Stearin (or stearic acid) occurs naturally in animal and vegetable fats. Which makes it a renewable and sustainable raw material.
Stearin is produced from fish oils in countries where these oils are abundant. Coconut stearin and stearin made from palm nuts, is also commonly used in candle making.
Stearin makes wax more opaque, raises the melting point and increases shrinkage.
Adding Stearin to Candle Wax Gives You the Following Advantages:
- Easier mould release. A light tap on the mould, or tug on the wick, releases the candle.
- Intense colour. No more dull pinks and lilacs, instead you have beautiful, vividly-coloured candles.
- Less smoking and drips. Less mess and cleaning-up after burning your candles.
- Candles burn longer, with a bright, steady flame.
- Harder candles. You can use these candles in hot climates without them melting, sagging or losing their shape.
Stearin candles are a sustainable alternative to conventional paraffin candles. Stearin is obtained from vegetable or animal fats and oils. In terms of quality stearin candles are considered to be of higher quality, which is also noticeable in their weight – they are considerably heavier.
The melting point of stearin is much higher. Paraffin candles can soften already from 40°C and lose their shape stability.
The strict requirements of the Nordic ECO Label SWAN are only fully met by using animal stearin. Stearin from palm wax or soy does not meet the strict criteria of this sustainability label!
Stearin fats cause the lowest CO2 emissions of all wax types. Such a candle saves over 60% CO2 compared to a paraffin or soy wax candle and approximately 20% CO2 compared to palm wax candles.
