Sitaram Saraf

Seedlac is the intermediate product obtained during the initial processing of Sticklac, the raw form of lac harvested from trees. It represents a semi-refined state of shellac and is the precursor to various finished shellac grades such as Dewaxed Shellac, Hand Made Shellac, and Machine Made Shellac.

The production of Seedlac involves several essential steps. First, the raw Sticklac is crushed and sieved to remove larger impurities like twigs and insect debris. It is then thoroughly washed in large vats or barriers using water to eliminate insect remains and natural dye (lac dye) content. This process may be repeated multiple times to ensure the removal of most soluble and physical impurities. Once cleaned, the material is sun-dried on large open-air floors, followed by winnowing and sieving to achieve uniform particle size and quality.

Seedlac typically contains 3% to 5% impurities and is recognized for its granular or bead-like appearance, usually in golden brown, reddish, or amber hues depending on the tree species (host) and region of harvest. Common tree hosts include Palas (Butea monosperma), Ber (Zizyphus), and Kusum (Schleichera oleosa), which influence the characteristics of the resulting Seedlac.

As a raw material, Seedlac is primarily used for further processing into bleached lac, hand made shellac, or machine made shellac, and it retains excellent film-forming, adhesive, and sealing properties. Due to its natural origin and biodegradability, Seedlac is in demand for use in industries such as pharmaceuticals, food, cosmetics, varnishes, and insulating materials.

Exported mainly to markets like the USA, Germany, the UK, and Japan, Seedlac remains a core component of the global shellac trade, valued for its versatility and natural purity.