Candle-making is an age-old craft, with wax being the primary ingredient. Today, we’ll focus on two types of wax derived from plants: Rapeseed Wax Vs Soy Wax. These two are gaining popularity due to their natural origins and eco-friendly properties. But what differentiates them? Let’s dive in.
Origin and Composition
Rapeseed Wax is derived from the oil of rapeseed plants, commonly known as canola. It’s a relatively new entrant in the candle-making scene and is praised for its sustainable production process.
Soy Wax, on the other hand, comes from soybean oil. Introduced in the 1990s, soy wax has become a favourite among candle-makers and consumers alike for its clean burn and long-lasting nature.
Burning Characteristics
When it comes to burning characteristics, both waxes have their merits. Rapeseed Wax burns slowly and evenly, reducing the likelihood of tunnelling. It also produces minimal soot, making it a cleaner option.
Soy Wax also burns slower and cooler than paraffin wax, allowing for a longer-lasting candle. However, it’s prone to “frosting” or crystallisation on the surface, which may affect the candle’s aesthetic appeal but doesn’t impact performance.
Scent Throw
The scent throw (the ability of a candle to fill a room with fragrance) is another important consideration. Rapeseed Wax has an incredible scent throw. I have found that best suited for smaller spaces or those who prefer a more subtle fragrance.
Soy Wax, in contrast, is also known for having an excellent scent throw. It’s capable of filling larger rooms with fragrance, making it a popular choice for scented candles.
Environmental Impact
Rapeseed and Soy Wax are biodegradable and renewable resources, making them environmentally friendly options. However, rapeseed wax is often praised for having a lower carbon footprint, as it’s primarily grown in Europe, reducing transport emissions for European manufacturers.
Reasons to Use Rapeseed Wax
- Sustainable Production – Rapeseed wax is produced from rapeseed oil, which is a renewable resource. The production process is eco-friendly and sustainable.
- Slow and Even Burn – Rapeseed wax burns slowly and evenly, reducing the likelihood of tunnelling and making your candle last longer.
- Minimal Soot – Unlike some other waxes, rapeseed wax produces minimal soot, making it a cleaner option for indoor use.
- Subtle Scent Throw – While not as strong as soy wax, rapeseed wax still has a decent scent throw. It’s best suited for smaller spaces or for those who prefer a more subtle fragrance.
- Lower Carbon Footprint – Rapeseed is primarily grown in Europe, reducing European manufacturers’ transport emissions and contributing to its lower carbon footprint.
- Biodegradable – Rapeseed wax is biodegradable, making it an environmentally friendly choice.
- Great for DIY Projects – Due to its consistency and properties, rapeseed wax is great for DIY candle-making projects.
- Non-Toxic – Rapeseed wax is non-toxic, making it a safer choice for household use.
Both rapeseed wax and soy wax have their unique strengths. The choice between the two largely depends on personal preferences and specific needs. Whether you’re looking for a cleaner burn, a stronger scent throw, or a lower environmental impact, both options provide a great alternative to traditional paraffin wax.
At Natural Chandler, we have carefully considered Rapeseed Wax Vs Soy Wax and use organic rapeseed wax grown in Europe. We specialise in unscented rapeseed wax pillar candles and also have some scented candles where the rapeseed wax is mixed with coconut wax and pure essential oils.