Why I use rapeseed wax for my candles (and why you may want to switch, too!)

I started my candle making journey a couple of years back and after much research, testing, and a desire to support local agriculture, I chose to use rapeseed wax for my candles, and I honestly believe it's the best choice for beautiful, sustainable candles.  Let me tell you why.

Is Soy really a bad guy?

A few years ago, I sat listening to an interesting radio programme on deforestation and the problems of monoculture.  I remember it well - it was a rainy day.  I was studying at the time for a first (late life) degree and had my cup of tea, the ubiquitous ginger nut biscuit and was burning my favourite scented candle to comfort and focus me.  I felt super productive. 

The radio conversation turned to the main culprits of monoculture and cited soy as one of the biggest offenders.  Hmm, I thought all that yoghurt and milk – of course.  Not so, it transpired that one of the biggest culprits was soy wax candles and their increasing popularity as a “clean burning” candle.  Shocked by this information, I looked around my home and counted no less than 12 soy wax candles.  (It’s not a new passion btw – I’ve always loved a candle).  I was horrified.  I thought I’d been doing my bit for the environment in small ways but it seemed my love for that affordable bit of luxury, namely the scented candle, was actually having a bigger impact on the planet than I had realised.  

Can I support the environment and still love a scented candle?

It got me thinking about whether there was an environmentally kind alternative or whether it was time to wean myself off the candles.  At that time, I couldn’t find any candles that were not either paraffin, beeswax or soy based in the shops.  I thought maybe there wasn’t another option, but after a bit of googling I came across a maker in the US who was creating scented candles with rapeseed wax. I thought about the fields of rapeseed that I passed as I journeyed through Essex and Suffolk and wondered that I had never seen a rapeseed candle.  Still, I couldn’t find a retailer in the UK, but maybe I could make some myself...

If at first you don't succeed...

Of course, I wasn’t instantly successful. I discovered there was a steep learning curve! I’d never excelled at science but suddenly I found myself immersed in chemistry and maths as I got to grips with fragrance load, burn rates, wick selection, jar dimensions and pouring temperatures.  Not to mention how to create a good-looking candle which smelt good cold and had a decent scent dispersal when burnt. I spent months experimenting with different wicks, temperatures, and fragrance oils to get the result I wanted. But the effort was undeniably worth it. The quality, the burn, the scent throw, and the peace of mind knowing I was creating a truly sustainable and locally-relevant product made me persevere.

Can you make one of those for my friend?

Like many makers, I didn't intend to start a business, I just wanted to find a product I could trust. I made a few candles as gifts for family and friends and they started to ask me to make more. It was at this point that a little seed of opportunity began to grow. I knew there were legal requirements to selling candles and home fragrances but as my expertise grew, I also knew I could meet the quality and safety standards. So, I find myself owning a small business named for the beautiful town that inspires me every day.

Sustainability: A True Eco-Champion

What can I tell you about rapeseed wax?

• Renewable and Biodegradable: Rapeseed is a readily renewable crop, unlike petroleum-derived paraffin wax. It's also biodegradable, making it a much more environmentally friendly choice from start to finish.
• Non-Toxic: Unlike paraffin, which releases harmful petrochemicals into the air when burned, rapeseed wax is non-toxic. This makes for a healthier home environment, something I feel strongly about.
• Produced locally and supports local farmers: Rapeseed is a thriving crop across the UK, and knowing that the wax I'm using could very well have originated from fields not far from my workshop is incredibly satisfying. This local sourcing significantly reduces the carbon footprint associated with transporting ingredients, a stark contrast to soy wax which often travels thousands of miles from overseas. It feels good to contribute to the local economy and reduce my environmental impact simultaneously.

A Superior Burn: Cleaner, Slower, and Stronger Scent Throw

• Cleaner Burn: This was one of the first things I noticed. Rapeseed wax burns with a significantly cleaner flame than paraffin, meaning less soot and fewer toxins released into your home. While soy wax is also pretty clean, I've found rapeseed to be consistently excellent in this regard.
• Slower Burn: Who doesn't want their favourite candle to last longer? Rapeseed wax has a fantastic burn time, often outperforming both soy and paraffin. This means better value for money for my customers and a longer-lasting aromatic experience.
• Exceptional Scent Throw: This is a game-changer! Rapeseed wax holds fragrance oils incredibly well, leading to a much stronger and more consistent scent throw, both hot and cold. I've found my signature East Suffolk coastal scents, like "High Tide" and "Euphoria," truly come alive with rapeseed wax, filling a room beautifully without being overpowering.

Try it

If, like me, you're a candle lover seeking a superior and more sustainable product, I recommend giving rapeseed wax candles a try. It's a decision I'm proud of, and one I believe benefits everyone, from the fields of East Suffolk to your very own living room.