Everything You Need to Know About Refillable Candles
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Temps de lecture 6 min
The candle industry is shifting from single-use consumption to a circular model that prioritises longevity and sustainability. The refillable candle has emerged as a sophisticated solution for both makers and consumers. This approach allows candle lovers to enjoy their favourite scents without accumulating empty glass vessels, while offering makers a way to build lasting customer loyalty through subscription models or refill services.
Table Of Contents
Defining Refillable Candles Environmental And Economic Advantages Crafting Refillable Candles: Production And Materials The Process Navigating UK Legal And Safety Standards For Candle Production Maximising Your Refillable Candle Experience Conclusion: Embracing A Sustainable Glow Key Takeaways About Refillable Candles FAQs
Defining Refillable Candles
A refillable candle is a system designed for reuse. These fall into two primary categories:
Pillar Refills: Solid blocks of wax hand-poured to fit specifically into a permanent vessel. These use pillar blends that hold their shape independently.
Pour-at-Home Kits: These sets include pre-measured wax, a wick, and fragrance oil, allowing the user to create a fresh candle in their existing jar.
Unlike a regular single-use item, the vessel is treated as a permanent fixture, often made from luxury materials like ceramic or heavy glass. Engineering focuses on the refill, making sure it fits perfectly to prevent "tunnelling" or dangerous heat build-up.
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Environmental And Economic Advantages
The environmental argument is compelling. Glass production is energy-intensive, so reusing a vessel just four times drops the packaging carbon footprint by approximately 75%.
Economically, the price per burn decreases noticeably. While the initial vessel cost might be higher, a candle refill is generally 20-30% lower than buying a brand-new scented candle.
NI Candle Supplies actively supports this shift towards sustainable candle-making through a comprehensive range of eco-friendly materials, including biodegradable plant-based waxes and recyclable packaging. This helps maintain the highest environmental integrity when transitioning to refillable formats.
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an example of a refillable candle
Crafting Refillable Candles: Production And Materials
Creating a high-performance refillable candle requires technical precision. The wax refill must often stand alone during transport or fit precisely into a vessel that has already been used.
Key components and sustainable sourcing
The foundation of a quality refill lies in raw materials. A refill intended as a solid block requires a "pillar blend" wax such as SoyaLuna Blend Melt / Pillar wax, which has structural rigidity.
Conversely, DIY kits use softer container waxes like C3 or Golden Wax 464 for adhesion.
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The artisan production process
Making refillable candles using silicone moulds is a creative and efficient process. It begins with designing the silicone mould, which can range from simple geometric shapes to intricate patterns. These moulds are crafted from flexible, durable silicone material, allowing for easy release of the finished candles.
You'll need to choose a wick suitable for the type of wax being used and the size of the candle. A wick holder is often employed to keep the wick centred during the pouring of the wax.
The Process:
Heat the wax to 85°C, add fragrance at 80°C, and pour at 70-80°C. Once the wax is melted, the mould is prepared. Lightly spraying the silicone mould with a mould release agent may be beneficial, though it's optional. The wick is then inserted into the mould and secured in place before carefully pouring the melted wax to the desired level.
After pouring, the wax needs time to cool and harden completely, which can take several hours. Once cooled, any imperfections can be smoothed out. The next step is demoulding; the flexible silicone allows for easy removal of the candle without damage. Trimming the wick to an appropriate length for burning completes the process.
When the candle burns low, the remaining wax can be removed, allowing the container to be cleaned and reused. New wax can be melted and poured into the silicone mould again, repeating the enjoyable process. The use of silicone moulds offers additional benefits, including flexibility for easy candle removal, the ability to create a variety of custom shapes and designs, and their reusability, making them a cost-effective choice for candle making.
Navigating UK Legal And Safety Standards For Candle Production
Entering the refillable candle market requires navigating rigorous UK safety regulations. It's a common misconception that any jar can be refilled indefinitely.
Any vessel made for use with a candle, and with the intention of reuse, must be heat tested and certified for this application. During a burn cycle, glass expands and contracts, creating invisible micro-fractures. If a vessel isn't engineered for repeated thermal shock, it poses a considerable risk of shattering.
Insurers are often hesitant to provide cover for reusable vessels due to these micro-fractures. As a maker, you must make sure your Product Liability Insurance specifically covers refillable products.
You must also adhere to:
• BS EN 15493: Specifications for fire safety.
• BS EN 15426: Specifications for sooting behaviour.
• CLP Regulations: The refill itself must carry mandatory hazard pictograms and allergen information.
Maximising Your Refillable Candle Experience
Proper maintenance and testing are vital for safety and performance.
For makers, development is non-negotiable. Because you can't control the customer's used vessel, wick testing must be exhaustive. NI Candle Supplies advises testing small batches first using quality supplies to verify that your refill doesn't generate excessive heat that could stress an already used container.
Clean Thoroughly: Remove residual wax from the candle vessel.
Inspect the Glass: Recycle any vessel with chips or cracks.
Wick Maintenance: Trim the wick to 5mm before every light to prolong the life of the candle and jar.
Conclusion: Embracing A Sustainable Glow
The shift toward refillable candles is a necessary evolution. By combining eco-friendly materials with rigorous safety standards, we create products that are kind to the planet without compromising on luxury.
The demand for refillable options, from Christmas gift sets to daily staples, will only grow. For makers, this is an opportunity to deepen customer relationships. At NI Candle Supplies, we are committed to providing the expertise and materials needed to help you create a safer, greener, and more aromatic future.
a selection of refillable candles
Key Takeaways About Refillable Candles
Refillable candles reduce environmental impact by approximately 75% when a vessel is reused just four times, offering a sustainable alternative to single-use candles while typically costing 20-30% less per refill.
• For safety and quality, refillable candles require specific waxes (pillar blends for solid refills, container waxes for pour-at-home kits) and precise temperature control during production.
• Any vessel intended for refillable candle use must be heat tested and certified to be suitable for reuse, as repeated heating cycles can create micro-fractures that pose safety risks.
• Proper maintenance is essential - thoroughly clean vessels between uses, inspect for damage, and trim wicks to 5mm before each lighting to ensure safety and optimal performance.
FAQs
Are refillable candles truly more sustainable?
Yes. The primary benefit comes from extending the vessel's lifespan. Since manufacturing containers accounts for the majority of a carbon footprint, reusing a jar for a refill significantly lowers the impact compared to buying a new scented candle.
How long do candle refills last?
It depends on wax volume and wick size. A high-quality refill should match the burn time of the original product. A standard 30cl refill typically offers 40-50 hours of burn time.
Can I use any wax for my refillable candle?
No. Solid refills require pillar wax to release from the mould. Pour-at-home kits need container wax for adhesion. Using the wrong wax leads to poor burning or sticking.
NI Candle Supplies specialises in high-quality candle-making materials, offering a diverse range of waxes, wicks, and fragrances. Committed to inspiring creativity, we provide resources for beginners and seasoned artisans. Our mission is to empower candle makers with quality products and expert guidance, fostering a vibrant community of enthusiasts who share a passion for craftsmanship and creativity.
