with other
natural products and a pleasant scent.
The wide experience acquired by Multiceras
handling and formulating Beeswax, has enabled
the company to position itself as a reliable
developer of synthetic products, which reproduce
the properties of this family of natural waxes.
These properties make Beeswax a highly valued
product for cosmetic formulations, such as face
and body creams. Other uses include candles,
textile products and polishes for shoes and
furniture.
All beeswax products marketed by Multiceras
fulfill the USP specifications.
Code
Product
Melting
Point
Acid
Number
Color
7203
Cera Flava
144-149
17-24
Yellow
7204
Cera Alba
144-149
17-24
White-Yellowish
7205
Beeswax S-7205
133-140
3-8
Yellow
7207
Beeswax S-7207
129-140
17-23
Yellow
7215
Beeswax S-7215
147-153
5-24
Yellow-Brownish
7232
Beeswax S-7232
136-149
0.9-5
Yellow-Brownish
Notes: Melting point (ºF) by USP 741 Class II method. Acid Number by USP 401.
5
Carnauba Wax
Cartowax
The Shine from Brazil
Carnauba Wax is obtained from the leaves of a
palm species known as Copernicia Cerifera, so
named in honor of the Polish astronomer
Nicholas Copernicus.
The plant grows typically in the dry regions of
Ceará, northeastern Brazil, although it also grows
to a minor extent in southern Brazil and in the
northern regions of Paraguay and Argentina.
The Copernicia Cerifera is a straight-trunk palm
of slow growth, attaining an average height of 25
to 35 ft, although it can exceptionally reach up to
40 ft in height. Its bark is scaly, rough and thick.
Carnauba Wax is well known for its shine
properties. It combines hardness and wear
resistance and is compatible with many types of
wax. Depending on the tree age and on the
portion of the leaf wherefrom the wax is
extracted, different grades of Carnauba Wax can
be obtained.
The applications of Carnauba Wax are diverse. It
can be used in shoe and floor polishes, as well as
in cosmetics such as creams and beauty
products, among others.
®
Strength and Protection
Corrugated cardboard boxes are wax-coated to
protect their packing integrity, particularly for
their application in the food industry, where
products must arrive to the final customer with
their essential properties preserved.
The systems most commonly used for wax
application on corrugated cardboard boxes are
the following:
4
Cascade saturation
4
Saturation by immersion
4
Medium impregnation
The Cartowax® product line, developed and
manufactured by Multiceras, is integrated by wax
blends specifically formulated to improve the
properties and characteristics of corrugated
cardboard boxes. Fortified with special additive
blends for each application system and use, the
Cartowax® products provide excellent
functionality and performance.
The leaves grow out from yard-long petioles in
wide serried fan shapes. During the dry months,
the leaves and petioles exude a wax through the
pores, provided by nature to prevent excessive
water evaporation from the plant. The tree
reproduces prolifically.
The properties of corrugated cardboard boxes,
which are reinforced by applying Cartowax®
products, are the following:
Code
Product
Melting
Point
Acid
Number
6003
Type I Carnauba Wax
Type III Carnauba Wax
181-187
181-187
4-10
2-10
Yellow
Type IV Carnauba Wax
181-187
2-10
Lower Blocking Index: The higher blocking
points of Cartowax® products decrease the
blocking tendency of cardboard boxes during
handling and storage.
Flexibility: The application of Cartowax®
products improve the properties of corrugated
cardboard boxes during the folding process.
Brownish
Brown
Product
Melting
Point
Congealing
Point
Penetration
Color
1503
Multrend PA 1503
183-198
167-180
5 max.
0.5 max.
1504
Cubricer
1534
6004
Stowing Stiffness: Cartowax® increases
stiffness of corrugated cardboard boxes,
improving their stowing capacity, thus leading to
a more efficient and economic storage.
Color
Code
6001
Humidity Resistance: Due to its protective
nature, the Cartowax® products provide
cardboard with greater protection against
humidity, enabling the packed product to
maintain its properties entirely. Moreover,
application of Cartowax® improves strength and
consistency of cardboard boxes, even when
exposed to freezing temperatures for long
periods of time.
1546
1553
194-205
180-187
5 max.
0.5 max.
®
140-149
137-144
15 max.
+10 min.
®
-
135-144
-
+18 min.
®
136-144
-
15 max.
+20 min.
