Soy Candles: Eco-Friendly and Sustainable

Soy Candles

Introduction

In today's world, where eco-consciousness is on the rise, many individuals are seeking out sustainable alternatives to everyday products. This is where soy candles come into play. Not only do these candles create a warm and inviting ambience, but they also offer a range of environmental benefits that make them a truly eco-friendly choice. Unlike traditional paraffin candles, which are made from petroleum-based products, soy candles are derived from renewable resources. This means that by opting for soy candles, you are actively reducing your carbon footprint and supporting a more sustainable future.

Eco-friendly and sustainable products are important to us and that is why we choose soy wax (or other plant-based waxes) for our candles. All our soy candles are handmade, and hand poured by us at our FelinFach Studio in Pembrokeshire, Wales, UK.

Modern Day Soy Candle Chandler

A Chandler...? "a candle chandler is a maker and seller of wax candles and also soap". 

We are a modern-day soy candle chandler. We hand pour soy candles but also other fragrance items such as tealights and wax melts. Our eco-friendly candles are handmade from sustainable plant-based soy candle waxes. All shipped in plastic free, recyclable packaging and carbon neutral shipping.

What Are Soy Candles?

Soy candles are made from soybean oil, which is a natural and renewable resource that can be sustainably grown. Soybeans are a crop that is widely cultivated, making soy wax an abundant and environmentally friendly alternative to paraffin wax. The oil is extracted from the soybeans and undergoes a hydrogenation process to turn it into a solid wax.

Soy candles are known for their clean and even burn. They have a lower melting point than paraffin candles, which means they burn at a cooler temperature and last longer. This means that soy candles offer a longer lasting and more economical option for those who enjoy the cosy ambience of candlelight.

Benefits of Soy Candles

Environmental

One of the primary benefits of soy candles is their renewable and sustainable nature. Soybeans are a crop that can be grown year after year, unlike petroleum, which is a finite resource. By choosing soy candles, you are choosing an eco-friendly candle, actively reducing your carbon footprint and supporting a more sustainable future.

Health and other Benefits

Soy candles are considered healthier than paraffin candles because they do not produce as much soot or emit harmful toxins when burned. Paraffin candles release chemicals like benzene and toluene, which can be detrimental to indoor air quality and potentially cause health issues. Soy candles, on the other hand, are non-toxic and produce little to no soot, making them a safer option for people with allergies or respiratory sensitivities.

Longevity Scent Throw and Aesthetics

Soy candles typically have a longer burning time than paraffin candles of the same size. They also burn more cleanly, leaving behind minimal residue and reducing the need for frequent cleaning of candleholders or surfaces. Soy wax is a soft wax, so it is easier to clean up if it spills compared to paraffin wax, which is a harder wax.

Soy wax has a better "scent throw," meaning it disperses fragrance more effectively when the candle is lit. This enhances the ambience of a room and provides a more enjoyable sensory experience. Additionally, soy wax is a versatile candle wax, allowing for various candle designs and styles that cater to different aesthetic preferences.  

Vegan and Cruelty Free

Our soy candles use wax that is vegan rated, cruelty free and contains no dyes or additives. They are eco-friendly, natural and sustainable candles.

Types of Soy Candles

Soy candles are very versatile, and we offer the following options.

• Soy Wax Candles in Containers

  These are the most common type of soy candle. Container candles are hand poured into various types of containers, such as glass jars or tins, and can be easily placed on surfaces without a holder. They are popular for home use and make excellent gifts. Our soy candles are available in many different sizes and containers including our Signature Soy Candles in matt white or grey glass jars, 3 Wick Candles and Candles in Tins.

• Soy Wax 3 Wick Candles

  3 Wick candles or more generally multi wick candles are container candles like others but due to their size and characteristics require special notification. The 3 wick candle is at the luxury end of the candle world, with three separate wicks burning together rather than the more common 1 wick. These multi wick candles are known for their strong and even scent throw and are usually larger than single-wick candles. Our 3 wick candles are handmade with natural soy wax, premium fragrance oils and eco-friendly cotton wicks. 

