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Our journey to finding the right wax to use in our candles was very informative to say the least, and so we’ve put together this short guide to give you more information about candle waxes. What exactly is wax, and what happens to it when it burns? Wax comes in a variety of forms, depending on its source: mineral or petroleum-derived wax, animal wax, and plant wax. When heated at high temperatures, it is a flammable material that turns to liquid and burns into the air. What are the main differences between the various types of candle wax? Paraffin wax: Paraffin is the most common candle wax on the market. It is made from petroleum as a by-product of making crude oil. It’s the least expensive of its kind and is popular among candle-makers because of its ability to retain fragrance and colour. What needs to be taken into consideration is that, paraffin wax can be as bad for our bodies as it is for the planet. According to Healthline, lit paraffin candles emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can affect your respiratory system but also impact heart and kidney health. They also emit carcinogenic fumes in the form of black...
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Are you new to using a candle refill kit or just as big a fan of burning candles as we are? We totally get it! Sometimes, though, you might notice that your candle starts off burning beautifully but then the wax tunnels, leaving wasted wax along the walls of the vessel. But don’t worry, it’s not your fault or the wax’s fault – it’s all about the wick! To enhance your candle experience with our Purscents candle refills, we want to share some fantastic tips with you to create a cosy ambiance in your space using our refills. Our Clean Candle Refill kits come with wicks that burn best in vessels ranging from 6.6cm to 7.6cm (approximately 2.5″ to 3″) in diameter. If you have wider or uniquely shaped jars, you’ll need to consider using multiple wicks. While our Clean Candles come with only one wick, you can easily buy extra wicks from our online store for this purpose. Using multiple wicks in your candles provides a more even burn, which means the wax gets consumed evenly, resulting in reduced tunneling and a longer burning time. Not only that, multi-wick candles have the added benefit of filling up a larger space with a warm, soothing aroma. They also create a...
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In our journey towards more sustainable living practices, every small action counts, especially when it comes to managing waste in an environmentally friendly manner. At Purscents, we think about the importance of sustainability from production to disposal. Our compostable pouches, designed to minimise environmental impact, can still pose a challenge when they contain wax residue, making the composting process slightly more complex. However, fear not, for with a bit of know-how and the right techniques, you can efficiently clean these pouches, ensuring they contribute positively to your compost without harm. Understanding the ChallengeWe believe that our compostable pouches represent a significant step towards encouraging the reuse of empty jars and reducing plastic waste. Made from FSC-certified kraft paper and lined with biopolymers, these materials are designed to compost in both industrial and home settings under the right conditions. However, the vegetable wax and 100% essential oils used in our candles, though natural and biodegradable themselves, do not break down as readily as the pouch material. This disparity in decomposition rates can lead to an incomplete composting process, potentially introducing contaminants into the mix. The Solution is in PreparationFear not, for the solution is both straightforward and sustainable. The key is...
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The Burning Issue! Candles have been used for a variety of purposes for centuries. They provide warmth, and light, as well as a sense of calm and relaxation. However, traditional and single-use container candles made from paraffin have a number of drawbacks, such as the emission of harmful chemicals and the production of waste. Many candle jars end up in landfills because they are not reused or cleaned properly. This is why we created Purscents candle refills, the perfect solution that allows the reuse of existing jars at home! Why Candle Refills? Candle refills are environmentally friendly and sustainable because they reduce waste and the need for new resources. Candle jars can take years to disintegrate in landfills. Reusing an existing jar reduces the demand for resources. Glass and other materials used in candle jars require a significant amount of energy to manufacture and transport. By reusing these materials, you lower the carbon footprint associated with the production and shipment of new jars. This helps conserve natural resources and reduces the environmental impact of the manufacturing process. Also, candle refills are often made from vegetable wax which is free from harmful chemicals, that can be harmful to human health and the...
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As our awareness of environmental issues continues to grow, many of us are on the lookout for practical ways to live more sustainably. Whether you’re new to the concept of eco-friendly living or a seasoned environmental advocate, there are simple yet impactful changes you can make to integrate sustainability into your daily life. Here are some thoughtful and actionable tips to help you lead a greener lifestyle. 1. Rethink Your Home Habits Reduce, Reuse, Recycle:The familiar mantra of sustainability, “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle,” can be applied innovatively at home. Start by reducing single-use items and embracing reusable alternatives. Recycling should be your last resort but ensure you do it correctly by following local recycling guidelines. For instance, repurpose glass jars from household products like candles into storage containers or stylish vases. At Purscents, we offer candle refill pouches, allowing you to reuse these jars and minimise waste. Cleaning out old wax from candle jars is straightforward: a quick freeze or hot water and a gentle pry usually do the trick, making them ready for a new life. Boost Energy Efficiency:Making small adjustments in your energy usage can have a significant impact. Swap out traditional light bulbs for energy-saving LEDs and invest...
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When we first launched our melt and pour candle refills, we chose a beautiful kraft paper pouch with a compostable lining. Standing in the studio looking at them, I was really proud. We were helping people reuse their old jars, and the packaging felt completely right; earthy, simple, and “plastic” free. But over the last year, I’ve had a knot in my stomach. I’ve been telling you all that our pouches are the “eco friendly” choice. But the more I looked into the UK’s recycling systems, the more I realised that sustainability is full of easy answers, well, until you look closely. I’ve spent months falling down the rabbit hole of carbon footprints, UK waste collections, and recycling rates. What I found completely changed how I look at sustainable packaging, and I want to share it with you so you know exactly why we are making the choices we make. What we’ve been questioning When you’re trying to create a zero waste home, the first thing you usually think about is carbon emissions. Naturally, I assumed that paper is always better for the planet than plastic. To test this, we compared our current paper pouch to the kind of recyclable plastic...
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If you see the word “natural” on a candle, you probably assume it is safer to burn, completely chemical free, and better for the planet. But in the candle industry, “natural” is essentially a marketing term with no strict rules. Here is the honest truth about what goes into plant based waxes, why origin does not guarantee safety, and what you should actually look for. Walk into any artisan market or browse online, and you will see the word “natural” plastered across hundreds of candle labels. It is a beautiful, reassuring word. When we see it, we naturally assume the candle is safer for our health, burns cleaner in our homes, and is entirely sustainable. But the truth is, the word tells you almost nothing on its own. This isn’t because candle makers are intentionally trying to trick you. It happens because candles sit right at the intersection of chemistry, fire, and marketing, and those three things rarely fit neatly onto a minimal, aesthetic label. To really understand what you are burning in your home, we have to look past the buzzwords. We need to look at where an ingredient comes from, how it is processed, and most importantly, how...