Soy wax is loved by Alumii for its natural origin, clean burning, long-lasting scent, and sustainability in candle making.
What Is Soy Wax?
Soy wax is a kind of vegetable wax that is derived from the oil of soybeans. It is made by hydrogenating soybean oil, which is a process of adding hydrogen atoms to the oil in order to raise its melting point and make it suitable for use in candle making. Soy wax is a natural, renewable, and biodegradable wax, making it a popular choice among environmentally conscious individuals.
Soy Wax Versus Other Waxes
Soy wax stands out among other candle waxes such as paraffin, coconut, beeswax, gel wax, and palm wax for several reasons. Firstly, as mentioned above, soy wax is made from renewable resources, specifically soybeans, making it a more environmentally friendly choice. It supports sustainable agriculture and reduces dependence on fossil fuels. In contrast, paraffin wax is derived from petroleum, which is a non-renewable resource.
Secondly, soy wax burns at a lower temperature and slower than paraffin wax, resulting in a longer-lasting candle. This means you get more hours of enjoyment from each candle, making it a cost-effective option. Furthermore, soy wax burns more cleanly, producing less soot and toxins compared to paraffin wax, which can release harmful chemicals into the air when burned.
Coconut wax, beeswax, gel wax, and palm wax all have their unique qualities and benefits, but soy wax often surpasses them in terms of eco-friendliness, longevity, and clean burning. Coconut wax, for example, may have a lovely scent throw but is not as sustainable as soy wax. Beeswax, while natural and with a pleasant aroma, can be costly and harder to source sustainably. Gel wax and palm wax both have their drawbacks, including environmental concerns and limited availability.
Alumii has made a conscious decision to use soy wax and support a more sustainable option that offers a longer burn time, cleaner burning, and a lower environmental impact.
Why Is Soy Wax So Good With Fragrances?
One reason why soy wax is considered good for fragrances is because it has a lower melting point compared to other waxes. This lower melting point allows the wax to burn at a cooler temperature, which helps to preserve and release the fragrance oils more effectively. The slower and more even burn of soy wax allows for a longer lasting scent experience. Soy wax also has a porous structure, which allows it to absorb and hold onto fragrance oils more effectively. This ensures that the fragrance is evenly dispersed throughout the wax, resulting in a stronger and more consistent scent throw when the candle is burned. Additionally, soy wax is derived from natural soybeans, making it a renewable and eco-friendly option. It is biodegradable and produces less soot and toxins when burned, which can help to preserve the integrity and quality of the fragrance. Overall, the unique properties of soy wax, including its lower melting point, porous structure, and eco-friendly nature, contribute to its effectiveness in carrying and releasing fragrances.
What About The Sustainability of Soy Wax?
One of the key sustainability benefits of soy wax is its biodegradability. Unlike paraffin wax, which is derived from fossil fuels, soy wax is derived from plants and can be easily broken down by natural processes. This means that soy wax candles have a lower impact on the environment and do not contribute to the buildup of non-biodegradable waste. Soy wax is produced using a fairly simple process that requires minimal energy and resources. Soybeans are grown in many parts of the world, and their cultivation does not require excessive pesticide or fertilizer use. This makes soy wax production more energy-efficient and reduces the overall carbon footprint compared to the production of paraffin wax. Moreover, soy wax candles tend to have a longer burn time than paraffin candles. This means that consumers can enjoy soy wax candles for a longer period without needing to replace them as frequently. This is not only convenient but also reduces the overall demand for candles, leading to less waste and resource consumption.
Overall, soy wax is a sustainable wax that is biodegradable, energy-efficient, and has a lower carbon footprint.