Finding yourself asking the important question – “is coconut wax is sustainable?” Well, there are few things you’ll need to know to decide.
Compared to other kinds of waxes, coconut wax is an eco-friendly option and one that is favored by eco-conscious consumers. For you to understand better, it’s best to compare its properties with other waxes available.
In this article, I’ll share some important things to know about the sustainability of coconut wax and provide you all you need to know to decide if it’s the right eco-friendly wax for you.
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What is Coconut Wax?
Coconut wax is made from the meat of coconuts. The process involves extracting the oil, which is then hydrogenated to create a solid wax. This method is relatively simple and doesn’t require harsh chemicals, making it an eco-friendly option right from the start.
Alongside other properties, coconut wax is known for its smooth texture and excellent scent throw. It is usually used for making scented candles but to make it even more stable (less soft), some candle-makers add soy wax to create soy wax coconut wax blend candles.
All kinds of candle waxes have their own pros and cons, including paraffin, soy, beeswax, and coconut. Today, we’re focusing on coconut wax and its sustainability!
Pros & Cons of Coconut Wax Candles
Advantages of coconut wax candles:
- Scent throw: Coconut wax can hold and release fragrance better than many other wax types, making your candles smell amazing for longer.
- Burn time: Candles made from coconut wax tend to burn longer and more evenly than those made from paraffin or soy wax.
- Aesthetic qualities: Coconut wax has a creamy texture and smooth finish, making for visually appealing candles – plus, it also holds color dyes well.
Disadvantages of coconut wax candles:
- Cost: Coconut wax tends to be more expensive than paraffin or soy wax.
- Availability: Coconut wax candles are becoming more popular, but they’re not as widely available as paraffin or soy wax candles.
- Ethical concerns: It’s good to make sure that the coconuts you source are harvested sustainably and that the workers involved in production are treated fairly.
The Importance of Sustainability
Whether it’s the food we eat, the products we buy, or the candles we light, making sustainable choices helps reduce our environmental footprint and protect our planet for future generations.
Is Coconut Wax Sustainable for Skin?
Coconut wax is generally considered safe and sustainable for skin use. It’s derived from natural coconut oil, which is known for its moisturizing properties.
Additionally, coconut wax is non-toxic, biodegradable, and does not require harsh chemicals during production, making it a skin-friendly and environmentally responsible option.
With every unique product, it’s important to read manufacturer’s guidelines and follow it.
Is Coconut Wax Sustainable for Candles?
Coconut wax is great to be used for candle-making as it is a renewable resource, biodegradable, and burns cleaner than paraffin wax. This means it produces less soot and fewer toxins.
The farming of coconuts also requires minimal pesticides and fertilizers, which makes it even more environmentally friendly. Coconut wax is a great option for scented candles thanks to their excellent scent throw and long burn times.
3 Environmental Benefits of Coconut Wax
Renewable Resource
One of the biggest advantages of coconut wax is that it’s derived from a renewable resource. Coconuts grow abundantly in tropical regions and are harvested year-round. Coconut trees require minimal maintenance and don’t need heavy use of fertilizers or pesticides, which is a big win for the environment.
Compared to other crops, coconut farming uses significantly fewer pesticides, reducing the chemical load on the environment and making the wax safer for consumers.
Biodegradability
Coconut wax is biodegradable, meaning it breaks down naturally over time without leaving harmful residues. This contrasts sharply with paraffin wax, which can take decades to decompose.
Because it’s biodegradable, disposing of coconut wax candles is much more environmentally friendly. They won’t contribute to long-term waste in landfills.
Carbon Footprint
The production of coconut wax generates fewer carbon emissions compared to paraffin wax. This lower carbon footprint is partly due to the fact that coconuts are a naturally renewable resource and don’t require the energy-intensive processes used to produce paraffin wax.
Coconut trees are typically grown in a manner that supports sustainable agriculture, which helps maintain biodiversity and prevent soil degradation.
