Welcome to
Vijaya Shellac & Chemicals
About Us
Our journey began in 1989 when Lt. Shri Sukhdeo ji Agrawal ventured into the lac business. With a background as a freedom fighter and his close association with Mahatma Gandhi, his commitment to progress was unwavering. During his service, his wife adeptly managed the business, ensuring its growth and stability.
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Four generations later, Vijay Shellac & Chemicals proudly continues this legacy of excellence. We are esteemed manufacturers, traders, and exporters of Shellac and Non-Basmati Rice. As one of the largest producers of Shellac, Seedlac, and other lac products, our reach extends through an extensive global sales network.
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Our dedication to high-quality products remains steadfast. Mr. Gajanan Agrawal, a pivotal figure in our history, served as Vice Chairman of the Shellac Export Promotion Council in Kolkata in 1986, underscoring our deep industry expertise. Today, his son and grandson uphold and advance our family’s commitment to the business.
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In addition to Shellac and rice, we have broadened our horizons to include the export of wheat, wheat flour, maize, and other agricultural products. Our business now spans over 50 countries worldwide, reflecting our robust global presence and enduring commitment to quality.
About Shellac
Shellac is a natural resin secreted by the lac bug (*Kerria lacca*), primarily found in the forests of India and Thailand. This versatile substance is harvested from tree branches where the lac bugs deposit their resin, which is then processed into various forms for different applications. Known for its unique properties, shellac can be dissolved in alcohol to create a clear, glossy finish used in wood coatings, furniture, and cabinetry. It is also utilized in the food industry as a glazing agent and in pharmaceuticals for tablet coatings, thanks to its non-toxic and protective qualities. Although it is less durable than some modern synthetic resins, shellac remains valued for its natural origin, ease of application, and traditional aesthetic appeal.
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Shellac is employed in various industrial applications due to its versatile properties. In woodworking and furniture, it is used as a high-quality finish that enhances the natural beauty of wood with a smooth, glossy appearance. In the food and beverage industry, shellac serves as a glazing agent for candies and chocolates, providing a shiny, protective coating that maintains product freshness. In pharmaceuticals, shellac is utilized for coating tablets and capsules, offering protection, aiding in controlled release, and masking undesirable flavors. The cosmetics and personal care industry also benefits from shellac’s film-forming and binding properties, incorporating it into nail polishes and other products. Additionally, shellac is used in the electronics industry as an insulating material, providing effective protection against moisture and environmental factors. Its role in printing inks, adhesives, and other industrial processes further underscores its adaptability and value across diverse applications.
Industrial Uses
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French Polish Surface Coating, Sealer
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Sealing Wax
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Paper Varnish & Insulating Varnish
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Shellac Gasket Compound
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Paint Industries
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Insulation in High Grade Electronics
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Printing Ink, Flexography Ink
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Cosmetics- additive & binder for manicure, Mascara etc.
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Coating Fruits, Eggs & Cheese
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​Adhesive & Abrasive (Grinding Wheels)
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Electronic Home Appliances
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Capping Cement in Bulb Industry
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Bangles & Jewellery
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Defence Products
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Optical Frames
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Coating of Pills & Tablets
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Ayurvedic Syrups
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Coating in Confectionaries
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Hair Lacquer
Commercial Grades of Shellac
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Seedlac
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Hand made Shellac
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Machine Made Shellac
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Dewaxed Shellac
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Dewaxed Bleached Shellac
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Pleuritic Acid
Properties
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Hard Natural Resin
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good Resistance against Solvent based on Hydrocarbons
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Low Melting Point (about 90 degree C)
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Water Soluble in Water Alkaline Solutions
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Non-Toxic
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Thermoplastic
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Physiologically Harmless
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Approved for various Applications in the Food Industry
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UV Resistant
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Soluble in lower Alcohol & various other solvents.
