Lac Series

Laccifer lacca, is a kind of parasites which parasites in Dalbergia odorifera, Albizia kalkora, Mallotus apelta, Campylotropis rockii schindl and Ficus hookeriana. In China, the common host trees include Pigeon pea and Hibiscus species. They parasites in trees by all its life. At larval phase, Laccifer lacca begin excreting colloid substances from nutrient of trees, and wraps up itself in the oval lac. Plants my wilting for the thousands of these tiny insects soak up nutrient. But in industry, they are important raw materials of ink and pigments.

In southwest of Sichuan province, China. Sticklac is collected from September to Octorber. With the process of decon, grinding, sizing, soaking, washing, dehydration, drying and sifting. Then sticklac is manufactured to Seedlac. Seedlac which still contains 3-5% impurities is processed into Shellac by heat treatment or solvent extraction. ( or you can learn about Japanese shellac production process here )

India is the largest production country of lac, such like Sitaram and Parwati are the main manufactor of lac series products. In China, seedlac and shellac are machine made under heat process. With the excellent features of insulation, oil resistance, water insoluble and strong adhesion. Shellac is main raw materials of ink and pigments.