Candlepreneurs, sustainability is the new benchmark. Prepare yourself, because in 2025 and beyond, eco-conscious consumers are expecting more than just soy wax and recycled jars. They’re asking questions: Where do your materials come from? How are your products made? What happens to the packaging?
And for candle brands, sustainability goes beyond making eco-friendly candles; it’s about building a business that respects the planet at every stage. The good news? Small changes can make a big impact. From refillable jars to biodegradable peanuts, we’re exploring actionable ways to reduce waste, build customer trust and keep your business glowing sustainably.
1. Choose ethical and sustainable suppliers
Sustainability starts with the ingredients and materials you bring into your business. From the wax in your candles to the boxes they ship in, every choice matters. Using sustainable waxes like soy, beeswax or rapeseed is a no-brainer, but don’t stop there—look for suppliers with certifications like Fair Trade or FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) to ensure ethical sourcing.
Transparency is also key here. Share your sourcing journey with your customers. A simple “Why we choose this wax” on your website or social posts builds trust and shows you care about more than just the bottom line.
2. Reduce waste in production
Waste is inevitable, but in 2025, it’s all about what you do with it. For candle makers, excess wax, chipped jars and overstocked materials are common culprits—but they don’t have to end up in the bin.
Leftover wax? There are plenty of things you can do with it. Turn it into wax melts, testers or even sample packs for customers. Broken jars? Collaborate with local recycling programs or upcycle them as decorative planters. Overstocked materials? Use them to create limited-edition collections or bundles, giving them a second chance to shine.
Take a closer look at your production flow—are there steps where materials are being overused or wasted? Simple tweaks like measuring wax more precisely or testing in smaller batches can save costs and cut waste.
The best part is that reducing waste is also good for your bottom line. A greener process can mean leaner spending, proving that sustainability pays off in more ways than one.
3. Offer a refill service (and encourage repeat business in the process)
Refillable and reusable products are becoming a consumer expectation. Eco-conscious shoppers love products that let them reduce waste without sacrificing style, and refillable options are a win for your business too, encouraging repeat customers and building loyalty.
Start with refillable candle jars or reed diffuser bases. These items are practical, easy to market, and show customers you’re serious about sustainability. To sweeten the deal, introduce a deposit system or offer discounted refills—think loyalty points for the planet. Not only does this keep customers coming back, but it positions your brand as an active participant in the circular economy.
Look to brands like The Body Shop for inspiration: their refill stations for personal care products have created a buzz while reinforcing their eco-friendly ethos. For candle businesses, refillable jars with stylish, minimalist designs can strike the perfect balance between function and aesthetic.
4. Minimise packaging waste
Excessive or non-recyclable packaging is becoming a dealbreaker for an increasing number of customers. Switching to compostable, biodegradable or reusable materials shows your commitment to the planet while setting your brand apart.
Start by ditching plastic in favour of recyclable paper, glass jars or metal tins. Add a thoughtful touch by designing minimal, elegant branding that doesn’t overshadow reusability—your customers will love a jar they can repurpose. Think beyond the candle: our biodegradable packaging peanuts, for example, dissolve in water (and therefore don’t end up in landfill).
Less is more when it comes to packaging waste. By aligning your materials with your sustainability ethos, you’ll attract customers who value brands that genuinely care.
5. Switch to non-hazardous and low-impact ingredients
It’s no secret—people are paying closer attention to what’s in the products they bring into their homes. From allergens to environmental impact, safety and sustainability are top of mind. Offering candles and home fragrance products made with non-hazardous and low-impact ingredients is becoming a standard.
Start by auditing your ingredients. Replace potentially harmful substances with gentle alternatives like soy wax or vegetable-based dyes. Look to innovations like our non-hazardous reed diffuser bases and non-flammable room spray formula. These options provide safer products while showing your commitment to reducing environmental harm.
6. Go digital to reduce your carbon footprint
We live in a digital world, so embrace it—and make your business greener while streamlining operations in the process. Swapping printed product catalogues for digital ones not only cuts costs but also saves trees. Incorporate QR codes on minimal packaging to link customers to product details, care instructions or refill options.
You can also lean on digital marketing tools like social media, email campaigns and e-commerce platforms to reduce the need for physical materials like flyers or mailers. One small business even scrapped printed brochures entirely, replacing them with interactive online catalogues—cutting waste and connecting with customers more effectively.
7. Educate and engage your customers
Sustainability doesn’t stop at your business—it’s a team effort with your customers. Show them how to recycle or reuse your packaging, like turning candle jars into planters or storage pots. Share behind-the-scenes glimpses of your eco-friendly efforts on social media—think wax recycling or how your biodegradable peanuts work.
Create value-packed “eco tips” content, like blogs or quick Instagram Reels, that help customers live sustainably beyond your products. When customers feel part of your sustainability efforts, they’re more likely to advocate for your brand and keep coming back for more.
Try these sustainable business practices in 2025
Before you go, remember that building a sustainable candle business doesn’t have to involve radical overhauls. Thoughtful, meaningful changes do add up. Whether it’s swapping to ethical suppliers, reducing waste or creating refillable products, every decision can shape a greener future for your brand. Start where you are, scale gradually and don’t be afraid to share your progress with your audience.