1. What is paraffin?
Paraffin is a mixture of saturated hydrocarbons (alkanes). It is produced as a waste product in the petroleum industry during the vacuum distillation of lubricating oil cuts. The starting material for candles is also a by-product of the mining of lignite from bituminous slates or peat coal. When it comes to production, there is a difference between hard paraffin and soft paraffin. Hard paraffin melts at temperatures between 50 and 60 degrees Celsius. The melting point of soft paraffin is around 45 degrees Celsius.
In terms of properties, paraffin is slightly waxy, oily, odorless and tasteless. The material is flammable and at the same time water-repellent. This makes paraffin wax a very good base for making candles. In addition, the substance is non-toxic and electrically non-conductive. Compared to other chemical elements, the substance is sluggish in its ability to react. In the original state, the candle material is white and translucent. Until now, candle wax containing paraffin has not been classified as harmful to health by the Federal Office for Consumer Protection due to a lack of clear research results.
2. Is paraffin a mineral oil?
Paraffin oil is a distillate from petroleum and is therefore a waste product in the processing of mineral oil. When petroleum is dewaxed, slack wax is formed. This by-product still contains 2 to 30 percent oil from crude oil. During further processing, the raw paraffin is obtained from slack wax by means of an oil separation process. In further work steps, the products paraffin oil, hard and soft paraffin are created. Thus, paraffin wax and paraffin oil are not pure mineral oils, but are by-products of petroleum refining.
3. Is paraffin wax a natural product?
The question cannot be answered very clearly. Petroleum is certainly a natural resource that is extracted directly from the earth. The wax for the production of candles is bound in the raw material crude oil. Only through the process of refining as part of industrial processing do paraffin oil, hard and soft paraffin arise as by-products. Paraffin is by no means a purely natural product.
Natural products are mentioned in connection with sustainability and environmental awareness. In this context, paraffin products such as candle wax are definitely not environmentally friendly natural products. Since crude oil is not one of the renewable energy sources, the production of crude oil is a finite process. Sustainable natural products are obtained from resources that can be renewed at any time.
4. What uses are there for paraffin?
As a waste product from the oil industry, it can be obtained cheaply and has a wide range of chemical properties. In many areas of industry, paraffin is used as a raw material for the production of everyday goods. In these well-known products, the material is partly contained in a chemically modified form:
- fuel for oil lamps
- grill lighter
- household funds
- waterproofing agent
- candles
- cosmetics
- paintwork protection
- medical devices
- cleaning supplies
- Tire manufacturing as ozone protection
- sweets
- crayons
One of the main customers for paraffin wax is the candle industry. Everywhere in the world household candles, decorative candles, scented candles and tea lights are made from paraffin wax. In addition, paraffin is an important raw material for creams and ointments in medicine and cosmetics. Here, the base material benefits from its water-repellent properties. However, the latest research results warn against paraffin oils in ointments or creams. The agent dries out the skin in the long term. Proven impurities in the production of paraffin oil can even lead to health problems in the human body.
5. What are paraffin candles?
In industrial candle production, paraffin candles are an essential factor. Because paraffin powder and paraffin wax are cheap raw materials, most candles are made from these materials. There are three different production methods:
- pressing process
- drawing process
- casting process
Here is a brief explanation for you regarding production and use.
Pressing process: Paraffin powder is compressed around the wick under high pressure using a rod press or stamp press. An endless strand is created in the bar press, which is then cut to the desired length by machine. This method is suitable for large altar or pillar candles. Tea lights are mainly produced in large series with stamp presses.
drawing process: The starting point is a few hundred meters of wick, which is continuously pulled through a bath of hot candle wax between two rotary drums. With each pass, a new layer is created on the candle, like on a tree with the annual rings. This process is repeated until the desired diameter is reached. The drawing process is well suited for the production of household candles.
casting process: The candle wick is clamped in a prepared mold. Liquid candle wax is then poured into the mold. After cooling, the finished product can be removed from the mold. This process allows unusual candles in the shape of a star or heart or complete candle figures.
