Welsh Blankets
7 Benefits of Rapeseed wax for Handmade Candles
Rapeseed Wax
Rapeseed Wax – What is it?
Rapeseed wax (also known as Canola Wax) is a natural, sustainable and renewable plant-based or vegetable wax. It has gained popularity with environmentally conscious consumers as a natural and sustainable alternative to traditional candle waxes, such as paraffin wax and even with other plant-based waxes such as soy wax. Derived from the seeds of the rapeseed plant (Brassica napus), rapeseed wax offers a range of unique features and benefits that make it an excellent choice for candles. It is also harvested to make vegetable cooking oil and animal feed.
Rapeseed Wax – Where does it come from?
The rapeseed plant is native to the UK and Europe. Traveling around the UK in late Spring, you can’t miss it – it is the bright yellow flower you will see in many, many fields. Compared to other candle waxes, for consumers in the UK and Europe it has a lower carbon footprint as other waxes are imported from the USA or South America.
Rapeseed Wax – What is it made of?
Rapeseed wax is produced from the oil extracted from rapeseed seeds. To extract the wax, the seeds are cleaned, dehulled, and crushed. Next the oil is refined to remove impurities and processed further to obtain rapeseed wax. The composition of rapeseed wax can vary depending on the production method, but it consists of fatty acids, with erucic acid being the most dominant (typically ranging from 40-50%), oleic acid, linoleic acid, and other minor fatty acids.
7 Features and Benefits of Rapeseed Wax for Candles
We have made rapeseed wax candles for many years and are becoming a larger part of our handmade candles due the following features and benefits.
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Natural, Renewable and Sustainable
One of the most significant features of rapeseed wax is that it is a natural and sustainable option for candle-making. Rapeseed is a renewable resource, and its cultivation requires less intensive farming practices compared to other oilseed crops. It is non-toxic and biodegradable, making it an eco-friendly choice for environmentally conscious consumers. - Eco-Friendly
Rapeseed wax is biodegradable, meaning it breaks down naturally without causing harm to the environment. It does not release harmful chemicals or pollutants into the air when burned, making it a greener choice for candles.
- Lower Carbon Footprint.
The rapeseed plant is native to the UK and Europe. Compared to other candle waxes, for consumers in the UK and Europe it has a lower carbon footprint as other waxes are imported from the USA or South America.
- Clean and Smokeless Burning:
Rapeseed wax has a lower melting point compared to many other candle waxes, which means it burns at a lower temperature. This results in clean and smokeless burning, reducing the emission of harmful fumes and pollutants into the air. Rapeseed wax candles do not produce black soot, which can stain walls, ceilings, and furniture, making them a healthier option for indoor use.
- Excellent Scent Throw:
Rapeseed wax has a high fragrance load capacity, which means it can hold a larger amount of fragrance oil compared to other waxes. This results in excellent scent throw, allowing candles made with rapeseed wax to release a strong and pleasant aroma when burned. Rapeseed wax candles are ideal for creating a cosy and inviting atmosphere in any space.
- Smooth and Creamy Appearance:
Rapeseed wax has a smooth and creamy appearance, which gives candles a luxurious and high-quality look. It has a natural ivory colour that can be dyed with ease to create custom-coloured candles. Rapeseed wax also has good adhesion to containers, allowing for a clean and even burn without tunnelling or uneven melting.
- Vegan and Cruelty-Free:
Rapeseed wax is a plant-based wax, making it suitable for vegans and those who prefer cruelty-free products. It does not involve the use of animal-derived ingredients or testing on animals, making it an ethical choice for candle making.
Candle Chandler - Handmade Candles and Candle Accessories
A Candle Chandler? - "a handmade maker and seller of tallow, wax candles, and also usually soap". A chandlery was originally the office in a wealthy medieval household responsible for wax, candles and soaps as well as the room in which the candles were kept.
We are a modern-day handmade candle chandler, hand pouring plant-based wax candles using traditional methods and skills but also other fragrance items such as reed diffusers, tealights and wax melts.
About FelinFach
Located in Pembrokeshire Wales, our ethos is defined in the three words...
NATURAL TRADITIONAL HANDMADE.
- Hand woven iconic Welsh blankets and Welsh tapestry blankets
- Handmade candles, fragrance, and candle accessories
- Natural Dyeing Craft courses
- Yarn shop, hand dyed yarn, yarn bowls, project bags, tools and accessories for knitters and crafters
- Welsh Gifts, souvenirs, made in Wales, handmade in Wales
We are a proud supporter of the Campaign for Wool, All Things Wales, Global Welsh and Red Dragon America.
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Last update 20th April 2023
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