Cartowax
Cartowax Cascading
Cartowax Medium
Notes: Melting point (ºF) by USP 741 Class II method. Acid Number by USP 401.
Notes: Melting point (ºF) by USP 741 Class II method (figures in red, ASTM D127). Congealing Point (ºF) ASTM D938.
Penetration (dmm) ASTM D1321. Color ASTM D1500 (figures in blue, ASTM D156).
6
7
Synthetic Waxes
Wax Emulsions
Innovation in Action
Synthetic Waxes are chemical products
developed artificially by man, with the aim of
complementing the physical properties of
vegetable, animal, mineral and petroleum waxes
that exist normally in nature.
As in many other industrial fields, the market
share of Synthetic Waxes has experienced an
accelerated growth from year to year.
There are different categories used to classify
Synthetic Waxes, depending mainly on their basic
functional groups.
The most common Synthetic Waxes include long
chain ethylene polymers, halogenated
hydrocarbons, alkyl esters and polyhydric alcohol
(polyol) esters, hydrogenated waxes, straight
chain and cyclic ketones, amide derivatives of
fatty acids, reaction products of hydrocarbons,
esters of fatty acids and derivatives of
polyoxyethylene sorbitol, among others.
Code
Product
The Fischer-Tropsch Waxes are well known
among Synthetic Waxes. They consist of
hydrocarbons of very high molecular weight and
melting point, as well as great hardness. They
are obtained as byproducts from a liquid fuel
synthesis (gasoline and diesel) from carbon
monoxide (CO) and hydrogen (H2) by the
Fischer-Tropsch reaction.
An emulsion is a two phase system, formed by
two partly miscible liquids; one of them
dispersed in the form of small globules
(dispersed or internal phase) into the body of the
other (continuous or external phase). An external
agent is added to one of the two liquid phases to
facilitate the formation and stability of the
dispersion.
Polyethylene Waxes, which are obtained from the
heating and cracking of high quality polyethylene
resins, have a wide range of applications.
In any kind of emulsion, the great interfacial
tension and interfacial area result in a higher free
energy for the emulsion, compared to that of the
two separate phases.
Synthetic Waxes can be used in the production of
polishes, gum base, crayons, adhesives, dyes,
paints, hot melts, PVC extrusion, foundry and
textile, among many other applications.
To supply this energy, an equal amount of
mechanical work must be added to achieve the
phase integration.
An active surface agent, such as soap or
detergent, or any molecule with one polar and
one hydrocarbon end, can be added to the
separate wax-water systems to considerably
Melting
Point
Penetration
Color
9009
Micro Wax MC 95 (F. Tropsch)
223-230
0-2
White
9011
Oxidized Polyethylene Wax
221-228
4 max.
White
Code
9022
Palmitic Acid
136-145
-
White
3016
9060
Polyethylene Wax
185-239
15 max.
White
9083
Multek-CR 9083
185-212
15 max.
Yellow
Notes: Melting Point (ºF) by the USP 741 Class II method (figures in red, ASTM D127).
Penetration (dmm) ASTM D1321.
8
A Total Solution
3017
3031
Product
Norwax® 526
®
Norwax 527
®
Coreshield 800
reduce the interfacial tension, as well as to
extend the emulsion stability. These additives are
known as emulsifying agents.
An emulsifiable wax (natural, petroleum or
synthetic) can be normally dispersed in water,
with or without alteration of its original chemical
composition, with the participation of an
emulsifying agent.
The aim of producing a wax emulsion (disperse
phase) in water (continuous phase) is to take
advantage of water evaporation after the
emulsion application, in order to assure a
uniform impregnation and deposit of the wax
material on the treatment surface.
Wax Emulsions are currently used for treating
different surfaces, such as particleboard,
cardboard, egg trays, gypsum panels and other
construction materials, PVC, rubber and textile
products, among others.
Solids
(%)
pH
Color
55-59
9-11
White
55-59
9-11
White
40-43
7-11
White-Beige
Notes: Norwax® and Coreshield® are Registered Trade Marks of Walker Industries Holdings Ltd.
Coreshield® Patents: United States - 6,890,976; Canada - 2,449,735; Mexico - 233,730.
9
Microcrystalline Waxes
Paraffin Waxes
Macro-Flexibility
Microcrystalline Waxes are products derived from
petroleum, consisting of complex hydrocarbon
mixtures that include normal paraffin, as well as
monocyclic and polycyclic compounds, which are
products with a ramified molecular structure.