Comparison with Other Waxes
Want to compare the sustainability of coconut wax against other kinds of waxes? Here is a table for you!
| Aspect | Coconut Wax | Soy Wax | Beeswax | Paraffin Wax |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Source | Coconut oil (renewable) | Soybeans (renewable) | Bee honeycombs (renewable, but limited) | Petroleum (non-renewable) |
| Carbon Footprint | Low | Low | Moderate (dependent on beekeeping practices) | High |
| Production Process | Minimal processing, less energy-intensive | Minimal processing, less energy-intensive | Requires beekeeping, processing | Highly industrial, energy-intensive |
| Biodegradability | Biodegradable | Biodegradable | Biodegradable | Non-biodegradable |
| Chemical Additives | Rarely needed | Often hydrogenated, may contain additives | Usually pure, but can contain impurities | Contains synthetic chemicals |
| Air Quality | Clean burn, minimal soot | Clean burn, minimal soot | Clean burn, purifies air | Releases soot, harmful chemicals |
| Resource Availability | High (abundant coconuts) | High (abundant soybeans) | Limited by bee populations | Abundant, but non-renewable |
| Environmental Impact | Low | Low | Low to moderate (depending on beekeeping) | High |
| Impact on Wildlife | Minimal | Minimal | Depends on sustainable beekeeping | Negative (petroleum extraction) |
| Renewability | Highly renewable | Highly renewable | Renewable, but limited | Non-renewable |
The table above helps highlight the sustainability aspects of coconut wax compared to soy wax, beeswax, and paraffin wax. We can see that coconut wax is an environmentally friendly option, especially when compared to paraffin wax.
How to Make Coconut Wax Melts
Making coconut wax melts is a fun and straightforward process. Here’s a simple guide you can follow.
Materials you’ll need:
- Coconut wax
- Fragrance oil
- Wax melt molds
- Double boiler
- Thermometer
Steps to take:
- Melt the wax: Place the coconut wax in a double boiler and heat it until fully melted.
- Add fragrance: Once the wax reaches 175°F (79°C) to 185°F (85°C), add the fragrance oil and stir thoroughly.
- Pour into molds: Carefully pour the scented wax into wax melt molds.
- Cool and set: Allow the wax to cool and harden completely in the molds.
- Remove and enjoy: Once solidified, remove the wax melts from the molds and enjoy in your wax warmer.
By following these steps, you can create your own coconut wax melts that are eco-friendly and delightful.
What Temperature to Add Fragrance to Coconut Wax?
To add fragrance to coconut wax, the ideal temperature is typically between 175°F (79°C) and 185°F (85°C). This range allows the fragrance oils to blend thoroughly with the wax, ensuring an even scent distribution throughout the candle.
It’s important to stir the mixture gently but thoroughly to achieve the best results.
Bottom Line
If you’re still wondering if coconut candles and coconut wax is sustainable, the clear answer is yes, they are. They are naturally biodegradable and have lower carbon footprint – when comparing to traditional paraffin candles.
Want to make your own coconut wax candles or purchase one online? You’re good to go!
With every individual product, it’s best to read manufacturer’s guidelines and product descriptions before making a purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, coconut wax is considered environmentally friendly. It is derived from coconuts, which are a renewable resource requiring minimal pesticides and fertilizers. The production of coconut wax generally has a lower environmental impact compared to petroleum-based paraffin wax. Additionally, coconut farming practices can contribute to soil health and biodiversity in tropical regions where coconuts are grown.
Beeswax is often considered the most environmentally friendly wax for candles. It is a natural byproduct of honey production and does not require intensive farming practices. Beeswax candles burn cleanly with little to no soot and release a faint honey-like scent. Soy wax and coconut wax are also environmentally friendly options as they are derived from renewable resources and biodegradable.
Despite its eco-friendly nature, coconut wax has a few potential drawbacks. It tends to be more expensive than other waxes like soy or paraffin, primarily due to the cost of coconut oil and the hydrogenation process to create the wax. Coconut wax candles may also have a softer texture, making them more susceptible to dents or marks if not handled carefully. Availability can also be limited compared to more mainstream waxes.
Whether coconut wax is better than soy wax depends on your preferences and needs. Coconut wax generally has a stronger scent throw and longer burn time compared to soy wax. It also has a smooth and creamy texture, which enhances the candle’s appearance. However, coconut wax is usually more expensive and may not be as widely available as soy wax. Soy wax, on the other hand, is known for its clean burn and affordability, making it a popular choice among candle makers and consumers alike.
