Best practices for crafting eco-friendly candles

The end of summer is prime time for candle makers to plan for the busiest time of the year—Christmas. But did you know that candles, often a festive favourite, rank among the top contributors to holiday waste? A startling insight from Business Waste highlights the environmental impact of these seasonal staples. 

With the UK's candle market now valued at an eye-watering £90 million, and a significant portion of households flickering their loyalty to brands that care, the focus has shifted. It's not just about dazzling scents and colours anymore but about how environmentally conscious your production line is. Home fragrance brand owners, take note: this shift isn't just a fad; it's the future of candle making. 

So, whether you’re crafting your first batch or are a seasoned pro, we’ll show you how to refine your methods and materials so that your candles burn brightly and sustainably.

Easy eco-friendly swaps for candle makers 

What goes into your candles matters as much as what comes out. Swapping out traditional materials for greener ones isn't just about ticking eco-boxes—it sets a new industry standard, automatically pitching you above your competitors. Here’s how you can tweak your material list for an earth-friendlier glow.

Paraffin wax → Plant-based wax 

Renewable source

Paraffin wax might be the old standby, but it’s a by-product of petroleum—yep, that means it’s dug up from non-renewable resources and refined through processes that are anything but green. Soy and coconut waxes, while not entirely without their own environmental impact, offer an alternative choice, while supporting sustainable farming and chopping down our reliance on fossil fuels.

Clean, soot-free burn

While all candles will produce some soot, soy and coconut waxes tend to burn cleaner than paraffin, producing less soot when compared side by side. This means they are better for indoor air quality and don't leave those pesky black marks on walls or containers. Heads up: If you do still opt for paraffin as your chosen wax, there are ways to reduce the risk of soot (see below). 

Longer burn and scent

While a typical candle flickers out after a few hours, its environmental impact can stick around in a landfill for centuries. Plant-based waxes melt at a lower temperature, meaning they burn longer and release scents more steadily. This not only enhances the fragrance experience but also cuts down on the wax and oil you use—saving you some coin and sparing the planet.

Synthetic wicks → natural wicks 

Lower environmental impact

Synthetic wicks, made from zinc or nylon, might keep your candle upright, but they’re no friends of the environment. These materials don't break down easily and contribute to pollution. Swap them for cotton wicks, which are biodegradable and eco-friendly, scoring major points with green-conscious customers. Or, go for wooden wicks—sustainably sourced, they burn cleaner and bring a rustic charm, making your candles planet-friendly and a preferred choice for cosy settings.

Cleaner air quality

Synthetic wicks can pollute your indoor air with harmful substances—not exactly the relaxed vibe you’re trying to create. Cotton wicks are lead-free, emit fewer toxins, and keep your home’s air quality in check. Wooden wicks also burn cleaner, cutting down on soot and keeping your space fresh. Choose natural wicks for a safer, healthier candle experience that everyone can breathe easy around.

Cleaner, more fragrant burn

Synthetic wicks often leave a mess of soot and burn unevenly, ruining the scent throw. Cotton wicks provide a clean, consistent burn that naturally diffuses the fragrance better so that it lasts longer. Wooden wicks not only ensure an even burn but also add that oh-so-comforting crackle, turning your candle into a mini fireplace. With natural wicks, you get a superior burn quality that ups your eco-credentials—bonus!

Metal tins → glass vessels ​​

A clear winner in recycling 

Glass vessels are endlessly recyclable, maintaining their quality no matter how many times they're reborn. Metal tins? Not so straightforward. Many are lined with plastic to fend off corrosion, which muddles the recycling process by requiring separation—a feat not all facilities can handle.

Offers upcycling opportunities 

There’s something inherently stylish about glass. Once the candle’s flicker dies, these jars find second lives as chic plant holders, nifty storage solutions or artsy décor pieces. Metal tins, scuffed from use and less visually appealing, rarely enjoy such a glamorous afterlife.

Burns slightly more cleanly 

Glass boasts a non-reactive personality, staying chemically inert and keeping its cool without leaching nasty extras into our environment. Whereas metal tins with their internal plastic composition could be harbouring a cocktail of chemicals that pollute the atmosphere as your candle burns.

Less energy is required for recycling

Here’s a hot fact—recycling glass cuts down on energy use substantially. Although it’s a heavyweight in initial production, the energy it saves during recycling more than makes up for it, nudging its carbon footprint down a notch each cycle.

Plastic packaging → cardboard boxes

Quick to decompose

Cardboard packaging boxes can break down and hug the earth goodbye within a few months under the right conditions, unlike plastic, which loiters around for centuries. Making the switch means less stuff clogging up our landfills.

Champion of recycling

Cardboard is a recycling hero. It can be recycled repeatedly, reducing the need for new resources and slicing down on energy and carbon emissions involved in its production. Meanwhile, many plastics lose their lustre after one or two cycles or can't be recycled at all.

…it even looks eco-friendly!

Cardboard not only looks warm and earthy—it feels responsible. Packaging your candles in cardboard can buff up your brand’s image and attract a crowd that’s willing to pay a bit more for eco-options. Cardboard can also be printed with plant-based inks to include branding, instructions and natural decorative elements.

Tips for reducing waste during production

Let’s ditch the eco-guilt and turn your candle making into a lean, green, profit machine. Here are some of our top tips for sourcing, crafting and packaging:

• Opt for more sustainable ingredients (as specified above). If it can break down naturally, that’s a win. Biodegradable or compostable is the way to go.
  
  
• Keep tabs on your inventory. Over-ordering is like buying too many snacks—tempting, but wasteful. Keep track of what you have and need.
  
  
• Make more in one go. Bigger batches mean less waste, and who doesn't love more candles?
  
  
• Measure like a pro. While eyeballing may be your method for making cocktails, it shouldn’t be for candle-making. Get those measurements right to avoid leftover wax and scents.
  
  
• Recycle and reuse. Melted wax scraps? Free fuel for your next batch or perhaps some wax melts! And stick to reusable containers—glass and metal are your eco-friendly besties.

Reducing waste isn't just good for the planet—it’s good for business. Follow these simple tips and watch your brand glow.

How to market your eco-friendly candles

Ready to spread the word about your eco-friendly candles? It's not just about the product, it's about the passion. Here's how to make your marketing message as bright as your candles:

• Share your “why” on your website. What inspired your eco-friendly journey? Let customers connect with your values and mission.
  
  
• Spotlight your eco-friendly supplies. Shout out those sustainable ingredients and recyclable packaging. Highlight the specific benefits and eco-impact of your choices.

• Be transparent about your processes. Sourcing, crafting, packaging. Behind-the-scenes glimpses build trust and authenticity.

• Spark upcycling inspiration. Share creative ways to reuse candle jars on your social media channels—planters, storage, you name it!

• Educate on proper burning techniques (like trimming the wick to the correct length) for cleaner, longer-lasting enjoyment.

• Launch loyalty programs and incentives. Reward repeat customers and encourage sustainable habits (like offering a discount voucher for returning lids and other reusable items, bringing your costs down and encouraging repeat purchasing).

The bigger picture? Marketing your eco-friendly candles involves sparking a movement, inspiring change and building a community of conscious consumers who share your passion for a brighter, greener future. 

Small steps, big impact

From ditching wasteful materials to mastering the art of candle care, we've covered the essentials for making your business glow greener. Even if you're not ready to ditch the paraffin entirely (we get it, it sometimes is the most practical option), there are still plenty of ways to reduce waste and make more eco-conscious choices. Start small, experiment, and find what works for you and your business.