Microcrystalline Waxes have a very high average
molecular weight (580-700), with a chain length
between 40 and 50 carbon atoms, which result in
a high viscosity, considerably higher than that
observed in Paraffin Waxes.
Unlike Paraffin Waxes, which are formed by
macro-crystals, Microcrystalline Waxes are
formed by very small and flexible crystals, which
produce a higher oil affinity (oil gets literally
“trapped” within the microcrystalline structure
and it is not able to migrate to the surface).
Due to these distinctive properties,
Microcrystalline Waxes are highly malleable and
less fragile than Paraffin Waxes.
Microcrystalline Waxes are compatible with most
vegetable, animal and mineral waxes, as well as
with a great variety of synthetic and natural
resins.
Their properties make them an essential raw
material for a wide range of applications that
include cosmetics, chewing gum, paper,
cardboard, industrial coatings, candles, rust
prevention, adhesives and textile products,
among others.
Paraffin Waxes are products derived from
petroleum, composed mainly of straight chain
hydrocarbons without ramifications, with an
average molecular weight between 360 and 420,
and a chain length of 18 to 40 carbon atoms.
industry, cheese coating, as well as paper wax
coating.
Generally, Paraffin Waxes are processed in different
refining stages (oil elimination), leading to an
ample grade variety classified by melting point.
They are characterized by a macro-crystalline
structure (large friable crystals).
Other applications include cosmetics, crayons,
adhesives, carbon paper, textile products, dyes and
foundry.
Paraffin Waxes are recognized by their high purity,
excellent shine and discrete odor. They present
thermoplastic and water repellency properties,
which make them highly useful in diverse protection
applications, such as cardboard packing for the food
Code
Product
Melting
Point
Penetration
Color
Code
2001
2002
2003
2005
2014
2015
2017
2022
2024
2031
2033
2036
2037
2038
2055
2063
2065
2075
2085
Microcrystalline Wax
Amber Wax
Yellow Slack
Amber Petrolatum 158
Modeling Clay Base Wax
Modeling Clay Wax
Microcrystalline Wax
White Microcrystalline Wax
Mulprox 2024
Mulprox 2031
Microcrystalline Wax
Nozono Wax 29-32
Nozono Wax 31-33
Nozono Wax A
Cream Paraffin
Gasket Wax 0-202
Crayon Wax
Campeche Wax
Wick Wax
178-189
172-183
147-160
122 min.
153-171
153-171
162-172
154-165
176-189
144-162
172-187
158-169
154-165
156-176
135-153
153 min.
144-158
172-180
154-181
15-20
15 max.
30-50
60 min.
90-125
90-125
16-33
10-25
18-30
16 max.
20 max.
20 max.
20 max.
35-45
65-75
30-45
20-35
15 max.
1.5-2.5
7.0 max.
5.0 max.
7.5 max.
4.5 max.
4.5 max.
2.0 max.
+8.0 min.
0.5 max.
4.5 max.
3.0 max.
2.0 max.
1.5 max.
4.0 max.
2.0 max.
4.5 max.
3.5 max.
7.0 max.
1.0 max.
1001
1003
1010
1015
1017
1022
1025
1026
1032
1038
1039
1042
1046
1049
1052
1060
1061
1081
1805
Notes: Melting Point (ºF) by ASTM D127 method [figures in red: Congealing point (ºF) ASTM D938].
Penetration (dmm) ASTM D1321. Color ASTM D1500 (figures in blue, ASTM D156).
10
Variety and Quality
Product
Thread Wax
Petroleum Wax
Yellow Slack 120
Refined Paraffin Wax 150
Drop of Water Paraffin
Refined Paraffin Wax 130
Ciriowax
Refined Paraffin Wax 140
Ozokerite 160
Multrend PL 1038
Paraffin Wax F-Nac
Histowax
Ozokerite 165
Ceresin 136
Refined Paraffin Wax 132/134
Mulpax 1060
Refined Paraffin Wax
Multrend AD 1081
Candle Wax
Due to their combustion properties, they are widely
used as an essential raw material in candle
manufacturing.
Ceresin and Ozokerite are obtained from mixtures
of Paraffin Waxes with saturated and unsaturated
hydrocarbons of high molecular weight.
By nature, these products offer a great consistency
in quality parameters; therefore they are widely
used for several cosmetic and pharmaceutical
applications, such as creams, lotions and balms.
