Wax — the cornerstone ingredient for candles, yet one of the trickiest parts of candle making.
Before I started, I had no idea how many types of waxes existed! Within each type there are countless varieties and brands — which means a bazillion options for candle makers like me.
Early on in my process I realised that I definitely wanted to create eco-friendly candles. The more I learned about candle ingredients the more I've been shocked at myself for not caring more about which candles I was using myself.
I am not one of those cool candle makers who tried out all the waxes. When I started out I ordered a few different kinds (some containing paraffin, I know, I know.) The results? Awful. That was the point where I started questioning whether candle making was really for me.
Then I found the one — the "soy wax" I use now. It’s eco-friendly, easy to work with, and makes beautiful candles. Since I don’t use dyes, I also love its creamy, neutral color.
But isn't soy wax GMO? Since launching my soy candles, a few customers have asked me about this — I even once saw another candle maker get shouted at by someone who was angry that she would make candles with soy.
So let’s clear this up!
What is GMO? GMO stands for genetically modified organism. Without going into too much scientific detail, it’s a method of changing a plant’s DNA to help it grow faster, resist pests, and handle different conditions.
Sounds great in theory, right? But like most things, there is often bad with the good. GMO farming has raised environmental and ethical questions about sustainability, farmer independence, and how our food systems are managed.
With that said, the biggest farmlands in the world are in the US and the biggest crops in the US are corn and soy. So of course most people have heard something about corn and soy being genetically modified. But here's the thing. Not all soy is genetically modified- far from it!
My soy wax is non-GMO and manufactured here in Sweden, which means it meets high sustainability and safety standards.
Soy wax is made from a renewable plant source. Its vegan, burns cleaner than paraffin, and is biodegradable. It holds fragrance beautifully, creating those cosy Honeywood scents you love — without harmful toxins or soot.
At the end of the day, I am committed to Honeywood providing eco friendly candles that are beautiful, inspirational, and smell good. As this is an ongoing journey, I'm always looking for ways to get better.
Speaking of journeys, I just decided to try out a coconut wax for making wax melts. Stayed tuned for how my wax melts turn out. Maybe my eco-friendly soy wax candles will have eco-friendly coconut wax siblings!
Thanks again for being part of my Honeywood story.
Love,
Amy