As the days grow shorter and the nights draw in, the allure of a flickering candle becomes even stronger. Whether it's setting the ambience for a cosy evening, adding a touch of romance to a dinner, or providing that scented touch to your living space—candles are a staple in many homes.
But behind the warm glow and enchanting scents lies a realm of responsibility, especially for the creators. The bridge between a beautiful candle and a safe experience? Candle labels.
In this article, we’ll unravel the art and importance of candle labelling and how to make it both compliant and captivating for your customers.
What are candle safety labels and why are they important?
Candle-making is like crafting a narrative—you weave in scents, moods and moments. But every good storyteller knows the significance of context and clarity. In the world of candles, this clarity comes in the form of candle labels, and you’ll soon discover how important they are in candle safety.
If you're a business owner, pouring your passion into every handmade candle, you’re likely to source the finest fragrances and spend hours perfecting the blend. With this in mind, wouldn’t you want your customers to experience that passion safely, every single time they light up one of your creations? That's the role of candle safety labels. They're not just random stickers slapped onto your product; they're a guide to safe enjoyment.
For businesses, particularly those dipping their toes into the candle industry (or wondering if that's a bright move), these labels are more than just regulatory obligations. They're trust signals. Having comprehensive labels for candles means you're not just selling a product; you're offering a promise of safety and transparency.
And here's a thought for our fellow candle enthusiasts: beyond the captivating scent and the mesmerising dance of the flame, these labels also play a part in enhancing your candle's aura. They silently tell a story—of a brand that cares, of a maker who's meticulous and of a business that values its patrons.
While the flame might be the heart of every candle, its safety label is undoubtedly its conscience. And as businesses, it's this conscience that ensures customers keep coming back, trust intact and experiences enriched.
What are the candle labelling requirements in the UK?
If you're considering lighting up the UK market with your candles (pun very much intended), it's essential to get the nitty-gritty right. And by that, we mean those all-important labels for candles. The UK has clear and specific requirements to ensure the safety of the users, and staying compliant isn't just about avoiding legal pitfalls—it's about making sure your brand stands for responsibility and trust.
So, what needs to be on these labels?
The Basics
Think product name/candle scent, type of wax used and projected burn time (how many hours the candle will last). You’ll want to include all of these, so customers can determine if the product is right for them.
Brand Identity
Who made this lovely handcrafted candle? Be sure to include your company name and logo, along with your contact information and website so customers know where to buy more of their favourite scent! Remember, your company name, address and phone number are all mandatory requirements for CLP too, so don’t skip these!
Batch Number
While this may not be a legal requirement as such, including a batch number for traceability is vital in our opinion and not something that should be overlooked.
Warnings
You must show five mandatory safety messages on your makes:
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General warning sign: This is the little yellow triangle you’ll see popping up everywhere with the exclamation mark in the middle.
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“Never leave a burning candle unattended”: This one speaks for itself, really.
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“Burn candle out of reach of children and pets”: Again, it may seem like common sense but it must be included.
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“Always leave at least 10cm between burning candles”: No one likes burning lots of candles more than us but when they get too close, things can get out of control quickly!
- “Do not burn candles near flammable objects”: Again, fairly self-explanatory but you’d be amazed how many customers burn candles on wooden tables with nothing between the base of the candle and a scorch able wooden surface.
Instructions
Burning a candle correctly not only ensures your customers are happy but that they are using their candles safely. Always include information on how long to burn the candle each time, it’s also worth advising them to ensure the wick is trimmed to around 5mm each time before lighting.
CLP Information
We’ll explain all the CLP requirements below, but in case you’re wondering whether CLP Labels are always required, the answer is no. See our handy table below for when they are and aren’t needed.
|
Scenario |
CLP Required? |
|
Selling candles at a craft fair |
Yes |
|
Gifting candles to friends and family |
No |
|
Selling candles online |
Yes |
|
Candles for personal use |
No |
|
Selling candles in a physical store |
Yes |
|
Candles that are unscented |
No |
CLP labelling requirements still make a lot of makers cringe, despite having been a legal requirement for some time now but there’s no reason to panic; as we have you covered.
Standing for 'Classification, Labelling and Packaging', these are all about chemical safety. They highlight any potentially hazardous ingredients, giving users full transparency.
To be fully compliant and ensure you don’t run into issues with your insurance company, CLP labels must include the following elements:
- Your company name, address and telephone number,
- Product identifiers,
- Hazard pictograms,
- Signal word,
- Hazard statement,
- Appropriate precautionary statements, and
- Supplemental information.
- UFI number (NI and EU only, you can find more info here)
That might seem like a lot to get your head around but lucky for you, we provide CLP templates for all of our oils, so you can download them, update your company details and you’re good to go - you can find them for each of our fragrances here.
Remember, these labels aren't just a formality; they're your handshake with your customer, promising transparency, safety and care. So, while the intricacies of candle labelling requirements may seem a tad overwhelming initially, think of them as your ticket to trust and credibility in the market.
How should I display all the information on your candle label?
Now we've explored the 'what', it's time for the 'how'. Just as you'd pay meticulous attention to your candle's scent and colour, the design and layout of your candle label deserve the same TLC. After all, a well-presented label can be the cherry on top of your candle's aesthetic appeal, while also ensuring clarity and compliance. So, how to nail that layout?
Keep it simple
Before diving into fancy designs, remember the primary goal of your label is to convey information. Opt for fonts that are easily readable, and ensure the font size is big enough for everyone, including those with visual impairments.
Follow a clear structure
Group similar information together. For instance, you can have one section dedicated to product details (like burn time and ingredients) and another for safety instructions and warnings.
Use icons and symbols
Sometimes, a picture really is worth a thousand words. Icons can quickly convey certain instructions or warnings and can be a good option when space is limited. Using icons for your safety label? Be sure to use the standard safety symbols that are universally recognised.
Don’t forget the branding
While your label is a place for essential info, it's also a canvas to reflect your brand. Incorporate your brand colours, logo and maybe even a short tagline or mantra that embodies your brand ethos.
Example Layout
Ready to get started but not sure how to structure it? Steal this template:
Remember, while templates are a great starting point, they’re just that—a starting point. Use this as a guide, but feel free to weave in your unique touch. After all, your brand's identity should resonate in every element, including the label.
Wrapping up
There's a certain magic to candles. They transform spaces, moods and moments. But as with all things magical, there's also a touch of science and responsibility behind them. Through the strategic use of candle safety labels, businesses can uphold the trust placed in them by consumers.
And for customers? These labels are your best friend, ensuring every candle-lit moment is safe and enjoyable. As you craft or choose your next candle, remember that while the glow is temporary, the commitment to safety and quality lasts forever. Happy burning!