The Joy of Candles
Executive Summary about Candle Factory by Cathleen Savoie
The candle factory
Candles have been an important staple in civilization for centuries. According to the Home Fragrance and Candle Report 2005, the market for candles reached $8.4 billion in 2004, a growth of 14.1% over the previous year. Also in 2004, over 80% of American adults purchased some form of candle or home fragrance product. The candle industry has grown tremendously since the 19th century when they started being marketed, and demand for candle products by consumers has grown even faster. To cater to consumers, candle companies offer such a large variety of candles and scents, that it can sometimes be quite a daunting task to choose which candles to purchase.
Not only are candles extremely popular for home fragrance, there is a growing community of chandlers who make candles into art forms. In addition to the beautiful carved candles, consumers can find a plethora of personalized candles and accessories. Home candle making is a growing pastime, with new chandlers every day. When a candle is lit, it truly feels like home.
Candles: History and Perspective
Executive Summary about Candle Factory by Janet Nelson
What role do candles play in your life? Candles are used in seven out of 10 U.S. households. The majority of candle consumers burn candles between one and three times per week and burn one to two candles at a time. What elements constitute or define a candle? The essential elements of early candles were a wick, fuel and container or mount. Aromatherapy and colorants have become common editions to most modern candles.
Egyptians. There was no wick involved in these early candles. Tallow did not burn cleanly.
Asian. The Japanese extracted wax from tree nuts to create candles.
India. Early Indian cultures extracted wax from boiling cinnamon and created tapered candles. These candles were used in Indian Temples.
North America. Many historians claim that the first “standard candles” were made using spermaceti wax.
1850. Mass production came to candle making. Paraffin wax was invented.
20th century. Eventually, stearic acid was added since it was discovered this ingredient in the original tallow candles was what maintained a higher melting point and produced a harder candle.
Modern Chandlers (Candle Makers). In 1992, after much testing Michael Richards made the first all vegetable candle wax which has developed into our modern soy candle. The versatility of this wax allows for use in both low-melt container candles and high temperature melt for free standing pillar candles.
Gel candles. The most recent state-of-the-art technology revolves around gel candles. Due to the clarity of the gel, these candles produce 40% more luminescence than regular paraffin wax.
Check out other guides on Making Candles and Candles Molds