Soy Wax Candles
Soy wax is newcomer to candle wax; in 1991 Michael Richards began searching for a less expensive natural wax to replace beeswax and he developed soy wax. The reason he needed a cheaper natural wax than beeswax, which was costly, was that the consumer demand for natural candles had increased. Paraffin, which is derived from petroleum, cost almost ten times less than beeswax. During his experiments in trying to make a cheaper natural wax, he tested various waxes from plants.
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He made one natural wax from coconut, and palm oil and partially hydrogenated soybean oil. In 1995 he sold natural wax candles made from beeswax and almond oil. By 1996 his candles were made from wax that was mostly from soybean oil. He invented different blends of soybean wax to make freestanding candles like pillars and container candles like jar candles. The Indiana Soybean board patented a process for making soybean wax in 1998. Cargill manufactures soybean wax from Richards patent, which the company bought in 2001.
Soy wax has come a long way and so have soy wax candles. Today they are a big seller on the candle market. They are made with essential oils fragrances and in every style imaginable. According to the EPA soy wax candles are safer for the public’s health. If all candles were made from soy wax, it would boost the soybean farmer’s economy. Soy wax candles won’t damage walls or curtains with soot. They burn slower than paraffin candles, which have toxic chemicals in them.