• Soy Wax Pillar Candles

  Pillar candles are solid candles that stand alone without the need for a container. They are tall, cylindrical candles and are often used in centrepieces or as decorative candles.

• Soy Wax Melts

  Soy wax melts, branded and exclusive to FelinFach, are a popular choice to create a beautiful fragrance in your home. Wax melts are hand poured in small batches and blended with a variety of premium high-grade fragrance oil recipes that are also used in our Soy Wax Candles. 

• Soy Wax Tealights

  Soy Wax Tealights: Tea light candles are small, shallow candles that come in recyclable metal or plastic cups. Our soy wax tealights are unscented. They are ideal for creating soft, ambient lighting and are commonly used in tea light holders or lanterns.

   

Tips for Using Soy Candles Sustainably

To maximise the environmental benefits of soy candles, there are a few tips to keep in mind.

Burning Soy Candles

• First, trim the wick to 5 millimetres (about a quarter of an inch) before lighting the candle. This will help prevent excessive smoke and soot.
• Additionally, make sure to burn the candle long enough for the wax to melt evenly across the container. This will help prevent tunnelling and ensure that you get the most out of your candle.

Soy Candle Refills

When the candle is finished, you can buy refills which are kinder to the planet and also to your pocket! Candle Refills are typically about 25% less than the price of a soy candle in a container.

If you don't want to refill the candle, why not repurpose the container or recycle it. Our soy candle containers can be easily cleaned and reused for other purposes, such as storing small items or as decorative containers.

Soy Candle Safety

It is always important to treat your soy candles safely and with care. Please note the follow candle care advice... 

• Never leave a burning candle unattended.
• Place candles on a stable surface away from flammable objects.
• Keep candles out of reach of children and pets.
• Extinguish candles before going to bed or leaving the house.
• Do not place candles too close together.

More information on Candle Safety and Care, click here... 

Soybean Cultivation for Soy Wax Candles

The cultivation of soybeans for soy wax for candles is a relatively sustainable process. Soybeans are a renewable resource, and they can be grown in a variety of climates. The main steps involved in soy wax production are:

1. Harvesting: Soybeans are harvested in the fall, when the pods are dry.
2. Cleaning: The soybeans are cleaned to remove dirt and debris.
3. Crushing: The soybeans are crushed to extract the oil.
4. Hydrogenation: The oil is hydrogenated to solidify it into wax.
5. Wax refining: The wax is refined to remove impurities.
6. Wax packaging: The wax is packaged for sale to candle makers.

The environmental impact of soy wax production is low. Soybeans are a relatively low-input crop, meaning that they do not require a lot of fertilizers or pesticides. The hydrogenation process does release some greenhouse gases, but the overall environmental impact of soy wax production is still considered to be low. 

Conclusion

In summary, soy wax candles (also soy wax tealights and wax melts) are a natural, eco-friendly, healthier and sustainable alternative to traditional paraffin wax candles. They offer a cleaner burn, longer burning time, better scent throw, and easier cleanup which has made them increasingly popular among environmentally conscious candle lovers. Whether you are seeking an environmentally friendly option or simply looking to enhance your candle experience, soy wax candles are a fantastic choice. 

About FelinFach

     

Located in Pembrokeshire Wales, our ethos is defined in the three words...

NATURAL TRADITIONAL HANDMADE.

• Hand woven iconic Welsh blankets and Welsh tapestry blankets.
• Soy candles, eco-friendly and sustainable candles, candle accessories, Candle Making Workshops and soapery.
• Natural Dyeing Craft courses.
• Yarn shop, hand dyed yarn, yarn bowls, project bags, tools and accessories for knitters and crafters.
• Welsh Gifts, souvenirs, made in Wales, handmade in Wales.

We are a proud supporter of the Campaign for Wool, Global Welsh and Red Dragon America.

Last updated 4th August 2023