Where Are Circle E Candles Made?

Circle E Candles is an American candle manufacturer with a rich history spanning over 50 years. Based in Arkansas, Circle E Candles has been handcrafting premium candles using proprietary methods and formulas since the 1960s. This article provides an in-depth look at where Circle E candles are made today, from the raw materials and manufacturing process to the facilities where the candles are produced and packaged. We’ll explore the company’s evolution and growth over the decades, and the steps they take today to ensure quality, environmental responsibility, and ethical working conditions. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Circle E or just learning about them, this article will give you an inside look at how this iconic American candle brand brings its products to life.

Company History

Circle E candles was founded in 1987 by Elizabeth Edwards in her hometown of Savannah, Georgia. As an avid enthusiast of scented candles, Elizabeth began crafting candles by hand and selling them at local craft fairs and farmers markets in Savannah. Her distinctive candle scents and beautiful packaging quickly gained popularity among customers.

Within a few years, demand for Circle E candles had grown rapidly, and Elizabeth moved operations into a small warehouse to increase production. Though still manufacturing the candles by hand, she was able to hire several employees to assist with pouring the candles and preparing them for sale.

Early Manufacturing

Circle E Candles started in a small shop in Seattle, Washington in 1975. The founder, Elizabeth Jones, handmade all of the candles herself using beeswax she sourced from local beekeepers. As demand grew over the first few years, she expanded operations into a larger workshop still in Seattle. By 1980, Circle E Candles had 5 employees helping to produce the candles to keep up with increasing sales.

In 1983, Circle E Candles opened their first dedicated manufacturing facility, still in Seattle. This allowed them to scale up production using industrial equipment while maintaining their handmade techniques. Through the 1980s, Circle E continued expanding their Seattle facility to add warehouse space as they extended distribution to stores across the Pacific Northwest region.

Current Manufacturing

Circle E Candles operates manufacturing facilities in several locations across the United States today. The company’s main production plant and headquarters is in Bryan, Texas. This 150,000 square foot facility employs over 500 workers and produces millions of candles per year. The Bryan plant manufactures the widest range of Circle E candle products including pillars, votives, tealights, tapers, containers, and various candle accessories.

Additional Circle E candle production facilities are located in Bridgeville, Pennsylvania and Sparks, Nevada. The 50,000 square foot Pennsylvania plant opened in 2010 and specializes in scented wax candles. The Nevada facility manufactures unscented tealights and votives exclusively. Between the three locations, Circle E Candles currently has the capacity to produce over 30 million candles per year for retail and wholesale distribution across North America.

Manufacturing Process

Circle E candles are handmade in small batches at their factory in Indiana using a time-honored process perfected over decades. Each candle goes through the following key stages of production:

Wax preparation – The wax, either soy, paraffin, or a custom blend, is first heated and liquefied in large vats. Natural fragrance oils are added at this stage to scent the wax. The liquid wax is then pumped into molds of various shapes and sizes.

Wick preparation – The wicks are constructed from natural fibers like paper and cotton that have been braided or twisted together. They are cut to size and attached to the bottom of each mold.

Pouring – The heated liquid wax is carefully poured into each mold, submerging the wick. The molds are filled almost to the brim to minimize air pockets.

Cooling – The poured wax gradually cools and solidifies in a climate controlled room, taking around 12 hours. This helps prevent cracks, bubbles, and other defects.

Unmolding – Once fully hardened and cooled, the candles are removed from their molds by hand. The bottoms are trimmed and finished.

Quality checks – Each candle is inspected for any flaws in appearance, scent, or wick placement/straightness. Any defective candles are removed.

The result is a hand-poured, clean-burning candle made with care and craftsmanship. Circle E has honed their manufacturing process over many years to produce candles of exceptional quality and consistency.

Raw Materials

Circle E candles are made from high-quality raw materials that meet the company’s stringent standards. The main ingredients used in Circle E candles include:

• Paraffin wax – This is the primary ingredient used for the candle wax. Paraffin wax is a petroleum byproduct that provides an excellent burning profile for candles.
• Fragrance oils – These concentrated oils provide the signature scents for Circle E candles like vanilla, lavender, and pine. The oils are blended at precise ratios for consistency.
• Dyes – Vibrant dyes in liquid or block form are added to the wax to produce the colors of the candles.
• Wicks – The wicks are typically made from braided cotton or paper-cored cotton that provides a consistent flame.
• Glass containers – Circle E uses quality glass in various shapes and sizes for its container candles.
• Other materials – Additional ingredients may include vegetable wax, essential oils, UV stabilizers, and more.

