Soy wax, as a material for making candles, has a relatively short but very interesting history. Its appearance on the candle market can be dated back to the 1990s, making it one of the newer additions to the industry. The idea to use soy wax was created in response to the growing demand for more ecological and healthier alternatives to traditional paraffin candles.
The first soy candles were the result of a search for more sustainable and environmentally friendly raw materials. Soy wax, obtained from soybeans, turned out to be the perfect solution. Soy, as a crop, is easily available and renewable, which means that the production of soy wax has a lower impact on the environment compared to the production of paraffin, which is a by-product of the petroleum industry.
What are soy candles?
Initially, soy candles were a niche product, but they quickly gained popularity among eco-conscious consumers. Natural soy candles , thanks to their advantages, began to appear on store shelves next to traditional paraffin candles. As public awareness of environmental issues grew, soy candles also grew in popularity.
One of the pioneers in the production of soy candles was Cargill, which developed the technology for producing soy wax on a commercial scale. Thanks to technological innovations, soy candles have become available to a wider audience, and their production has become more effective and economical.
Decorative soy candles have also begun to gain importance in the decorative industry. Their natural appearance and the possibility of easy coloring and flavoring have made them a popular choice both in homes and in professional interior design. Thanks to their versatility, soy candles have begun to be used not only as a light source, but also as a decorative element that adds charm and character to any room.
The history of soy wax is an example of how an innovative approach and concern for the environment can lead to the creation of products that not only fulfill their basic functions, but also contribute to the protection of our planet.
Properties of Soy Wax
Soy wax is not only an ecological choice, but also a material with unique properties that make soy candles more and more popular. Its advantages go far beyond just the environmental aspect, offering users a number of benefits that make it attractive to both producers and consumers.
Natural soy candles are characterized by a longer burning time compared to traditional paraffin candles. Soy wax burns slower and at a lower temperature, which means candles made from this material are more efficient and economical. This means that we can enjoy their warm light and pleasant scent for a longer time.
Another advantage is clean combustion. A soy wax scented candle emits significantly less soot and smoke, which helps to improve indoor air quality. Thanks to this, soy candles are safer for health and do not cause deposits on walls and furniture.
Decorative soy candles also have excellent aesthetic properties. Soy wax is easy to color and flavor, which allows you to create beautiful, colorful and fragrant candles that are an elegant addition to any interior. Their natural, matte appearance adds charm and class, matching various decorative styles.
Differences between soy and artificial candles
Soy wax is obtained from soybeans, which are mainly grown in North and South America. The production process begins with harvesting the beans, which are then crushed to extract the soybean oil. This oil is then refined and hydrogenated, producing soy wax. The whole process is relatively simple and sustainable because soy is a renewable plant and the production of wax does not require intensive chemical processing.
Natural soy candles are therefore an ecological product whose production has minimal impact on the environment. Growing soybeans, from which wax comes, is more sustainable than extracting the crude oil from which paraffin is produced. It is also worth adding that soy wax is biodegradable and does not contain toxins, which makes it a safer choice for the environment.
Paraffin wax production process
Paraffin is a by-product of the petroleum industry. It is produced during crude oil refining, when heavier fractions are separated and purified to obtain paraffin wax. This process is much more complicated and energy-intensive than the production of soy wax. It requires the use of high temperatures and various chemicals, which leads to higher energy consumption and emissions of harmful substances into the environment.
Moreover, since paraffin is a derivative of petroleum, its production involves the extraction and processing of non-renewable raw materials. Oil exploitation has a significant impact on the environment, leading to air, water and soil pollution. Paraffin production also generates larger amounts of chemical waste, which can be harmful to ecosystems.
Comparing the production processes of soy and paraffin wax, it is clear that soy candles are more environmentally friendly. The production of soy wax is based on renewable sources and is less energy-intensive, while the production of paraffin is associated with the extraction of non-renewable raw materials and a greater impact on the environment.
Comparison of Technical Properties of Soy and Paraffin Candles
Burning time
One of the most important parameters that candle users pay attention to is the burning time. Soy candles burn much longer than paraffin candles, which is due to their lower melting point. This makes soy candles more efficient and economical because we burn less wax at the same time. For example, a 200 gram soy wax scented candle can burn for up to 50 hours, while a paraffin candle of the same weight usually burns for about 30 hours.
