Shellac is a natural renewable resin with excellent film-forming, adhesive and insulating properties, widely applied across multiple industries. In food industry, it acts as a safe food coating agent for candies, fruits, nuts and chocolate, forming a glossy protective layer to prevent moisture loss and extend shelf life. In pharmaceutical manufacturing, it serves as a sustained-release coating for tablets and capsules, controlling drug dissolution rate and protecting active ingredients from gastric acid. It is also a traditional high-grade natural varnish and coating material for furniture, musical instruments, artworks and handicrafts, delivering bright surface and good abrasion resistance. Additionally, shellac is used in cosmetics as a film-forming agent for mascara, hair styling products and nail polish. In electronic industry, it works as insulating adhesive for small electronic components. As a non-toxic natural polymer, it is favored in green production and daily chemical fields, and remains an irreplaceable raw material for traditional crafts and modern fine processing.
Shellac is a low-risk natural material, classified as GHS07 (Warning) with mild irritant properties. Inhalation of fine dust may cause slight irritation to nasal cavity and respiratory tract, leading to occasional cough or throat itching. Long-term skin contact with dust may trigger mild dryness or slight allergic reaction for sensitive skin groups. Direct eye contact with powder can cause temporary stinging and redness. It is combustible solid, and fine dust may form combustible dust mixture in air. Daily handling requires no special protective equipment; wearing ordinary dust mask and gloves is recommended in dusty working areas. Keep away from open flames, high temperature and strong oxidants to avoid combustion or chemical deterioration. Store separately from food and strong corrosive chemicals. In case of skin contact, wash thoroughly with running water and soap. If dust enters eyes, flush continuously with clean water for several minutes. No severe toxicity is found after accidental ingestion. Dispose of waste materials in accordance with general solid waste regulations.
