Sticklac Resin

Natural Characteristics of Sticklac Resin

Sticklac resin is a red-colored natural resin secreted by the lac insect Laccifer lacca Kerr. It is widely used in various industries, including food processing, coloring agents, pharmaceuticals, paints, varnishes, polishes, glass adhesives, and printing inks. Today, sticklac resin continues to play an important role in the production of varnishes, lipsticks, and coatings for products that require high resistance to heat, acids, and harsh environmental conditions — such as aircraft and high-end electronics. Additionally, sticklac-based products are commonly used in pharmaceuticals, food, cosmetics, and biodegradable plastic bags. These applications highlight its role in creating environmentally friendly and health-conscious products.

The Lac Insect and Its Characteristics

Lac insects are released to live on host plants such as Dalbergia cochinchinensis, Ziziphus mauritiana, and Pigeon pea.

The lac insect (Laccifer lacca) is a very small insect, measuring approximately 0.3 – 0.355 mm in width and 0.6 – 0.7 mm in length. Its head features two antennae and a small proboscis used to suck sap from host trees. The body has two pairs of spiracles (breathing holes), three pairs of legs, a long abdomen, a thorax composed of three segments, and two long, stiff bristles at the rear end.

Characteristics of the Lac Insect

There are both male and female lac insects. Although they possess wings, their flying range is limited. Some males are wingless and primarily move by crawling. Among them, only the female lac insect produces the valuable sticklac resin used in traditional medicine. Male insects secrete a thin layer of resin with little medicinal value and are rarely used.

Male lac insects have a short lifespan of only 2–3 days and usually die shortly after mating. After the male dies, the female continues to develop and produce resin extensively.

Usable Part

The resin is secreted by female lac insects (Laccifer lacca).

Geographical Distribution of Sticklac Resin

Lac insects are found in India, Thailand, Russia, and Vietnam. In Vietnam, these insects parasitize approximately 2,000 species of host plants, primarily concentrated in the Northwest and Northern midland regions.

Harvesting and Preliminary Processing of Sticklac Resin

Sticklac is typically harvested during two main seasons each year: from August to October and from September to October. For large-scale harvesting, appropriate host trees (which provide nourishment for the lac insect) are selected, and the insects are introduced onto these trees between April and May annually.

At harvest time, the encrusted branches are removed and soaked in water for two days and nights. Once the insects have died, the branches are air-dried in a well-ventilated, shaded area. High temperatures during drying or heating should be avoided, as excessive heat may cause the resin to melt and harden into lumps.

Storage of Sticklac Resin

Store in a dry, well-ventilated place. Avoid exposing the material to high temperatures.

About Us – Dien Bien Agricultural Products Joint Stock Company

Dien Bien Agricultural Products Joint Stock Company operates in the field of agricultural production and processing in Dien Bien province, located in the Northwest region of Vietnam — a region known for producing large annual quantities of sticklac resin for export.

We warmly welcome cooperation with partners and customers worldwide to bring this valuable product from our homeland to international markets.

We are committed to providing high-quality, 100% natural products that meet international standards.

Our Storage

We invite our valued partners and customers to take a closer look inside the sticklac resin storage facility of Dien Bien Agri – where this precious natural material is carefully preserved for production and export.

At our warehouse, sticklac resin is stored in dry, well-ventilated conditions to maintain its natural purity and ensure it meets strict international quality standards.

Read more: 5 things about sticklac of Dien Bien Agri.

Contact us for more information:

Tel/WhatsApp: +84.973.447.926.

Email: [email protected]

Add: Thanh Minh Commune, Dien Bien City, Vietnam

Factory: Bai Dai Village, Tien Xuan Commune, Thach That District, Ha Noi City, Vietnam