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Excellent Film forming properties
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Low Thermal conductivity & a low coefficient of expansion
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Form smooth, High Gloss Films & surface
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Coating have excellent Adhesion to many substrates
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Coating can be polished
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Can be Cross Linked to modify other Natural / Synthetic Resins
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Excellent Dielectric properties, High Dielectric strength, low dielectric constant, good tracking Resistance, Electric properties under UV radiation
Our Products
Seedlac
Seedlac is a raw form of lac resin collected from tree branches where lac bugs (Kerria lacca) deposit their secretions. Characterized by its reddish-brown, irregular lumps, seedlac contains a mixture of resin, wax, and impurities. It is primarily used as an intermediate product in the production of shellac, a refined resin with a wide range of applications including wood finishes, food coatings, and pharmaceuticals. The processing of seedlac involves cleaning, separating, and refining it to produce shellac in various grades. While seedlac has some industrial and traditional uses in its raw state, its primary value lies in its role as the starting material for more refined lac products. Sustainable harvesting practices are important to ensure the health of lac ecosystems and the continued viability of seedlac as a natural resource.
Shellac
Shellac is a natural resin obtained from the secretions of the lac bug, which inhabits forests in India and Thailand. Collected from tree branches, shellac is processed to remove impurities and wax before being dissolved in alcohol to create a clear, glossy finish. It is widely used in wood finishing to provide a smooth, lustrous appearance to furniture and cabinetry. Beyond woodworking, shellac also functions as a glazing agent for food products, a coating for pharmaceuticals, and an ingredient in some cosmetics. Despite the advent of synthetic alternatives, shellac continues to be appreciated for its natural origins, ease of use, and classic aesthetic qualities.
Machine Made Shellac
Machine-made shellac refers to shellac that is produced using modern industrial processes rather than traditional manual methods. This process typically involves mechanized equipment to streamline and enhance the production of shellac, ensuring consistency and efficiency. Here’s an overview of how machine-made shellac is produced and its characteristics:
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Production Process
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1. Collection and Initial Processing:
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Raw Lac Collection: The process begins with the collection of raw lac, which is harvested from tree branches where lac bugs have deposited their secretions.
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Cleaning: The raw lac is cleaned to remove large impurities and debris.
2. Mechanical Processing:
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Crushing and Grinding: The cleaned raw lac is crushed and ground into smaller particles using machinery. This helps in increasing the surface area for the subsequent processing steps.
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Dissolution: The ground lac is dissolved in alcohol using industrial mixers and dissolvers. This step ensures that the resin is evenly distributed and prepared for filtering.
3. Filtration and Purification:
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Filtration: The dissolved lac solution is passed through mechanical filters to remove any remaining impurities and to separate the resin from the wax.
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Precipitation and Drying: The purified shellac is then precipitated out of the solution. The alcohol is evaporated, leaving behind the shellac, which is then dried using industrial dryers.
4. Refining:
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Formulation: Depending on the intended use, the shellac can be further processed to achieve specific qualities, such as removing more wax to produce dewaxed shellac or bleaching to achieve a lighter color.
5. Packaging:
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Final Product: The finished shellac is packaged in various forms, such as flakes, powder, or liquid solutions, ready for distribution to manufacturers, artisans, and other users.
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Characteristics
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1. Consistency:
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Uniform Quality: Machine-made shellac offers consistent quality and uniformity due to the controlled industrial process, which can be more challenging to achieve with manual methods.
2. Efficiency:
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Scalability: The mechanized production process allows for higher volumes of shellac to be produced efficiently, meeting the demands of large-scale applications and industries.
3. Applications:
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Industrial Use: Machine-made shellac is used in a wide range of applications, including wood finishes, food coatings, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics, similar to traditional shellac but with greater efficiency and consistency.
