Candles And Plastics: What's The Harmful Connection?

Candles are a popular way to set the mood and create a cozy atmosphere, but it's surprisingly difficult to find plastic-free options. Most candles come wrapped in plastic, and some are even made from it. While plastic moulds and containers are common, the plastic content of the wax itself is harder to determine. However, some companies are innovating by using recycled plastic in their candles, creating an eco-friendly alternative to traditional wax. This raises the question: how much plastic is in the candles we burn, and what are the environmental implications?

Plastic candle containers

When choosing a plastic container for a candle, it is important to consider the type of plastic and its thickness. Candle wax can melt plastic if it is hot enough and the plastic is thin. Therefore, thicker plastics are recommended, especially for candles with multiple wicks. It is also important to ensure that the plastic container can withstand the heat of the melted wax and will not melt or break during the candle-making process or when the candle is burned.

Some people opt for decorative plastic candle containers, especially if the candle is solely for decoration and will not be burned. In this case, the choice of containers expands, and various heavy plastic containers can be used. It is still important to test the container by slowly heating the wax and ensuring the plastic can withstand the heat without melting.

While plastic candle containers are widely available, it is worth noting that some people may prefer more environmentally friendly options. There are concerns about the environmental impact of plastic, and some companies, like Clariter, are addressing this issue by chemically upcycling plastic waste into candle wax and other products. This process involves breaking down plastics into base chemicals to produce oils, waxes, and solvents, reducing the amount of plastic sent to landfills or incinerated.

Plastic candle moulds

There are a variety of plastic candle moulds available on the market, including taper candle moulds and pillar candle moulds. Taper candle moulds often feature a sturdy outer shell to prevent deformation and ensure stability, while pillar candle moulds can be more prone to leakage if not prepared properly. It is crucial to properly prepare your plastic mould before pouring in the hot wax to avoid any unwanted surprises.

One popular option for plastic candle moulds is silicone. Silicone moulds are safe, reusable, and can be recycled. They also offer a unique advantage in that they are flexible, making it easier to release the candle once it has set. When choosing a silicone mould, look for one made with FDA and EU (CE) certified platinum silicone to ensure quality and safety.

Another innovative option for plastic candle moulds comes from the Israeli-founded startup, Clariter. Clariter uses a unique, patented method of chemical recycling to upcycle plastic waste that cannot be conventionally recycled. They break down plastics into base chemicals to produce high-quality oils, waxes, and solvents that are then used to create new products, including candle wax. By choosing Clariter products, you can support sustainability and reduce the amount of plastic waste sent to landfills or incinerated.

Whether you're a beginner or an experienced artisan, plastic candle moulds offer a fun and creative way to make unique and beautiful candles. With the right tools and preparation, you can easily turn your candle-making visions into reality.

Plastic-free candles

LED flameless candles are often made from plastic and are commonly used for decoration and to create a certain mood or aesthetic. They can be purchased from many large retailers, such as Target and Walmart, as well as online stores like Etsy. These plastic candles often come with additional features such as remote controls, timers, and flickering bulbs to mimic the appearance of real candles.

However, traditional candles made from wax are also often housed in containers, and it is important to consider the type of material used for these containers if you want to avoid plastic. The safest containers to use for burning candles are glass, metal, or porcelain, as these materials can withstand the heat without melting or breaking. If you are using a plastic container for a traditional candle, it is crucial to choose a thicker plastic that can withstand the heat of the melted wax and the open flame without melting.

To ensure a plastic-free candle, you can opt for candles made from natural waxes, such as soy wax, beeswax, or coconut wax. These waxes are free of synthetic additives and are typically housed in glass or metal containers, which are less likely to contain plastic. Additionally, you can explore unique options like candles housed in teacups, driftwood, or old metal tins for a vintage or modern look.

Furthermore, there are initiatives to create candles from recycled plastic waste. For example, Clariter, an Israeli-founded startup, uses a patented chemical recycling method to transform plastic waste into new products, including scented candles. This process breaks down plastics into base chemicals to produce oils, waxes, and solvents, addressing the issues of plastic waste and crude oil dependency.

Recycled plastic candles

The use of plastic in candles is a growing trend, with many companies now offering candles made from recycled plastic. These candles are not only environmentally friendly but also provide a unique and decorative option for consumers.

One such company is Clariter, an Israeli-founded startup that uses a unique, patented method of chemical recycling to turn plastic waste into scented candles. The process involves breaking down plastics into their base chemicals to produce oils, waxes, and solvents, which are then used to create the candles. This method addresses two significant issues: the plastic waste epidemic and the dependency on crude oil for petroleum, which is used in various products like soap and plastics.

Another company, Interall Group, offers recycled plastic candle holders. The plastic is shredded into small pieces and then formed into sheets using pressure and heat. These sheets are unique due to their distinct patterns, and the final products include both large and small candle holders.

In addition to candles made from recycled plastic, there is also a market for plastic candles, which are typically electric and LED-based. These candles are often used for decorative purposes, especially during festive seasons, and offer a safer alternative to traditional wax candles. They can be found on platforms like Etsy and Manufactum, with some even including remote controls for added convenience.

When considering the use of plastic in candles, it's important to distinguish between candles made from recycled plastic and those made of plastic as a material. The latter typically refers to candle containers or moulds, and it's crucial to select a thicker plastic that can withstand the heat of the melted wax to avoid melting or safety hazards.

Plastic candle wax

Wax Made from Recycled Plastic

Israeli-founded startup Clariter uses a unique, patented chemical recycling method to turn plastic waste into scented candles, ink, paint, and over 1,000 other household products. The process involves breaking down plastics to their base chemicals to produce oils, waxes, and solvents. This method addresses the problems of the plastic waste epidemic and the dependency on crude oil to make petroleum, which is essential for products like soap, detergents, and plastics.

Wax Poured into Plastic Containers

Candle wax can be poured into plastic containers for decoration or to be burned as a candle. If the wax is only for decoration, any heavy plastic container that can withstand the heat of the melted wax can be used. However, if the candle will be burned, a thicker plastic that can withstand the heat of the flame without melting should be used. Plastic molds have a low resistance to heat and start to melt at 60°C, so they are not ideal for candles with multiple wicks.

Frequently asked questions