💚 Free from paraffin wax
💯 100% stearin
🕯 Burn time approx. 7 hours
♻️ Sustainable
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6. Why are paraffin candles harmful?
Pure paraffin burns at a correspondingly high temperature to form carbon dioxide and water. Unfortunately, your candle flame at home does not reach the necessary temperatures. This creates substances during the combustion process that make paraffin candles harmful to health. A 2009 study by South Carolina State University raised concerns that paraffin candles are harmful to health.
As a result of the study, it was found that questionable substances such as alkanes, alkenes, ketones, toluene or benzene are produced when paraffin candles are burned and are released into the air. Inhaling these substances is harmless in small doses. Long-term use of paraffin candles with frequent burning of lights can be detrimental to health. Diseases such as allergies, asthma and even cancer are explained as possible consequential damage. Are paraffin candles toxic? The answer to this question is no. From a health and environmentally conscious perspective, you will find better alternatives to paraffin candles!
7. Why are stearin candles more expensive than paraffin candles?
If you use stearin candles, you get a product made from plant-based raw materials. It is a healthier alternative to paraffin candles. When burning, less soot is formed and the emission of pollutants is also significantly lower. The reason these candles are more expensive is because of the production. Paraffin candles are manufactured inexpensively using the drawing or pressing process. The production of stearin candles is only possible in the more complex casting process. But the additional expense is worth it for you. Stearin candles are of significantly better quality, are very stable and produce fewer pollutants when burning.
However, your stearin candles are only recommended if they have been produced on a sustainable basis. The raw material is mostly palm oil, which in industrial mass production often comes from plantations for which tropical rainforests were cleared. When buying your candle decoration, make sure that you only choose products that have been manufactured according to the RSPO guidelines ("Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil").
8. What sustainable alternatives are there to paraffin candles?
Using sustainably sourced soy wax is an eco-friendly alternative for candles. It is also a vegan product and does not produce any harmful vapors when burned. When it comes to candle production from beeswax, opinions differ. It is an excellent renewable raw material. With regard to bee mortality, the wax secreted by honey bees is an important component for building honeycomb and should be left in its natural environment.
9. Frequently asked questions and answers about paraffin candles
Is paraffin made from petroleum? Yes! When crude oil is processed, slack wax with an oil content of 2 to 30 percent is produced. The raw paraffin is then obtained in a further oil separation process. The substances paraffin oil, hard and soft paraffin are produced as end products for the manufacture of candles, among other things.
What can paraffin be used for? The versatile raw material is the starting material in the areas of: fuels, household items, candle production, cosmetics, medicine and tire production. The inexpensive candle wax is particularly in demand in the production of all kinds of candles all over the world.
What is the share of paraffin candles in the total market? The market share of this candle material is around 90 percent. The reason for this is the cheap production process with which these candles are made. At the same time, the starting material for candle production is also very inexpensive.
Are paraffin candles toxic? No! Nevertheless, you should note that paraffin candles are harmful to health. When the candles burn, substances are released that can lead to allergies and asthma and, in the worst case, are carcinogenic. This is only the case, however, if the burning of these candles occurs frequently over a longer period of time.
Are there alternatives to paraffin wax? Yes! There are excellent options with stearin, soy wax and beeswax. However, you should make sure that your candle decoration comes from sustainable and environmentally conscious production.
Conclusion:
When buying your candle decoration, it is crucial to pay attention to factors such as health, sustainability and environmental protection. Most candles on the market are made from paraffin as candle wax. This is a waste product from mineral oil processing. It is not a real natural product, nor are paraffin candles considered sustainable. When burning, paraffin candles are harmful to health. Due to the low temperature, substances escape during combustion that are at least harmful to you. That's why it's wiser if you use environmentally friendly candles made of stearin or soy wax for your candle decoration.
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