Soy candles promote clean air, inside and out

By Jenifer Jones and Mariah Harrison

March 19, 2008 | What goes into a candle must come out," said Grey Wilson, general manager of Scentinel Candle. During the winter in Logan, residents are concerned about the inversion and its effect on their health and the environment. Ironically, many who burn candles are unknowingly reducing the quality of air within their home.

However, people are now being introduced to the benefits of soy candles and their non-invasive effect on our environment and health. That is why soy candles are becoming increasingly popular among environmentalists, health conscious individuals, and the average person.

Because soy wax is made from soybean oil, a natural and biodegradable resource, it does not emit harmful chemicals into the environment when burned. As a result of its low melting point, soy wax requires less energy to pour candles. The common wax candle, on the other hand, is made of paraffin, a petroleum based compound which burns at a higher temperature releasing dangerous chemicals such as methane and kerosene into the air.

Not only are soy candles eco-friendly on a large scale, but also for the individual consumer. Customers are drawn to soy candles because they are non-toxic and clean burning. This means that as the soy candle burns, those in the proximity will not inhale the same dangerous chemicals that cause the black soot deposits on walls and ceilings.

According to the National Candle Association, seven out of ten households use candles at least once a week. Because there are many types of candles available, some of which emit toxins into the air, it is important to be able to distinguish between a candle that is 100 percent all natural soy and one that is made of a paraffin-soy blend.

There are additional perks that come from using 100 percent all natural soy candles, beyond the environmental and health benefits, such as: a 30 to 50 percent longer burning time, a lower melting temperature making it safer for kids, and an easy clean-up due to being water soluble. However, one of the top reasons why customers choose soy wax over paraffin is because soy has greater throw, which is the candle's ability to fill a room with its scent.

"Soy is not without its problems," said Lance Lyons, president of Scentinel Candle. "Because soy is malleable, it is hard to work with and requires a lot of testing on our part to get a candle that burns and throws fragrance well and has a good appearance."

Regardless, in 2003 Scentinel made the switch from producing 85 percent of their candles from paraffin to making 90 percent from pure soy because they are "devoted to the customer in providing the best product possible," said Lyons. Scentinel is constantly experimenting with new fragrances, designing new products, and setting the trends for the candle for the candle industry's image.

"We're committed to the environment, the customer, and to producing the highest quality candle," said Lyons.

Scentinel Candle, part of GEDCO Inc., was founded in northern Utah in 1992, and is a locally owned candle company focused on creating customized candles and gifts for corporate sales, fundraisers, wholesale markets and retail. Scentinel is dedicated to exceeding customer's expectations by providing high-quality candles, prompt service, and targeted programs.

For more information about Scentinel Candle and its products, please contact Gentri Green at (800) 853-5044 or ggreen@gedco.com, or check www.scentinelcandle.com.

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