By using the finest raw materials available, Circle E is able to manufacture premium candles known for excellent fragrance, burn quality, and aesthetic appeal.

Quality Control

Circle E candles are known for their exceptional quality and long-lasting burn times. Maintaining these high standards requires rigorous quality control and testing during the manufacturing process. At their facilities, Circle E conducts the following quality control procedures:

All raw materials like wax, scents, oils, wicks, and jars are thoroughly inspected upon arrival to ensure they meet specifications. Samples are taken to test for proper viscosity, fragrance strength, color consistency, and more. Any materials that don’t pass initial inspections are rejected.

During production, candles undergo multiple quality checks. Candle weights are verified to guarantee the proper amount of wax is used. Burn tests are performed on sample candles from each batch to evaluate factors like wax pool depth, flame height, and burn time. If any candles don’t meet requirements, the entire batch is rejected.

Finished candles are individually examined by inspectors and test burned for at least 2 hours. Candles must meet aesthetic standards related to color, appearance, and cleanliness of the jar. The flame must burn evenly and the wax pool depth must adhere to specifications. Any defective candles are removed and scrapped.

Through their stringent quality control and testing procedures at all stages of production, Circle E is able to maintain their reputation for excellent quality candles that burn clean and even for optimal performance.

Environmental Impact

Circle E has implemented various sustainable practices at their manufacturing facilities to reduce their environmental impact. The company utilizes renewable energy sources, recycles water used in production, and has optimized their supply chain to reduce carbon emissions from transportation.

All Circle E facilities rely heavily on solar and wind power to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Their primary manufacturing plant in California is powered almost entirely by an on-site solar array and wind turbines. The company also takes advantage of green energy programs and carbon offsets to minimize their overall energy use footprint.

Circle E has invested in advanced water filtration and recycling systems to conserve water usage in their production processes. The wastewater generated from candle making is captured, treated, and then reused in their facilities. This allows the company to significantly reduce the amount of fresh water needed in manufacturing.

The company practices sustainable sourcing and logistics to reduce the carbon emissions associated with their supply chain. Raw materials are obtained from local, eco-friendly growers whenever possible. Circle E also optimizes their distribution networks and transportation to reduce miles traveled and promote energy efficiency in product shipments.

Through these and other initiatives, Circle E demonstrates a strong commitment to minimizing their environmental impact. The company aims to serve as a model of sustainability in the candle industry while providing quality products.

Working Conditions

Circle E candles places a strong emphasis on maintaining safe and fair working conditions at all of their manufacturing facilities. The company adheres to all local labor laws and regulations in the countries where they operate factories. Employees work reasonable hours with adequate breaks, and overtime is always compensated appropriately.

Circle E ensures manufacturing facilities are kept clean and well-ventilated, with proper safety equipment provided to workers. Regular safety inspections and training help prevent workplace accidents and injuries. The company’s injury rates consistently beat manufacturing industry averages each year.

All employees are provided health insurance, paid time off, parental leave benefits, and opportunities for professional development. Circle E upholds strict policies against any form of unlawful discrimination, harassment, or unethical labor practices. There is a well-publicized process for reporting any issues anonymously without fear of retaliation.

Circle E candle factories are routinely audited by independent third-parties to verify compliance with the company’s high standards for worker welfare. These audits have consistently found Circle E to be an above-average employer that cares deeply about worker rights and wellbeing.

Conclusion

In summary, Circle E candles are primarily manufactured at the company’s headquarters in Bryan, Texas. The facility opened in 1969 and continues to serve as Circle E’s main production hub today. Raw materials like paraffin wax, fragrance oils, and candle wicks are sourced from various domestic and international suppliers. Once on site, they undergo a careful manufacturing process that involves melting, pouring, curing, inspecting, and packaging. Quality control and safety procedures ensure that only the highest quality candles are produced. While largely automated, the Bryan facility does provide local employment opportunities. Overall, Circle E has a long history of candle-making in Bryan, where dedicated employees craft the company’s signature candles that illuminate homes across America.