Shellac processing

Entry 91

Synopsis: Shellac or the refined form of Lac is a natural organic resin comes from tiny shell insect called “Kerria lacca Kerr” They secrete amber colured resinous substance that forms a cocoon around the insect and serves to incubate their eggs she lays. This cocoon is the raw material for shellac.

From cosmetic to electrical insulation it has wide application. The most important use of shellac is woodwork finish agent, which makes wooden items shiny and eye-catching. Resin –encrusted twigs are refined into the semi-processed material called seedlac. Seedlac is then converted to shellac traditionally by handmade process in the cottage industries. Machine-made shellac is produced either by heat process where the same principle as in case of handmade shellac is applied or on the solvent process pure shellac is extracted from seedlac by suitable solvents. In the nineteenth century, shellac was an important export commodity for India. However, after the advent of synthetic dyes, the demand declined rapidly. Today India is responsible for 50% of the world production of Shellac.