Candles have long since transcended their function as mere lighting tools; they represent an atmosphere and a lifestyle. However, with increasing environmental awareness, "eco-friendly candles" have become a major focus for users and the European and American markets. Many people are beginning to wonder:
Is fully refined paraffin wax considered eco-friendly? Can it be used to make eco-friendly candles?
I. What is fully refined paraffin wax? How does it differ from ordinary paraffin wax?
Fully refined paraffin wax is a type of paraffin wax with very high purity, processed through complex oil and impurity removal processes. Its oil content is typically below 0.5%. After multiple filtrations and screenings, the paraffin wax contains virtually no impurities. Therefore, fully paraffin wax 58-60 is whiter, has a lighter scent, and burns more cleanly, producing less black smoke and particles. This is why almost all high-end scented candle brands use fully paraffin wax 58-60 as their primary ingredient.
Advantages of fully refined paraffin wax compared to ordinary paraffin wax:
Fully Refined Paraffin Wax undergoes multiple complex refining processes, resulting in fewer impurities. When used as a candle, it burns more completely and produces less black smoke and particles.
Fully paraffin wax 58-60 is better suited for mechanical pouring and molding, such as in the production of jar candles and container candles. Fully paraffin wax 58-60 has very low impurities, allowing it to blend well with added fragrances and enhance the aroma of the fragrance itself during burning, making it ideal for scented candles.
II. Is Fully Refined Paraffin Wax Really Environmentally Friendly?
Some people believe that paraffin wax, in its most primitive form, is petroleum and non-renewable; others believe that as long as fully paraffin wax 58-60 burns cleanly and emits safe emissions, it can be considered an environmentally friendly product. We can look at this from two perspectives:
1. Environmental Performance:
The carbon-to-hydrogen ratio within fully paraffin wax 58-60 is very stable. During combustion, it produces almost no noticeable black smoke and releases no toxic substances. In contrast, some unrefined, low-grade paraffin waxes are the main source of smoke and odor.
According to a research report by the European Candle Association (ECA):
"Qualified paraffin candles, when burned in a well-ventilated environment, emit far below safe limits and have no substantial impact on air quality." —European Candle Association, 2022 Report
2. Sustainability Perspective:
Many candle manufacturers blend fully paraffin wax 58-60 with plant-based waxes (such as soy wax and coconut wax) to reduce their carbon footprint.
These "blended environmentally friendly candles" retain the advantages of paraffin wax (good formability and strong fragrance diffusion) while also embracing environmental principles.
Therefore, as long as fully refined paraffin is used and viewed correctly, it is an environmentally friendly product.
III. Eco-Friendly Upgrades for Fully Refined Paraffin Candles
If you wish to enhance your environmental image while using fully refined paraffin candles, consider the following:
Use natural wax wicks: Choose pure cotton or wood wicks to reduce metal residue.
Use natural fragrances and eco-friendly dyes: Avoid the pungent odor of chemically synthesized fragrances.
Use recyclable packaging: Glass cups, aluminum cans, or biodegradable cardboard boxes are all good choices.
Optimize combustion design: By controlling the melting point and wick diameter ratio, achieve more complete combustion and less smoke.
These methods not only make paraffin candles more environmentally friendly but also enhance the overall brand image.
Junda Wax offers a one-stop candle manufacturing solution.
If you're preparing to enter the candle manufacturing industry or looking to upgrade your candle product line—Junda Wax can easily handle the entire production process for you.
We not only provide a variety of raw materials such as fully refined paraffin wax, semi-refined paraffin wax, and microcrystalline wax, but also offer one-stop matching services for the following products and equipment:
Wax Thread Series: Pure cotton thread, wood core thread, multi-layer braided thread, etc. (selectable according to different candle products and actual burning needs);
Candle Dyes and Fragrances: High color fastness, stable fragrance diffusion (covering most common dyes and fragrances);
Candle Production Machinery: Fully automatic filling machines, wax mixing machines, cooling lines, molds, etc. (Junda Wax has professional automated candle production machines that can meet the needs of the entire candle production process);
Finished Candle Design Solutions: Providing technical support for brands from formulation to packaging.
References:
1.European Candle Association. Emission and Health Safety Study on Paraffin Candles, 2022.
2. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Volatile Organic Emission from Combustion of Paraffin-based Candles, 2021.
3.Journal of Applied Wax Chemistry, Sustainable Wax Blends for Modern Candle Making, 2023.
