BREATHE CLEAN FRAGRANCE
Have you ever considered what you inhale and its impact on your health? Have you thought about the environment whenever you make a purchase? The sweet, calming scent of candles might not seem harmful, but non-organic candles are made from paraffin wax, the byproduct of crude oil, a nonrenewable resource. Paraffin wax is considered harmful to the environment. Next time you shop for candles purchase organic candles, they are made from natural wax such as soy, bee, and coconut wax.
Natural waxes
Coconut wax
Coconut wax is produced by hydrogenating coconut oil, extracted from coconuts’ meat. This process transforms the oil into a solid state at room temperature, resulting in a wax that’s creamy and white. Coconut wax is biodegradable, non-toxic and burn cleaner than other wax because it produces no smoke and is soot-free.
The coconut tree (Cocos nucifera) is a palm tree family member that produces coconut and is a naturally widespread fruit. Coconut is a multipurpose fruit that can produce several products for health, candles, oil, and cosmetics. Coconut is edible and is used for cooking, especially in the Caribbean. Many people blend the inner flesh of the mature nut and extract the milk to add to their cuisine. The liquid that the nut produces is commonly referred to as coconut water. Coconut water is said to have many health benefits.
Beeswax
Beeswax is produced by honeybees. Chemically, beeswax consists mainly of esters of fatty acids and various long-chain alcohols. Beeswax has been used since prehistory as the first plastic, as a lubricant, waterproofing agent, as a polish for wood and leather, for making candles, and as an ingredient in cosmetics among others.
Beeswax is edible, I can attest to this as a child I suck the honey from the wax and chew it until it was dried. The wax is hard to digest and has no nutritional value, therefore it is best not to ingest it. Bees collect nectar and pollen to make honey to feed the hive. As they eat honey, their bodies make wax.
Beeswax candles are a timeless classic, beloved for their natural asset. Making beeswax candles is a rewarding and surprisingly simple process, not to mention that the candles add charm and calm to any home décor or make a wonderful gift for someone.
Soy wax
The soybean, or soya bean is a species of pea native to East Asia, widely grown for agricultural purposes, and has numerous uses. Traditional unfermented food uses of soybeans include soy milk, from which tofu and tofu skin are made. Soy sauce and soy nuts also come from soybeans.
Soy wax is a vegetable wax made from the oil of soybeans. After harvesting, the beans are cleaned, cracked, de-hulled, and rolled into flakes. The oil is then extracted from the flakes and hydrogenated. Soy candles are environmentally friendly and carbon neutral.
Ingredients needed to make organic candle
Soy wax flakes, Beeswax pellets, Coconut wax, essential oils, glass bowl, candlewicks, saucepan, wooden spoon, candy thermometer, double boiler, heat, coconut oil, and jar.
Purpose of using organic candles
Natural waxes typically produce less soot and are toxins-free, compared to paraffin wax derived from petroleum. Soy, bees, and coconut wax are renewable resources, making them environmentally friendly and break down over time. They are derived from natural sources that can be replenished, unlike paraffin wax, which is derived from non-renewable fossil fuels. Organic candles hold the scent of essential oils longer creating a lovely aroma in your space, they are most suitable for container candles.
Market share
Natural wax candles have gained popularity recently due to the increasing demand for environmentally friendly products. Even though the cost to purchase them is higher than Paraffin Candles, statistics show that customers are purchasing them. The awareness for natural candles is building and it is a safe option for people looking to invest. Farmers wanting to shift their crop production could explore the possibilities of cultivating coconut trees and soybeans so they can supply the demand for raw materials to make wax. While bee farming is very technical and requires expertise it is a lucrative venture.
Awareness
Some natural candles may contain additives or synthetic fragrances. It’s essential to read labels before purchasing. Bath and Body Works listed all the ingredients in their candles and even though they have used soy wax for making some of their candles, paraffin wax is still listed as an ingredient. Natural candles often have a mild fragrance and give a relaxing feel to a space.
Natural Dyes
To get beautifully coloured natural candles, candlemakers add natural dye. This has to be done the right way and at the right temperature. Natural dyes can be obtained from various plant leaves, roots, petals, and berries. Mineral dyes are from clays, talc, and mica. Essential oils are also added to organic candles for therapeutic benefits, and fragrances to destress and relax.
Aged natural candles
If you happen to have candles for a while don’t toss them, aged natural candles are classified as vintage because of their appearance. The candles develop several features over time such as cracks in the wax, and interesting textured appearances even the changed colour can be unique. Beeswax can get darker over time. The best thing about aged candles is the essential oils and natural fragrances in the candle. The candles can develop their unique scent. So, don’t toss use they still have value. Aged candles can be a niche in the candle business and do well in the gift market if packaged with attractive eco-friendly material. I would explore using great wooden boxes as secondary packaging. The box would still be of value when the candle is melted or removed.
Major candle companies are making natural candles
Some major companies in the candle industry are paying attention to consumer demand for natural, eco-friendly products and started to incorporate natural materials into their product lines. This is a positive for the environment. Broken Top brand, Neom Well Being, Fontano Candle Company, and Brooklyn Candle Studio are well-known names in the industry, offering lines that focus on natural ingredients such as soy wax and sustainable practices.
Availability of raw material
The availability of raw materials for natural candles can generally be considered steady, particularly for widely used materials like soy wax, beeswax, and essential oils. Soy wax, is produced in large quantities and is readily available from various suppliers worldwide. Beeswax, while it may vary seasonally depending on beekeeping and harvesting practices, is generally produced consistently by beekeepers and is available for purchase from many sources. Essential oils and natural fragrance oils are produced by numerous suppliers globally. As expected, occasional fluctuations in availability or price may occur due to changes in demand, seasonal variations, or disruptions in supply chains.
Origin of soy candles
Soy candles were discovered in 1991 by candlemaker Michael Richards. He was researching an inexpensive alternative to beeswax. Michael experimented with different types of vegetable products, and he eventually discovered in 1995, a relatively cheap way to create wax from soybean oil. The Body Shop, a national chain of stores, was the first to offer soy candles to the general public. Michael Richards developed diverse mixtures of soy wax for container candles and free-standing candles, which needed a higher melting point.
Bee wax market
Based on Global Market Insights Inc., the beeswax market is segmented as cosmetics and personal care, pharmaceuticals, food and beverages, industrial and manufacturing. Cosmetics and personal care application held a dominant business share of around 60.05% in 2022 and is expected to grow at a lucrative pace by 2032.
Paraffin Market
According to Grandview Research, the global paraffin wax market size was valued at USD 7,931.39 million in 2022 and is anticipated to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.3% from 2023 to 2030. This is attributable to growing applications in candles, as paraffin is the most widely used wax type in the production of candles. Refined paraffin wax is one of the main ingredients used in the production of candles. High production of crude oil has increased the production of its byproducts such as paraffin wax.
Oil pollution can have a devastating effect on the water environment, it spreads over the surface in a thin layer that stops oxygen from getting to the plants and animals that live in the water. Oil pollution harms animals, insects, and plants.
Research shows that organic candles are the way to go for a sustainable future. Paraffin wax, derived from petroleum, is not biodegradable making it less eco-friendly. Plant-based waxes like soy, beeswax, and coconut wax are renewable, and biodegradable, making them better for the earth so go ahead and enjoy your organic candles. Candles help with stress relief and are used to decorate rooms for many occasions. If the organic candle market is well supported, more awareness will spread and small candlemakers will reap rewards. This will also encourage more entrepreneurs in the candle-making business and perhaps create their niche.
