What is World Candle Month?
The NCA (National Candle Association) created World Candle Month in 2013 to “bring to light the various ways candles enrich our daily lives.” Their partners, ALAFAVE (Latin American Candle Manufacturers Association) and the ECMA (European Candle Manufacturers Association) have combined forces in 2022 to celebrate World Candle Month. Their goal is to unite candle lovers from across the globe, encourage industry collaboration, and drive candle awareness, sales, and safety. Wicks Unlimited is at the forefront of candle combustion technology and World Candle Month as a member of the NCA, ALAFAVE, and the ECA.
An Introduction to Candle Types
Pillar Candles
Pillar candles are long sturdy freestanding candles with a round, square or unique shape and one or more wicks at their center. Since pillar candles are freestanding, they must be manufactured from a rigid wax formulation. Candle manufacturers typically use a high melt paraffin wax with a melting point of or about 131 °F to provide rigidity and structural integrity for pillar candles. Other popular waxes for pillar candles include bees and palm wax. Some manufacturers even use special molds to create sleek or textured sides with unique scents to create an extra memorable candle experience. Whether the end-user places their pillar candle on the kitchen table or next to their hot tub, they look stunning in any setting as long as they are burned
safely.
Container Candles
Container candles derive their name from the method in which they are manufactured since the wax is poured into a non-flammable metal, glass, or ceramic container that also includes the wick. In other words, the wax is poured directly into the candle’s container for molding, storage, and eventual use. Many manufacturers rely on Wicks Unlimited’s innovative self-centering sustainers to increase production volume since it allows them “drop and pour,” saving time and money. Since container candles are not freestanding like pillar candles, candle manufacturers can use any number of different wax types, including soy, soy/paraffin blends, bees, and palm wax. Container candles are known for the size of their melt pool and consistent scent throw when manufactured from lower melting point waxes that can enhance scent throw. Consumers feel that they can customize their container candle experience by selecting a container and fragrance types that suit their personality and burn preferences.
Soy Candles
As the name suggests, this type of candle is made from 100% all-natural wax flakes manufactured from hydrogenated soybean oil. Due to changing consumer preferences, candle manufacturers now create different soy candles, including containers, votives, and even tea lights, due to soy’s surging popularity. Many consumers prefer soy candles since little to no black petro-soot is generated while burning compared to traditional paraffin-based waxes. Since soy wax has a lower melting point (124 °F) than paraffin-based waxes, end-users enjoy a candle that burns slower and longer. An additional benefit to soy’s lower melting point is the extra scent throw generated by the melt pool. It is worth mentioning that using wicks with special treatment in soy and other natural waxes is vital. While the correct wick for a particular candle will always depend on the type of wax, fragrance load and the candle’s diameter. RRD, HTP and wood wick are good starting points for candles with natural waxes.
Gel Candles
Consumers adore gel candles for their rich glow, and embedded decorative items such as glitter, small stones, and even tiny plastic toys to create a unique visual effect. The gel is composed of 95% mineral oil and 5% powdered polymer resin which manufacturers mix to make the gel with a consistency of Jell-0 with a melting point of roughly 275 °F.
To regulate the scent throw of gel candles, manufacturers select from three different grades (densities) of gel wax: high grade (High Polymer), medium grade (Medium Polymer), and low grade (Low Polymer). The high-grade (HP) gel is more rigid and can hold significantly more fragrance than the other two grades. Also, the additional rigidity enables manufacturers to embed heavier decorative items within the gel. Manufacturers often prefer the medium grade (MP) since it offers the best of both worlds. First, it is a firm gel that works well for most gel candle types and containers. Second, it can hold a decent amount of fragrance to create a good scent throw. Low-grade polymer (LP) is the least rigid of the three polymer grades and retains the least amount of fragrance. It is worth noting that gel candles manufactured from low polymer with embedded decorative items can shift during shipping.
*Wicks Unlimited does not promote or sell wicks for Gel Candles.
Tealight Candles
The humble tealight candle remains one of the most popular candle types among consumers because of its functionality, price point, and overall aesthetic. A tealight is comprised of a circular metal or plastic casing or cup for the wax, a 3.8 mm sustainer for the wick, and a wick. Consumers can choose from different wax options, including paraffin and soy, dye colors, and even scents for an individualized candle experience. Once the tealight is lit, its unique design allows the wax to liquify completely. Not all tealights are the same. Some manufacturers do not use a wick sustainer to anchor the wick. Instead, they rely on adhesive to anchor the wick to the casing or cup. Inadequate wick anchoring can cause the wick to float to the surface of the liquid wax, compromising the capillary action. The tealight’s beauty is in its simple design and soft, gentle glow.
Votive Candles
Votive candles are a close cousin of the tealight candle. Consumers adore votive candles for their warm glow, slow burn, and relaxed ambiance they create for religious offerings, overall decor, and emergencies. Although larger than tealights, votive candles are one of the smaller candles available. Votive candles feature a unique “bell-top” design that creates a channel around the circumference of the votive holder. The “bell-top” allows for an even fragrance distribution and scent through the melted wax. Depending on the manufacturer, votive candles are sold with or without the votive holder. Even though many votives are sold without the votive holder, this type of candle still requires a 3.8 mm sustainer to keep the wick upright and secure. Depending on the amount of fragrance, Aroma-Lite™, Stabilo, Stabilo KST, Paper Core, TL, and LX wick are popular votive wick options. Since votive candles often burn for several hours, manufacturers often use a lower melt point wax such as soy, palm, and beeswax, while some are manufactured from paraffin wax.
Candle Manufacturers Rely on Wicks Unlimited for All of Their Combustion Needs
No matter the candle type you are manufacturing, make sure to partner with Wicks Unlimited, the leading domestic based waxed wick on reels and candle sustainer manufacturer and supplier. No matter if you are manufacturing a pillar, container, soy, tealight, or votive candle, Wicks Unlimited is the ultimate candle combustion destination. With over 450 different candle wicks, including cored, flat, and square braided wicks, it is no wonder manufacturers depend on Wicks Unlimited.
In addition to waxed wick on reels, Wicks Unlimited offers twenty-five (25) unique metal wick sustainers with regular and safety neck heights that enable manufacturers to create tabbed wicks from waxed wick on reels. Now more than ever, candle manufacturers are customizing the candle’s end of life characteristics to create the ultimate candle experience with either puncture or non-puncture sustainer crimping to create the ultimate candle experience.
Everyday is World Candle Month at the Wicks Unlimited in-house wick optimization and combustion troubleshooting services department. Our experienced candle technicians work with sustainers and wicks for candle’s size, shape, dye, container type, and fragrance everyday. Take the guesswork out of selecting the right candle wick by using the contact form below or call to partner with Wicks Unlimited today. Check back soon to read part two of this two part series on an introduction to candle combustion troubleshooting in celebration of World Candle Month.
