American Made Soy Candles

By Nancy Rivers

Each night the national news is reporting on the various economic disasters that are occurring in the American economy. Fortunately, there is an incredibly easy way for us Americans to support our own economy and our own friends and neighbors. Soy candles are produced by companies based in the United States and sold by companies based in the United States. This makes the process of buying American made candles extremely easy!

Soy candles are made from the soybean plant - which is grown by the American farmer. Once the soybean is harvested in September, the beans are crushed separating the meat from the oil. The meat of the soybean is often referred to as soy meal and is further processed into various products for both animal and human food. The oil then goes through a partial hydrogenation process which transforms the oil into a soft wax. This wax is what candles are made of. It has been estimated that it would take 60 million pounds of soybeans each year to meet the demands of the annual consumption of candles.

Container candles are the best use for pure soy wax since it is so soft. Pillar and taper candles can not be made from soy wax alone because of this unique property. Since the wax is so soft, the candle would not stand or stay in its original form while burning. If you do find any pillar candle or taper candle that claims it is a soy candle, there is another ingredient which has been blended with the soy wax to make it withstand the burning process without becoming a complete formless blob. Very commonly, this additive is paraffin wax. However, there are other waxes which can be used that are completely natural and renewable such as palm wax, castor bean wax, candelilla, rice bran and jojoba oil. Often these other waxes (except paraffin - a petroleum based product) are labeled as "vegetable waxes".

All natural soy candles with no fragrance or dye are non-toxic so are deemed to be safe for both humans and pets. The fragrance and dye may also be all natural and non-toxic. The soy candle will burn at a cooler temperature thus allowing it to burn approximately 20% to 30% longer than a comparable paraffin wax candle. Another health benefit of soy revolves around the soot produced by the burning candle. Soy candles will produce soot, but it typically is white in color and quite often is not noticeable by the naked eye. Black soot, so commonly produced by paraffin wax candles, can also be produced by soy candles. However, it is usually minuscule amounts and due to some additive to the soy candle such as the fragrance, dye or paraffin wax.

Soy wax candles can hold more fragrance than their paraffin wax counterparts. Soy wax will release the fragrance with incredible ease. This means that soy candles typically are more fragrant than paraffin wax. Quite often the unlit scented soy candle will fill an entire space with wonderful soothing scent! Scented soy wax also carries the fragrance throughout the entire candle, so it will smell just as good at the end of its life as it does when it is brand new.

Let's combat all of the bad American economic news by purchasing American made soy candles. Support the American farmer, wax manufacturer, and candle makers who are your friends and neighbors by buying the soy candle. In addition to being a healthy contribution to the American economy, soy wax candles are also a healthy, natural alternative to the paraffin wax candles.