Making Perfect Scents: Little Batch Wax Co. in Franklin Magazine

This month, Little Batch Wax Co. was featured in the beautiful local magazine Franklin: A Place to Grow, which celebrates the people, places and businesses that make the Franklin area so special.

The article tells a lot of the story behind Little Batch, from why I made that very first candle, to where we are now in our Pukekohe warehouse and it feels extra special as it came out right around our one-year anniversary in this space.

One of my favourite parts of the Find Your Franklin article is that it begins with the connection between scent and memory. That has always been such a big part of candle making for me.

A candle isn’t only about making a room smell nice. Sometimes it reminds you of a place, a person or a season in time. That's why so many of our scents are inspired by things like forests, beaches, road trips, old books and firesides.

One of the loveliest parts of building Little Batch in Pukekohe has been how supported this business has felt locally. People come to workshops, stop into the warehouse, recommend us to friends, introduce us to other businesses and keep choosing local.

Seeing that story captured in Find Your Franklin felt like a very nice little full-circle moment.

Flip through the fourth issue of the Franklin magazine feature here!

A huge thank you to Andy Kenworthy and the Find Your Franklin team for spending time with me and sharing the Little Batch story.

If you’d like to read the original feature in print, I have a small stack of free copies in the warehouse.

Pop in and grab one while supplies last. 🤎

The Magic of Soy: 3 Reasons We Favour Soy Wax

Did you know the wax in your candle can make or break your entire candle burning experience? 😨

Whether you're setting the mood for a romantic evening, creating a relaxing atmosphere for self-care, or simply trying to make your home smell amazing, the type of wax in your candle plays a crucial role. It affects everything from how long your candle burns to the intensity of its scent and even its impact on your health and the environment.

As consumers become more conscientious about their purchases, understanding the differences between soy, paraffin, and beeswax candles isn't just for candle enthusiasts anymore—it's essential knowledge for anyone who wants to make informed choices about the products they bring into their homes.

Let's dive into the world of candle waxes and discover which one might be the perfect match for your lifestyle and values!

In today's blog, we'll explore the top three types of wax used in modern candle making, along with their pros and cons. We'll also share why we've committed to using only pure soy wax in our products. So, grab a cosy spot and join us as we take a look at the fascinating world of candle wax!

1. Paraffin Wax:

Pros:

• Inexpensive and widely available

• Excellent scent throw

• Holds colour well

• Easy to work with for candle makers

Cons:

• Derived from petroleum (non-renewable resource)

• Can release harmful chemicals when burned

• Not biodegradable

• Produces more soot than other waxes

1. Soy Wax:

Pros:

• Made from renewable resources (soybeans)

• Biodegradable and eco-friendly

• Burns cleaner with less soot

• Often supports local agriculture

• Longer burning time than paraffin

Cons:

• More expensive than paraffin

• Can be affected by temperature (softer in warm weather)

• May develop a frosted appearance over time

1. Beeswax:

Pros:

• Natural and renewable resource

• Purifies air by releasing negative ions

• Pleasant natural honey scent

• Hypoallergenic

Cons:

• Most expensive of the three

• Limited colour options (naturally golden)

• Can be difficult to add fragrance
  

Read on to discover why pure soy wax is our top choice!

Here are 3 reasons why we ONLY choose pure soy wax in our candles:

1. Eco-Friendly and Sustainable: Soy wax is derived from soybeans, a renewable resource. It’s biodegradable and produces less soot compared to paraffin wax, making it a more environmentally friendly choice.

2. Longer, Cleaner Burn: Soy wax typically burns more slowly and at a lower temperature than paraffin wax. This results in a longer-lasting candle. The lower burning temperature also means less soot production, leading to a cleaner burn and potentially better air quality in your home.

3. Excellent Scent Throw: Soy wax has a lower melting point, which creates a larger pool of melted wax around the wick when burning. This larger melt pool allows for better dispersion of fragrance oils, resulting in a stronger scent throw both when the candle is burning (hot throw) and when it’s not (cold throw).

The sneaky marketing behind a soy wax candle...

Did you know when a candle states "soy blend" it is most likely 75% Paraffin wax and a very small amount of soy? If you're looking for a healthier candle for your home, make sure the label you choose says "pure soy wax". This means your candle of choice is full of only pure soy wax, and NO artificial toxic additives. Your lungs will thank you.

In conclusion: there’s an art to candle making that most people don’t see - from selecting the perfect wax to mastering the right pour temperature. It’s a blend of science and creativity that never gets old. ✨

What part of the candle-making process are you most curious about?

Ask away in the comments below ⤵