Hand Made Shellac
Handmade shellac is produced using traditional methods, starting with the manual collection of raw lac from tree branches. The lac is cleaned, ground, and dissolved in alcohol using hand-operated tools. The solution is then filtered, and the shellac is precipitated, dried, and packaged by hand. This artisanal process emphasises craftsmanship and often results in unique variations in color and texture, making handmade shellac prized for its quality and authenticity in wood finishing, restoration, and artistic applications.
1. Traditional Craftsmanship: Produced using manual methods, including hand collection and processing of raw lac.
2. Unique Quality: Offers artisanal quality with distinctive variations in color and texture.
3. Small Batch: Typically made in smaller quantities, making it a premium product.
4. Customisable and Eco-Friendly: Can be tailored for specific uses and is often produced with sustainable practices.
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Dewaxed Shellac
Dewaxed shellac is a refined form of shellac where the wax content has been removed. This process involves dissolving shellac in alcohol and filtering out the wax, resulting in a clear, smooth resin. Dewaxed shellac is valued for its enhanced clarity and adhesion properties, making it ideal for applications like fine wood finishes, protective coatings, and as a base for other finishes. It dries faster and is less prone to yellowing compared to its waxed counterpart.
1. Refined Product: Dewaxed shellac is shellac that has undergone a process to remove the wax, resulting in a clearer, more transparent resin.
2. Enhanced Properties: It offers improved clarity, adhesion, and faster drying compared to waxed shellac, making it ideal for fine wood finishes and protective coatings.
3. Application Versatility: Its smooth, non-yellowing finish is suitable for applications where a clean, high-quality appearance is essential, such as in high-end furniture and cabinetry.
4. Compatibility: Dewaxed shellac is often used as a base coat for other finishes due to its ability to adhere well and provide a good foundation.
Dewaxed Bleached Shellac
Dewaxed bleached shellac is a highly refined form of shellac that has undergone both waxing removal and bleaching processes. Here are the key points about it:
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1. Dual Refinement: It is first dewaxed to remove natural wax, which results in a clear, smooth resin, and then bleached to lighten its color, resulting in a pale, almost transparent finish.
2. Enhanced Clarity: The bleaching process provides a much lighter color compared to standard shellac, making it ideal for applications requiring minimal color impact and a pristine appearance.
3. Superior Finish: It is prized for its clean, high-quality finish, which is used in fine woodworking, high-end cabinetry, and furniture where a light, non-yellowing appearance is desired.
4. Versatile Use: Dewaxed bleached shellac serves as an excellent base coat for other finishes, providing a consistent, neutral foundation that enhances the final appearance of subsequent layers.
Why Us?
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1. Exceptional Quality: We prioritise quality in every aspect of our production process, from sourcing raw materials to the final product. Our shellac, including dewaxed and bleached varieties, meets rigorous standards to ensure superior performance and consistency.
2. Heritage and Expertise: With decades of experience and a rich legacy in the shellac industry, we combine traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques to deliver products that embody both heritage and innovation.
3. Global Reach: Our extensive global network allows us to serve a diverse range of industries and markets, ensuring timely and reliable delivery of our products worldwide.
4. Customer-Centric Approach: We are dedicated to understanding and meeting the specific needs of our clients, offering tailored solutions and exceptional customer service to build lasting partnerships.
5. Sustainability Commitment: We are committed to sustainable practices, from responsible sourcing to environmentally friendly production processes, contributing to a greener future.
Choose us for a trusted partner in shellac production and export, where quality, expertise, and customer satisfaction are at the heart of everything we do.
Our commitment to excellence in shellac production and export reflects our dedication to delivering high-quality, versatile products that meet the diverse needs of our global clientele. With our rich heritage of craftsmanship and innovation, we pride ourselves on offering both traditional and refined shellac solutions, including dewaxed and bleached variants, to ensure superior performance and aesthetic appeal. As we continue to expand our international presence, we remain focused on upholding the highest standards of quality, sustainability, and customer satisfaction. Partner with us to experience the exceptional value and reliability of our shellac products, and join us in shaping a brighter, more refined future in the industry.