Why Are Small Batch Candles Better?

Small batch candles are handmade in limited quantities, usually in batches of less than 100 candles at a time (The Perks of Small Batch Candles – The Sojourn Company). This differs from mass-produced candles, which are made by machines in large factories that churn out thousands of identical candles. Small batch candle makers focus on quality over quantity, caring meticulously for each candle they make.

The limited production of small batch candles allows makers to use higher quality ingredients and unique fragrances not found in generic store-bought candles. Attention to detail also results in a better burn, aesthetics, and experience.

Support Small Businesses

When you buy small batch candles, you are directly supporting small and local businesses, artisans, and independent makers. Unlike mass-produced candles from large companies, small batch candles are handcrafted in small quantities by dedicated artisans

These candle makers often work out of their own homes or small shops, pouring each candle by hand with care and attention to detail. By choosing a handmade small batch candle, you can feel good knowing that your purchase makes a meaningful impact for a hard-working craftsperson or small business owner.

Buying from small batch candle makers helps sustain local economies and communities. Your support enables these artisans to keep perfecting their candle making craft and creating jobs. Instead of the profits going to large corporations, you’ll be helping modest businesses to grow and thrive.

Supporting small also means finding unique, handmade products that you won’t find anywhere else. Shopping small batch is an opportunity to find one-of-a-kind candles you’ll fall in love with.

According to The Sojourn Company (https://sojourncompany.com/blog/the-perks-of-small-batch-candles/), “When you buy artisanal small batch soy candles, you are supporting small businesses and independent candle makers. This means that you are helping to grow and sustain local economies.”

High Quality Ingredients

Small batch candles use premium quality ingredients like soy, coconut, or beeswax rather than cheaper paraffin wax. These natural waxes burn cleaner and are better for the environment (The Perks of Small Batch Candles – The Sojourn Company). Small batch candle makers also use pure essential oils and fragrances rather than synthetic fragrances found in mass-produced candles. Pure essential oils not only smell better, but are also safer and emit less soot (Candle Ingredients 101: How To Choose The Best Quality …). The high quality ingredients in small batch candles lead to a better scent throw and cleaner, longer burn.

Unique Scents

One of the biggest benefits of small batch candles is the unique scent options available. Smaller candle makers have the flexibility to create custom blends and more niche fragrances that you won’t find at big box retailers. They work directly with fragrance oil suppliers to handpick specialty scents, often inspired by specific memories, places, flavors, or nostalgic themes.

For example, The Small Batch Candle Company offers imaginative scents like Beach Walk, Rose Water & Ivy, and Tobacco & Patchouli that evoke a sensory experience. You can discover candles with complex aromas like Pastis, Sintra, or Roasted Chestnut that tell a distinctive olfactory story. Even their seasonal and holiday scents have an artisanal flair.

In contrast, major candle brands focus on broader, crowd-pleasing fragrances that appeal to the widest demographic. While their scents are pleasant, they lack the nuance, mystery, and sophistication that small batch candle makers can provide. The attention to olfactory detail is what makes small batch candles truly special.

Handmade with Care

One of the main benefits of small batch candles is that each one is handmade with great care and attention to detail. Unlike mass-produced candles, small batch candle makers pour each individual candle by hand, allowing them to monitor quality and catch any imperfections. This leads to a superior product, as the candle maker can ensure the wax has an even consistency, the wicks are centered, and the candle burns cleanly from edge to edge.

Hand pouring also allows for more artistry in the candle design. Small batch makers can create layered candles, ornate containers, and other unique touches that set their candles apart. Freed from the constraints of mechanical production, they can customize scents, colors, and shapes that reflect their creative vision. The handmade process results in candles that feel special and luxurious.

As described in this article from The Sojourn Company, “Small batch candles are hand poured with care and attention to detail. No two candles are exactly alike.” https://sojourncompany.com/blog/the-perks-of-small-batch-candles/

Better for the Environment

Small batch candle makers tend to have more environmental awareness and make a concerted effort to use eco-friendly practices. According to Lalueur Candles, “From the materials used to make them to the pollution they create when burned, candles contribute in significant ways to our carbon footprint.”

With small batch production, there is less waste since candles are made in smaller quantities versus mass production. Smaller candle makers can also use more natural, sustainable ingredients like soy wax or beeswax rather than paraffin wax which is a petroleum byproduct. As noted by Self Made Candle, “The production of conventional candles can have a negative impact on the environment and health.”

Furthermore, handmade candle makers tend to use recyclable packaging and materials as much as possible. The more eco-friendly practices involved in small batch candle making makes them a better choice for consumers concerned about their environmental impact.

Longer Burn Times

Small batch candles made with high quality waxes and wicks provide longer burn times compared to mass-produced candles. Small businesses invest in premium soy, coconut, beeswax, and other natural waxes that burn slowly and evenly. They also use sustainably-sourced wicks that maximize burn time.

According to Creative Candles, their small batch candles provide burn times up to 240 hours thanks to quality ingredients. Quality waxes and wicks mean small candles can burn for 60-80 hours compared to only 10-15 hours for poor quality candles.

You can expect a long, beautiful burn with small batch candles. Their clean ingredients and expert craftsmanship make it possible to enjoy lovely scented candlelight for many hours.

Safer Ingredients

Small batch candles avoid many of the toxic chemicals found in mass-produced candles. Large manufacturers often use paraffin wax made from petroleum, which can release carcinogens like benzene and toluene when burned (source). Small batch makers instead use natural soy, beeswax, or other plant-based waxes. These burn cleaner without heavy metals or volatile organic compounds.

Artisanal candle makers also tend to use essential oils and botanical ingredients (source). In contrast, big manufacturers use artificial fragrances, which contain phthalates linked to hormone disruption. Overall, small batch candles provide a healthier experience without the harsh chemicals and lung irritants found in major brands.

Artisanal Design

Small batch candles stand out with their beautifully unique handmade vessels, creative designs, and personalized labeling compared to generic mass-produced options.

Instead of being churned out on factory assembly lines, small batch candles are carefully crafted by artisans in small quantities. This allows candle makers the freedom to experiment with one-of-a-kind vessel shapes using repurposed antiques, handblown glass, ceramic pots, and other imaginative containers not found anywhere else.[1]

Candle makers further express their artistry by adorning small batch candle vessels with artistic designs, calligraphy, decorative embellishments, and other handcrafted touches. Custom graphic labels are designed in-house instead of being ordered from a label printing company.[2]

The handcrafted look and feel of small batch candles make them special artistic creations instead of forgettable mass-produced items. Displaying these candles around the home adds artisanal flair.

Conclusion

In conclusion, small batch candles provide numerous benefits over mass-produced options. By purchasing handmade, artisanal candles from local makers, you support small businesses and creative entrepreneurs. These candles feature high quality, often natural ingredients that create lovely, unique scents you can’t find anywhere else. The candles are crafted carefully by hand, rather than rushed off an assembly line. This care and attention to detail often results in candles with longer burn times, safer ingredients, and an artisanal design you won’t get from generic store-bought candles. Most importantly, small batch candles are better for the environment, avoiding the waste and emissions that come with mass production. For candle lovers who want something special, while also benefiting their community and the planet, small batch is undoubtedly the way to go.