Combustion quality
Natural soy candles burn cleaner. They emit much less soot and smoke compared to paraffin candles. Paraffin, which is a petroleum product, produces more toxic substances such as benzene and toluene when burned. As a plant-based product, soy wax burns cleaner, making soy candles healthier for users and less harmful to the environment.
Odor properties
Soy candles release scents better. Thanks to the lower melting point, essential oils added to soy wax are gradually released, ensuring even and lasting scenting of the room. In the case of paraffin candles, a higher melting point may lead to faster burning of the oils, which results in a shorter duration of intense fragrance.
Aesthetics and forming
Decorative soy candles are distinguished by their aesthetic appearance. Soy wax has a natural, matte appearance that is visually appealing and easy to color and flavor. Paraffin, on the other hand, may be more transparent and shiny, but its smoke and soot may negatively affect the aesthetics of the candle when burning.
Summary
In terms of technical properties, soy candles offer longer burning time, cleaner burning, better fragrance release and aesthetic appearance. These features make them a better choice for everyday use compared to paraffin candles.
Recommendations for using soy candles
Soy candles, both scented and unscented, can be a wonderful addition to any home. To fully enjoy their benefits, it is worth knowing a few basic rules regarding their use.
How to properly burn soy candles
To ensure that soy candles burn evenly and for a long time, it is important to let them burn at least until all the wax on the surface has melted each time. This way we avoid the formation of a "tunnel" in the wax, which increases the efficiency of the candle. Before each subsequent lighting of the candle, it is worth trimming the wick to a length of about 0.5 cm, which prevents it from smoking and burning too quickly.
Scented soy candles can be used to create a pleasant atmosphere in various rooms. Regardless of whether you use one candle or choose a set of soy candles, it is important to place them in an appropriate place, away from drafts and flammable materials.
Soy Candles as Interior and Table Decoration
Natural soy candles are great as a decorative element. They can be placed on a coffee table, shelf or chest of drawers, where they will subtly illuminate the interior. Scented soy candles are also perfect for decorating a Christmas table. They can be placed in elegant candlesticks or on trays with fresh flowers or twigs. Their natural appearance and delicate scent will add charm to any arrangement.
When organizing parties or romantic dinners, it is worth thinking about creating sets of candles that will blend harmoniously with the decor. The soy candle set allows you to create a coherent and elegant decoration that will surely delight your guests.
Using candles in different rooms
Scented soy candles can be used in various rooms, from the living room to the bedroom. In the living room, they can create a cozy atmosphere during evenings spent with the family, while in the bedroom, they can help you relax and prepare for sleep. Unscented soy candles are ideal for places where strong scents may not be appropriate, such as the kitchen.
By following these simple tips, you can make the most of the benefits of soy candles, enjoying their warm light and pleasant scent. In the next part of the article, we will discuss the safety rules related to the use of soy candles.
Safety rules when using soy candles
Safe use of soy candles requires following a few basic rules that will help prevent accidents and ensure that you can safely enjoy their benefits. Below you will find detailed guidelines that are worth keeping in mind.
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Safe lighting of candles
Before lighting a candle, always make sure the wick is properly trimmed to a length of approximately 0.5 cm. This ensures even combustion and minimizes smoke. Scented soy candles are best burned on stable surfaces, using candlesticks or stands. The candle holder should be made of heat-resistant material to prevent damage to the furniture.
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Avoiding drafts and smoking in appropriate places
Candles should be placed away from drafts, which can cause uneven burning and increase the risk of fire spreading. Never leave a lit candle unattended, especially in rooms with children or pets. Set soy candles, placed in a group, can create a beautiful decoration, but remember to keep a safe distance between them to avoid overheating.
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Protection from children and flammable objects
Always keep candles away from children and pets. Make sure candles are away from flammable items such as curtains, paper or fabrics. The candle holder should be stable and solid to prevent the candle from tipping over.
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Additional tips
Remember not to burn candles in closed rooms without adequate ventilation. Soy candles, although they burn cleanly, also consume oxygen and can affect air quality in closed spaces. After extinguishing the candle, make sure the wick is not glowing to prevent re-lighting.
By following these safety rules, you can enjoy the beauty and benefits of soy candles without worrying about the risk of fire. Remember that using candles responsibly is the key to creating a safe and cozy interior.
We hope this article has helped you understand the differences between soy and paraffin candles and provided some useful tips on using them safely.
We invite you to check out our offer of natural soy candles, beeswax candles and elegant candlesticks in the Candle Wonder catalog. You will find a wide selection of products that will bring a unique atmosphere to your home.
