A novel method for preparation of low-fouling membranes: Surface coating by extracted wax from leafy cabbage

► Coating membrane surface with extracted wax from cabbage provides low-fouling property. ► Wax particles alter the fouling mechanism. ► Wax-coated membrane improved the whey flux and protein rejection. ► Higher heating temperature showed greater low-fouling performance. ► Washing of fouled membranes by warm water resulted in higher performance.