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Eco-Friendly Candle Wax: A Guide for Conscious Consumers 

As environmentally aware consumers, we want to be mindful of the products we bring into our homes. Candles can have varying impacts on both indoor air quality and the environment, and different waxes have different applications, burn qualities, and fragrance throws.

KindHive has spent a lot of time researching the different wax options for our hand poured coconut bowl candles. We wanted to offer the most people and pet friendly candles on the market! Below is our research findings and why we chose coconut apricot wax as our preferred wax.

Let’s explore the most popular candle wax options, focusing on their environmental footprint, use, and performance.

Beeswax: Nature’s Golden Gift

Beeswax is a natural, renewable resource produced by honeybees. It’s biodegradable and often considered the most eco-friendly wax option. 

From an environmental perspective, beeswax supports beekeeping and pollination efforts, requires minimal processing, and is completely biodegradable. In terms of performance, beeswax boasts the longest burn time of all waxes

However, there are some considerations to keep in mind. Beeswax is typically more expensive than other options due to the work and time involved in harvesting it. This wax also has a natural sweet scent, making it hard for beeswax to hold other fragrances well —  and as an animal product, it’s not suitable for vegans.

Filtered beeswax —  which has the natural yellow color removed —  readily accepts dye, making it perfect for vibrant candle colors. However, beeswax can be a challenging wax to work with because of its relatively high melting point and hardness, and is not recommended for first-time candlemakers. 

We decided not to use beeswax in our candles because it is not vegan and because we do not want to add stress to the already compromised honeybee population

Paraffin Wax: The Traditional Option

Paraffin wax, derived from petroleum, is the most common and affordable option. 

Paraffin is a non-renewable petroleum by-product that is not biodegradable and, when burned in large quantities, produces large amounts of soot. Although no peer-reviewed scientific study has drawn any harmful conclusions about the effects of burning paraffin wax, be sure to burn all paraffin made candles in a well-ventilated space. 

The U.S. Environmental Protection has previously found that burning candles and incense can be sources of particulate matter. Exposure to incense smoke has been linked with several illnesses, according to an EPA. While the overall review “could not identify” any studies diving into the health effects of soot, the EPA maintains that soot and particulate matter are “of great concern to those with heart or lung disease,” and other at-risk and vulnerable individuals.

Paraffin, as a hydrocarbon-based wax, has a higher soot potential compared to most other waxes. The type and size of the candle wick also determines how much soot is released in a burn. 

On the performance side, paraffin wax does offer excellent scent throw, versatility for various candle types, and a consistent appearance over time. However, it burns faster than other waxes, resulting in shorter candle life, and is difficult to clean up if spilled. 

While paraffin wax offers good performance in terms of scent throw and versatility, the environmental and potential health impacts make it less desirable for health-conscious consumers seeking sustainable options.

We decided not to use paraffin wax for our candles due to the soot it creates and because it is petroleum based. The ways it’s extracted can have a negative impact the environment and we do not want to be a part of that.

Soy Wax: The Versatile Vegetable Option

Derived from soybean oil, soy wax is a renewable and biodegradable alternative to petroleum-based waxes. It’s biodegradable, renewable, and carbon-neutral when sourced sustainably. At face value, soy wax production also supports agriculture, providing an additional market for soybean farmers. 

Performance-wise, soy wax offers a decent scent throw and burns slowly and cleanly, with minimal soot. It’s also easy to clean up with soap and water, making it ideal for those new to candle making. 

However, soy wax may discolor over time and is too soft for pillar candles. There are also concerns about the use of GMO soybeans in soy wax production. 

Monsanto, an American corporation acquired by Bayer in 2018, is infamous for its usage of genetically modified crops and use of accompanying weed-killers. Although Monsanto is widely defunct since its acquisition, its products are still available under Bayer.

Monsanto first cornered the soybean market in the 1990s with Roundup Ready, modified the withstand the weed-killer glyphosate. Since then, the company has come under fire for its treatment of farmers and workers alike, and in numerous lawsuits about drifting weed-killers damaging crops and allegations of glyphosate causing cancer.

