Soy candles are made from soy wax, which is a vegetable wax derived from soybean oil. The process of making soy candles involves several steps:
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Harvesting Soybeans: Soybeans are harvested from soybean plants. Soy is a renewable and sustainable resource, making it an environmentally friendly choice for candle making.
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Processing Soybeans: The harvested soybeans are cleaned and processed to extract the oil. The oil is then refined to remove impurities, resulting in a clear and smooth soybean oil.
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Hydrogenation: The soybean oil undergoes a process called hydrogenation, where hydrogen is added to the oil to solidify it. This creates a substance known as soy wax, which has a creamy and smooth texture.
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Adding Fragrance (Optional): If scented candles are desired, fragrance oil can be added to the soy wax. It's important to use fragrance oils specifically designed for candle making to ensure proper burning and scent throw.
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Adding Color (Optional): Color dyes may be added to the soy wax if colored candles are desired. Again, it's essential to use dyes specifically formulated for candle making.
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Pouring the Wax: The liquefied soy wax (melted at a specific temperature) is poured into containers or molds to cool and solidify. Containers can range from glass jars to tin or ceramic vessels.
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Curing: Once poured, the candles need time to cool and harden. This process is known as curing, and it allows the candle to develop its final texture and characteristics.
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Trimming the Wick: After the soy wax has completely cooled and hardened, the wick is trimmed to the desired length. It's essential to maintain a proper wick length to ensure an even and clean burn.
Soy candles are popular for several reasons. They are biodegradable, have a longer burn time, and are known for providing a cleaner and more even burn compared to paraffin candles. Additionally, soy wax is derived from a renewable resource, making it a more sustainable choice for environmentally conscious consumers.