Schwert--

What are the "white" ends on the regular matches? Some type of coating, perhaps? If so, what?

Or, on looking again, is what appears to be a white end actually the bare wood of the matchstick, & the rest of the match has been dipped in something? Again, what?

I have an older K & M & it's great. Hope to get a couple more in the future! Thanks for your efforts!

David