We decided not to use soy wax due to the GMO modification of the soybean crops that are taking place across the world. This coupled with deforestation issues and the possibility of pesticides and other chemicals remaining on the final product are all reasons we chose to avoid it as our wax.

Coconut Wax: The Tropical Newcomer

Coconut wax is gaining popularity due to its excellent performance and eco-friendly profile —  but don’t let the name fool you! Pure coconut wax for candles doesn’t exist.

Usable coconut waxes are coconut oil or coconut flakes blended with other waxes, oils, and binding agents. While the exact ratio of coconut product to other wax is usually proprietary, soy is the dominant wax in many market-available blends.

In terms of performance, coconut waxes typically offer a good scent throw, slow burns, and have a creamy white appearance that many find appealing. 

The main drawbacks of coconut wax are its higher cost and limited availability compared to more established options, leading to a higher price point. 

Coconut Apricot Wax: High-Performance, Ease of Use

Coconut apricot wax is a relatively new player in the candle-making industry, derived from the kernels of apricot fruits. 

Coconut apricot wax has excellent adhesion properties, which helps prevent issues like tunneling and poor glass adhesion often seen with other waxes. It also provides a superior scent throw, allowing for a more potent and long-lasting fragrance experience, burns evenly. Coconut apricot wax candles also have smooth, creamy white tops.

One of the main benefits of coconut apricot wax is its sustainability. Unlike soy, which has been linked to deforestation concerns, apricot production has a smaller environmental footprint. Apricot trees are often grown in diverse orchards, contributing to biodiversity and soil health. Additionally, apricot wax is biodegradable, making it a more environmentally friendly choice compared to petroleum-based waxes.

Coconut apricot waxes are toxin-free, paraben and phthalate-free, and gluten-free. While the specifics depend on the wax maker, coconut apricot wax can also be soy-free, palm oil-free, and paraffin free.

Natural waxes like apricot coconut and beeswax offer the best balance of performance and sustainability. These options burn cleaner, support sustainable agriculture, and have minimal environmental impact. 

While they may cost more upfront, their longer burn times and health benefits make them a worthwhile investment for both your home and the planet. When choosing your next candle, consider not just the scent and appearance, but also its impact on your indoor air quality and the environment. 

Coconut apricot wax is our preferred choice for candles and what we use. It is a proprietary blend that uses a mix of primarily coconut and apricot waxes with a trace amount of food grade paraffin to help with stability. It is the most eco-friendly option and cleanest burning wax. While this comes at a higher cost, it is worth it for peace of mind.

Palm Wax: The Lesser Known Option

Palm wax is another choice for candle making, but is a lesser used option. Palm wax is a clean burning option that some do like for its unique appearance. It often has a distinct crystalline pattern that adds a decorative look. It is a long burning wax that has good fragrance retention. It’s higher melting point also makes it easier to ship in those hot months than other wax types. 

But, for all the good things this wax offers, there are several cons as well. The environmental impact is large, especially deforestation issues in countries like Malaysia and Indonesia. Deforestation has an impact on the wildlife in these countries – many which are endangered species. Some chandlers have noted issues in quality between batches which show that consistency in quality and burning can be an issue. 

The crystalline that some love, can also be a detriment to the look and feel of the candle. And sometimes the crystalline comes in the form of a white frosting instead giving it a less than luxury look. The cost of this wax can also be on the high side depending on where it is sourced. Certifications for responsibly certified palm wax (RSPO) can be acquired, but there are concerns about the effectiveness of these certification to prevent deforestation and protect wildlife. 

We do not use palm wax at all due to the effects it has on wildlife and environment. We do not want to have a negative impact on our world in any way.

By opting for natural, renewable waxes, you’re making a choice that aligns with your values and contributes to a healthier planet! And since everyone of our candles are poured in real coconut shells, you are doing a double dose of eco-friendly goodness! Every coconut shell candle can be repurposed in a variety of ways meaning – no extra stuff in our landfills. 

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