What are candles made of?

The origins of candle fat and the rise of beeswax

The history of indoor lighting begins with animal fat, also known as tallow. Although this material was the standard for centuries, it had significant drawbacks, including an unpleasant odour and substantial soot formation. The introduction of beeswax marked a luxury advancement in the craft. Beeswax is a natural product secreted by honeybees. It has a higher melting point than animal fat, which allows candles to remain firmer and burn more slowly. When beeswax burns, it emits a natural, sweet aroma without the need for artificial fragrances. Despite these benefits, beeswax has always remained a costly raw material, making it less accessible to the general public than modern variants. The fundamental process remains the same for both substances: the solid fuel must be liquefied by the heat of the flame, drawn up through the cotton wick, and evaporated there. This process is sensitive to air currents, which often leads to an unsteady flame and the formation of black deposits on nearby surfaces in the room. This soot is a direct result of the incomplete combustion of the organic material and the cotton wick itself, a challenge that traditional candle makers have struggled to overcome for generations while maintaining a steady glow.

Paraffin: The industrial standard and its properties

In the nineteenth century, the discovery of paraffin changed the candle industry significantly. Paraffin is a colourless and odourless by-product of the refining of crude oil. Due to low production costs and ease of processing, it is the most widely used raw material for candles worldwide today. While paraffin burns excellently and can be easily cast into various shapes and colours, its use raises questions for users who are conscious of their indoor environment. Because it is a petroleum product, specific substances are released during combustion that are characteristic of fossil fuels. Many people are therefore looking for alternatives that have less impact on the air quality in their homes. The discussion regarding the influence of these substances on the living environment is increasing, leading to a greater need for transparency about what exactly we are lighting. It is important to understand that paraffin candles always form a melt pool, where the liquid wax can be a source of spills and stains if the candle is accidentally knocked over or placed too close to a draft source. This traditional cycle of melting and evaporating remains the core mechanic of paraffin-based lighting systems.

• Paraffin is a by-product of the petroleum industry.
• It is the most affordable and versatile raw material for candles.
• Combustion can influence indoor air quality and surface cleanliness.

Read more about the properties of paraffin

Plant-based wax as a modern alternative

In response to the dominance of paraffin, plant-based waxes such as soy, rapeseed, and palm wax are strongly on the rise. These materials are positioned as a more natural alternative because they come from renewable sources. Soy wax burns at a lower temperature than paraffin, which often results in a longer burn time and a cleaner flame with less soot. However, these plant-based variants still share the classic limitations of a wax candle. There is still an open melt pool and a cotton wick that slowly burns down. Furthermore, the origin of plant-based waxes is not always undisputed, especially regarding large-scale agriculture and deforestation for palm plantations. Users often choose these waxes out of a desire for a more conscious interior but do not always realize that the combustion mechanisms are virtually identical to those of traditional candles. For those who truly want to go a step further in optimizing the atmosphere without the disadvantages of smoke or soot, it is essential to look beyond just the source of the wax and consider the technology used to create the flame itself. The search for a cleaner indoor experience often leads back to the fundamental problem of the consuming wick.

• Soy and rapeseed wax are popular plant-based choices.
• These waxes burn cooler and often longer than paraffin.
• The ecological footprint varies significantly by plant source.

Discover the different types of plant-based wax

Tenderfuel: The innovation of liquid fuel

Tenderfuel represents a category of its own that is fundamentally different from all previous materials. Unlike candle fat or wax, Tenderfuel is a liquid specifically developed for use in Tenderflame models. The most important distinction is that Tenderfuel is not flammable on its own. The liquid can only be ignited when it comes into contact with the patented steel wick of the burner. This combination ensures a controlled and safe combustion. The steel wick is designed to draw up the fuel and create a stable flame without the wick itself burning up or wearing out. This means you never have to trim a wick again or deal with a flame drowning in wax. Tenderfuel is not classified as toxic or flammable, which makes storing the bottles in the home much simpler compared to highly flammable liquids. It is crucial to remember that Tenderfuel is not bio-ethanol; the system is strictly designed for this specific combination of fuel and stainless steel technology. By separating the fuel from the ignition source, Tenderflame has created a method of enjoying a real flame that bypasses the risks associated with traditional liquid fuels that can ignite at room temperature without a specialized wick.

The role of the steel wick versus the cotton pit

In a traditional candle, the cotton wick is the engine of the flame but also a source of pollution. As the cotton fibres burn, they release particles that cause soot and smoke. The patented steel wick of Tenderflame breaks with this principle. Because this wick is made of stainless steel, it remains intact during use. The flame sits at the top of the wick, where the Tenderfuel is heated and burns. This results in a very clean combustion where no soot particles are released that could turn your walls or ceiling black. Furthermore, the flame from a steel wick is significantly more stable and less sensitive to drafts than that of a cotton pit. This makes the products suitable for various places in the home where a normal candle would quickly start to smoke. The durability of the steel wick also means that the user has no maintenance on the mechanism itself, provided the instructions in the manual are followed. It is a technological leap forward that combines the classic atmosphere of an open flame with modern ease of use. It eliminates the flickering and smoking common with cotton-based systems, providing a consistent light source that enhances the interior without the mess of dripping wax.

Safety and certification in ambient combustion

When choosing a type of fuel, it is essential to look for validation by independent bodies. Tenderfuel is not just any liquid; it has been extensively tested by renowned institutions such as KIWA, the Swedish RISE (Research Institutes of Sweden), and the German TÜV. These tests confirm that the fuel, when used normally and in the correct devices, meets strict standards. Many consumers are concerned about the emissions of traditional combustion in enclosed spaces. While any form of fire consumes oxygen and requires ventilation, the Tenderflame system offers transparent insight into exactly what is happening. Because the fuel only ignites at the steel wick, the risk of uncontrolled fire spread if a reservoir is knocked over is significantly smaller than with bio-ethanol or candle wax. It is always important to consult the manual of the specific model for the correct ventilation requirements, but the fundamental properties of the fuel itself provide a strong basis for a worry-free atmosphere in the living room or on the terrace. This focus on testing and certification ensures that the technology is understood and verified by global experts in safety and performance, allowing users to focus on the aesthetic and warmth of the flame.

• Tested and analysed by KIWA, RISE, and TÜV.
• Safe to store and handle without direct ignition risks.
• Ventilation according to the manual remains necessary for any system.

Research on clean combustion in the home

Why Tenderfuel is not bio-ethanol

A common misunderstanding is that all liquid fuels for ambient fireplaces are the same. However, Tenderfuel is not bio-ethanol. Bio-ethanol is a highly flammable alcohol that can ignite at room temperature upon contact with a spark. Tenderfuel, on the other hand, requires the steel wick to produce a flame. This distinction is crucial for safety in the home. Whereas bio-ethanol fireplaces often carry strict warnings about refilling a warm reservoir, handling Tenderfuel is less risky because the liquid itself does not simply catch fire. Furthermore, the odour released during the combustion of Tenderfuel is barely perceptible to most users, while bio-ethanol can spread a characteristic alcohol smell. Choosing the right system therefore means looking not only at the visual aspect of the fireplace but especially at the chemical properties of the fuel. By choosing a patented system with a steel wick, you opt for a proven technology that combines atmosphere and ease of use in a responsible way, without the disadvantages of traditional flammable liquids. This innovation provides the warmth of a real fire without the complexities and hazards often associated with older liquid fuel technologies, making it a modern choice for any contemporary interior setting.