If you’ve been on the lookout for a more eco-conscious way to illuminate your home, then you’ve likely come across a new contender in the candle world: rapeseed wax. These candles, with their creamy, clean burn and subtle scent, are rapidly gaining popularity as a sustainable alternative to traditional candle wax. But what exactly is the difference, and why are they becoming the go-to choice for mindful consumers? Let’s find out…
The Problem With Traditional Waxes
For decades, the candle industry has been dominated by two main types of wax:
- Paraffin Wax: This is the most common and cheapest option for candle making, as paraffin wax is a by-product of petroleum refining. While it’s great at holding fragrance and is easy to work with, it’s not a renewable resource. When burned, paraffin wax can release black soot and potentially harmful toxins, which is not ideal for indoor air quality or homes.
- Soy Wax: A popular alternative for eco-conscious buyers, soy wax is a vegetable wax derived from soybeans. It’s biodegradable and burns cleaner than paraffin. However, the mass production of soy can be linked to deforestation and is often sourced from areas that have been genetically modified. This has led many to now seek a more local and sustainable option.
Enter The Rapeseed Revolution
Rapeseed wax is derived from the oil of the bright yellow rapeseed plant, which is known as canola in North America, and is a game-changer in the candle industry.
A Truly Sustainable and Local Choice: Rapeseed is a widely grown crop in Europe and the UK alike, making it a local and renewable resource. This significantly reduces the carbon footprint associated with long-distance shipping. Itd also plays a vital role in crop rotation, improving soil health and providing a valuable food source for bees, naturally supporting local biodiversity.
A Cleaner, Healthier Burn: Rapeseed wax burns cleanly, producing very little soot. Unlike paraffin, it doesn’t release harmful toxins, making it a healthier option for our homes and family. The slow and even burn also means that the candle will last longer, providing more value and less waste.
Superior Scent and Performance: Rapeseed wax has excellent “scent throw,” meaning it holds and diffuses fragrance beautifully, both when cold and lit. It has a creamy, smooth texture and a higher melting point than soy wax, making it more resistant to heat and less prone to frosting or cracking. This results in a visually appealing candle with a professional finish.
100% Vegan and Biodegradable: For those following a vegan lifestyle, rapeseed wax is an ideal choice, as it’s a 100% plant-based and cruelty-free product. It’s also fully biodegradable and water-soluble, meaning that you can easily clean out and reuse your candle containers after the wax has been used up.
A New Era Of Candle Making
The rise of rapeseed candles are undoubtedly more than just a passing trend. It reflects a growing consumer demand for products that are not only high-quality, but also environmentally and ethically responsible. While it can be slightly more challenging to work with for some candlemakers, its many benefits—from its clean burn to its local sourcing—make it a truly superior choice.
Nosy: The Woody One & Mini Discovery Candle Set
A brand that I personally love are Nosy and their incredible 40hr burn time candles. I treated myself to their Woody One, along with a mini discovery set, so that I could enjoy all of the scents and find my favourites before placing my next large order.
The candles instantly caught my eye for how cute and unique they are; I’ve recently been helping my parents to redecorate their home, and have spent many weekends in DIY stores, so when I spotted these candles which look like mini tins of paint I couldn’t help but go and take a sniff. Boy oh boy am I glad that I did! The scent is so beautifully intense, with the Woody One smelling of the most stunning spice, frankincense and earthy woods that instantly reminds me of home, in the beautiful English countryside.
And whilst the unique packaging caught my eye, and the powerful fragrance pleased my senses, it was the powerful ethos of the brand which made this the easiest purchase of my life. It was refreshing to discover how the brand celebrates no frills or filler, as they use only premium ingredients at such an affordable price. Made with a 100% cotton wick, their natural rapeseed wax with a touch of wild beeswax supports their partnership with the East Africa Wax Co to source responsibly, whilst helping to reduce poverty and climate impact.
I have to confess that I struggle not to have a sniff of candles in the shops and supermarkets whenever I pass by, as the beautiful and ornate containers and delicious scents instantly draw me in. But my enthusiasm is often met with bland and unadventurous mixes of fragrances which are weak and overpriced, chasing mass produced profit margins over that of a a heartfelt cause.
Nosy proudly share their story of creating affordable and sustainable candles that you can burn every day, for around half of the price of the boujee counterparts in stores that are reserved for special occasions only due to their cost. Their mini discovery set is the sweetest thing, with each of the eight candles packing a mighty punch of fragrance when lit or simply opened. With 2-4hrs of burn time each, they put my flimsy tealights to shame and fill my home with the most delightful scents.
After testing out my minis, my new favourites are the Flowery One, the Cheerful One and the Musky one which are in my online basket ready for my next purchase. And with Christmas just around the corner, they make the perfect gift for friends and family, to not only gift them with a plant based and sustainable alternative, but a more affordable and effective way to fragrance their home.
So, the next time you’re looking to create a warm and inviting atmosphere, please consider reaching for a rapeseed candle. It’s such a small change that can make a huge difference, allowing you to enjoy a beautiful glow with a super clear conscience.
