Soy wax candles have exploded in popularity over the past five years but if you're wondering why, and where soy wax even comes from, then read on...
What Exactly Is Soy Wax?
Soy wax is a vegetable wax made from the oil of soy beans. The finished wax flakes are free from synthetic material and the blend we use contains no added beeswax, palm oil or paraffin wax.
Soy wax has a lower melting point than paraffin wax, making it safer to work with and handle. We melt our wax in water-jacketed tanks which heat the wax flakes down to a liquid and then hold it at a constant temperature.
Is Soy The Perfect Crop?
While soy wax is a far more environmentally sound wax for candles than paraffin, soy is a controversial crop for some very valid reasons.
The demand for soy products has lead to a boom in the growth of soy in South America. Used to create soy milk as well as animal feed, Latin America supplied just 3% of the global soy crop 50 years ago. By 2016, that has risen to almost 50%.* The increased demand for agricultural land has lead to deforestation at an alarming rate.
Since we began making candles with soy wax we have been using wax that is grown and processed in the USA. The European production of soy is an emerging market and one that we are closely watching.
We never have and never will use soy grown in South America.
Is Soy Wax Safe?
Soy Wax is a far healthier wax to burn in your space. Paraffin wax is derived from petroleum and is made up of straight-chain hydrocarbons which as they combust, release a dark soot which can stain walls and fabrics but, more importantly, can lead to respiratory problems.
Soy Wax does not release any of the pollutants found in paraffin candles. They burn more slowly, giving you more hours of use and any residual wax is bio-degradable. We still advise following all safety information found on your candles and if you are particularly sensitive to scent then our range of essential oils scented candles are an excellent choice as they are 100% plant based and provide a more subtle scent.
Sweet Orange & Geranium, Sandalwood & Rose Geranium, Quietude, Lavender & Petitgrain, First Light, Half Light and Last Light are all scented with plant oils.
Is Soy Wax Sustainable?
The soy wax we use is certified carbon neutral, an annually renewable resource and is free from GM materials. It is also vegan, biodegradable and 100% plant-based. With all of these attributed going for it, we would certainly classify it as sustainable.
If you have any questions please feel free to get in touch, we are always happy to talk candles!