October 2, 2006—From ancient times to the discovery of electricity and beyond, more than 5,000 years altogether, candles have played important roles in our ceremonies, celebrations, and homes.  Over the years, a variety of ingredients, including waxes from plants, bayberry bushes, sperm whale oil and paraffin, have been used as sources of light.  In recent years, the Indiana Soybean Board (ISB), with promotional support from the United Soybean Board (USB) and soybean checkoff, has led the charge to further develop soy-based candles.

In the United States alone, more than 1 billion pounds of wax are used to produce candles each year.  In 1998, soy candles were first introduced in the United States after several years of research.  Today, Soy candles make up approximately five to seven percent of the 2 billion dollars worth of candles sold in the United States annually, and the market is rapidly growing.

There has been a slow decline in the supply of petroleum-based paraffin in the United States, a key ingredient used in candles.  This decline is occurring due to three primary reasons: first, the automobile industry.  With automobile manufacturing coming under tighter requirements by the federal government to produce better running and cleaner burning engines, they have taken up the once large supply of higher quality lubricants.  These lubricants were originally being used by candle companies across the nation as a fuel before being replaced by paraffin.  Secondly, China’s rapidly growing population and increased demand for petroleum have further contributed to a shortage of petroleum-based paraffin.  And finally, consumers and our government's interest in reusable resources and cleaner air have reduced the demand on petroleum paraffin.

Today's homeowners want cleaner, longer burning candles.  Soy candles don't leave behind a sooty residue; they also burn up to fifty percent longer than traditional candles.  Soy candles also have a lower melting point, allowing for superior scent dispersion at lower manufacturing costs.

A big influence on the development and promotion of soy candles has been made through soybean checkoff efforts.  The goal is to educate the public and help produce soy-based candles.  Soy candles help support America's soybean farmers with a great value-added product for their crop.  The 1998 creation came from research and development at Purdue during the previous two years.  Subsequent patents have been obtained and multiple licensing partners have ensured wide distribution and support of this technology.

"Partnering with well-known companies such as Cargill, Bath & Body Works and Candle Corporation of America has allowed us to provide consumers with the highest quality products, world-class manufacturing and services," said Michael Bria, director of technology commercialization for ISB.  "We're committed to bringing innovative, emerging soybean technologies to the masses through our research, partnerships, and commercialization efforts with a broad-based scope of companies.  We've worked with not only with consumer products companies, but many industrial and governmental agencies as well."

Soybean candles continue to grow from a "niche" segment of the candle industry to mainstream audiences - evidenced by the growing share of shelf space at major retailers.  The efforts by the soybean checkoff have yielded positive results from the candle industry resulting in another new market.

To learn more, visit www.unitedsoybean.org/newuses 

SOURCE:    United Soybean Board