Polyethylene Glycols (PEGs) In Food And Cosmetics

Polyethylene glycols (PEGs) are commonly found in food, pharmaceutical products, cosmetics and personal care products. they are important surfactants where they prevent the build up of silicones in the hair  and help solubilise key products which would not normally be active.

As Anti-Adhesion Coatings In The Food Industry

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) coatings are widely used in various industries, including food processing, due to their non-toxic, biocompatible, and lubricating properties. For food-related applications, PEG must comply with strict regulatory standards to ensure safety. Here’s an overview of PEG coatings approved for food use and the manufacturers producing them:

1. Food-Grade Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) Coatings

PEG is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) when used as a direct food additive under certain conditions. PEG is used in food applications such as:

• Lubricants for processing equipment
• Coatings for packaging materials
• Emulsifiers or stabilizers in food formulations

To be approved for food contact, the PEG coating must adhere to specific guidelines set by regulatory agencies like the FDA (21 CFR 178.3570) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). The key is that the coating should not migrate into the food in significant amounts, or if it does, it should be within approved limits.

1. PEG 400 (Polyethylene Glycol 400)
   • Approval: Generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for food contact applications by the FDA.
   • Properties: A low-molecular-weight PEG that is liquid at room temperature and can be used as a plasticizer or coating agent.
   • Applications: Often used in food formulations, as a humectant, or in food packaging.
2. PEG 6000 (Polyethylene Glycol 6000)
   • Approval: Also considered GRAS and approved for food contact by the FDA.
   • Properties: A higher molecular weight PEG that is solid at room temperature and can be used as a coating agent for various applications.
   • Applications: Used in pharmaceuticals and food products as a lubricant and emulsifier.
3. PEG-based Film Formers
   • Example Products: Some manufacturers produce PEG-based film-forming agents that are suitable for food applications. These can be formulated as clear, transparent coatings.
   • Applications: Used for coatings on food packaging or food-contact surfaces to improve moisture barrier properties.

Manufacturers of PEG Coatings

1. Dow Chemical Company
   • Products: Offers a range of PEG products, including those suitable for food applications.
   • Website: Dow
2. BASF
   • Products: Produces various grades of PEG and PEG derivatives that can be utilized in food contact materials.
   • Website: BASF
3. Croda International
   • Products: Provides a range of PEG derivatives and formulations for food applications, including transparent coatings.
   • Website: Croda
4. Evonik Industries
   • Products: Offers PEG products that are used in food packaging and coatings, focusing on safety and functionality.
   • Website: Evonik

Transparency and Suitability for Optical Sensors

• Clear and Transparent Options: Many PEG formulations, particularly those used as film formers, can be designed to be clear and transparent. This is advantageous for optical sensors, as it allows for unobstructed light transmission.
• Coating Optical Sensors: When considering PEG for optical sensor coatings:
  • Ensure that the specific PEG formulation used is compatible with the optical properties required for your sensors.
  • Evaluate the thickness of the coating, as even transparent coatings can affect optical performance if applied too thickly.
  • Conduct testing to ensure that the PEG coating does not interfere with sensor functionality or degrade over time, especially under food processing conditions.

2. Key Manufacturers of Food-Grade PEG Coatings

Several companies manufacture food-grade PEG coatings that comply with FDA, EFSA, or other international standards:

1. Dow Chemical Company

• Product Line: PEG-based products under the Carbowax® brand.
• Use in Food Industry: Dow’s PEG products, especially those in the Carbowax® PEG series, are approved for use in a variety of applications, including lubricants for food processing machinery and packaging materials.
• Regulatory Compliance: Many of Dow’s PEG products are FDA-approved for food contact applications and comply with global regulations.

2. BASF

• Product Line: Lutrol® and Pluriol® are BASF’s PEG brands.
• Use in Food Industry: These are used in the production of food-grade lubricants and coatings for food packaging. They are designed to meet safety standards for incidental food contact and are used in food processing equipment to reduce friction and wear.
• Regulatory Compliance: Products from the Lutrol® series comply with FDA regulations for food contact applications.

3. Croda International

• Product Line: Polawax™ and Crodafos™ are examples of their PEG-based surfactants and emulsifiers.
• Use in Food Industry: These products are used in the formulation of coatings and lubricants approved for food-grade applications. Croda specializes in biodegradable and sustainable PEGs that are compliant with food safety standards.
• Regulatory Compliance: Many of their products meet FDA and EFSA requirements for food contact materials.

4. Clariant

• Product Line: Clariant offers PEG-based surfactants and coatings through its Hostaphat® series.
• Use in Food Industry: Their products are often used as emulsifiers, stabilizers, and lubricants for food packaging and machinery.
• Regulatory Compliance: Hostaphat® products are compliant with FDA and EFSA standards for food contact applications.

5. Sanyo Chemical Industries

• Product Line: Sanyo offers PEG derivatives for food and pharmaceutical industries.
• Use in Food Industry: Their products are used in food processing, as lubricants or coatings for machinery, or packaging materials where food contact occurs.
• Regulatory Compliance: Sanyo’s PEG products are FDA-approved for food-grade applications.

3. Applications of PEG Coatings in the Food Industry

• Equipment Lubrication: PEG-based coatings are often applied to machinery to ensure smooth operation without contaminating food.
• Packaging: PEG coatings are used on food packaging to provide moisture resistance and improve barrier properties, ensuring food safety and shelf-life.
• Processing Aids: PEG is used as an emulsifier or stabilizer in some food formulations, especially in baked goods, confections, and processed foods.

4. Regulatory Standards

• FDA (21 CFR 178.3570): Specifies safe conditions for using PEG as a lubricant with incidental food contact.
• European Union (EU Regulation No. 10/2011): Governs the use of plastics, including PEG coatings, that come into contact with food.
• GRAS Status: PEG with a molecular weight of 300-6000 is generally regarded as safe for use in food applications.

Regulatory Considerations

• FDA Compliance: Any PEG coatings intended for food use must comply with FDA regulations regarding food contact materials. Always check the specific regulations and approvals for each product.
• Safety Data Sheets (SDS): Review SDS from manufacturers for specific information regarding the safety and compatibility of PEG coatings with food products and applications.

Using approved PEG coatings that are clear and transparent can be suitable for optical sensors, provided they are properly formulated for the specific application. Always consult manufacturers for the most suitable products and ensure compliance with relevant food safety regulations.

These manufacturers produce food-grade PEG coatings that meet the strict requirements of food safety regulations, making them suitable for various food contact applications in the dairy industry and beyond.

Cosmetics/Personal Care Products

Typical PEGs found in hair care products especially shampoo and conditioners are Trideceth-12 which is a polyethylene glycol ether of tridecyl alcohol. It also has 12 units of ethylene oxide within the compound.  The compound is prepared from vegetable oil.

In safety terms PEGs are not regarded as hazardous to health unless they are ingested and only then in sufficiently large amounts. Products containing PEGs should not be used on broken or irritated skin.