Melting
Point
Penetration
Color
133-144
185-203
86-122
149-154
136-144
127-133
138-145
136-144
154-162
151-162
136-144
131-140
165-172
131-136
131-136
136-144
140-147
174-192
149-162
15 max.
2-9
40-150
3-12
10-25
15 max.
15 max.
7-15
5-15
15 max.
15 max.
10 max.
15 max.
8-16
15 max.
15 max.
13 max.
15 max.
9-19
2.0 max.
0.5 max.
1.5 max.
0.0 min.
+20 min.
+25 min.
+25 min.
+10 min.
0.5 max.
+5 min.
+10 min.
+25 min.
0.5 max.
+25 min.
+20 min.
+25 min.
+20 min.
0.5 max.
-10 min.
Notes: Melting point (ºF) by USP 741 Class II method [figures in red: Congealing point (ºF) ASTM D938].
Penetration (dmm) ASTM D1321. Color ASTM D1500 (figures in blue ASTM D156).
11
Application and
Product Family Matrix
12
Candelilla
REAL®
Beeswax
Carnauba
Wax
Cartowax
Synthetic
Waxes
Wax
Emulsions
Microcrystalline
Waxes
Adhesives
Cosmetics
Inks
Plumbing
Agriculture
Crayons
Lubricants
Polishes
Candles
Electronic / Electric Industry
Matches
Radiology
Carbon Paper
Fire Logs
Modeling Clay
Refractories
Cardboard
Fireworks / Military Industry
Paper
Rubber
Cheese Coating
Foundry
Particle Board
Rust Prevention
Cleaning Industry
Gum Base
Pharmaceuticals
Textiles
Construction
Histology
Plastics
Wax Sculpting
Paraffin
Waxes
13
Strategy with Technological Innovation
A Steadfast Quality Commitment
Multiceras business strategy involves the development of new products, formulations and materials,
the move towards higher value-added business sectors, as well as the integration with complementary
industries, enabling us to fulfill the increasing needs of both Mexican and international markets.
To achieve these objectives, it is of prime importance to establish links between the development of
proprietary technologies and those technologies generated in other disciplines and industrial sectors.
For this reason, Multiceras promotes the formation of alliances with strategic partners, specialized
research centers and academic institutions throughout the world.
Multiceras works with prestigious international corporations for the development of new wax products
and other specialty formulations, related to the basic product portfolio marketed by the company. Such
is the case of wax emulsions, where Multiceras has established a strategic alliance with the Canadian
Corporation Norjohn Ltd., a member of Walker Industries Holdings Ltd., headquartered in Ontario,
Canada.
The Candelilla Institute was created by Multiceras as a strategic initiative that promotes world
competitiveness of Candelilla wax products, through projects based on international marketing,
technological research, sustainable development and socio-economical growth. In this high priority
venture, Multiceras is supported by prestigious research centers and Mexican universities.
Since early on, Multiceras has established a strong commitment to quality and has obtained the
certification and implemented a rigorous application of the ISO 9001:2000 standard for all critical
processes.
Multiceras executives have defined Quality in Service as one of their top priorities, striving constantly
to improve customer satisfaction levels.
As an essential part of this continuous improvement process, it has been fundamental to keep a
permanent monitoring of all critical variables, one of the most important of which is the Customer
Satisfaction Level.
www.candelilla.org
Competition prevailing in the Candelilla wax industry has motivated companies to carry out
investments in productive infrastructure, in order to assure the supply of this important natural raw
material. However, none of these investments have focused on the integral use of this resource
through technological research and sustainable development programs, which could be efficiently put
into practice. The problem, which has existed for over a century, remains unsolved.
Multiceras applies a biannual survey to measure the customer satisfaction level, in which 10 concepts
related to products, value, service and communication are assessed through a numeric scale from 0 to
10, where a higher score means greater satisfaction. The company has established its control
parameters with a 7.5 score for minimum level, 8.5 for satisfactory level and 9.5 for outstanding level.
The evaluation results have been very positive, yielding an average score of 9.24 for the last 3 years.
These results encourage Multiceras to keep on improving the quality of its products and services.
Looking forward to the future, Multiceras develops efficient operating practices day after day, with the
aim of being more competitive in its specialty world market.
Based on this endeavor and supported by its technological associates and government institutions, The
Candelilla Institute is committed to the economic and social development of the Mexican Candelilla
Region.
14
15