Sustainability at CandleXchange
Candle containers are not recyclable
An estimated 4 million candles are sold in Australia each year, and the bulk come in single-use containers that can't be recycled.
Recycling plants in Australia, and globally, aren't equipped to handle the tempered glass used in candle containers.
That's why we introduced the Return & Swap model, allowing us to infinitely reuse every container returned to CandleXchange.
Extending the life of other brand candles
If you have unwanted empty candle containers from other brands cluttering up your home, don't send them to landfill. Simply send them to us, and we'll refill them and donate them as upcycled candles to domestic violence survivors, through our UpCandle program.
Soy wax is more sustainably produced
Soy wax is made from soybeans, a renewable crop, and the by-product soybean husks are biodegradable.
Paraffin wax, on the other hand, is a by-product of the oil industry, a non-renewable resource that's energy-intensive to produce.
That makes soy wax a big win for the environment.
Soy wax doesn’t emit any nasty chemicals
Being made from mechanically pressed soybeans means soy wax is natural, and it typically burns with less soot and fewer emissions than paraffin wax.
Paraffin wax, as a by-product of oil, has been associated with emissions including toluene and benzene.
That's a plus for the health of your home environment, particularly if you burn candles often.
Better value from a longer burn
Soy wax is denser than paraffin wax and burns cooler, which means a soy wax candle typically burns for longer, in some cases up to 30-50% longer than paraffin.
A longer burn time means better value for money, which is a win for your hip pocket.
Thoughtfully sourced fragrances
Our candles are scented using a thoughtful blend of essential oils and skin-safe fragrance oils, chosen for both performance and a lighter environmental footprint.
Where possible, we favour naturally derived ingredients, and all our fragrances are phthalate-free.
We care about packaging waste too
We don't just think about product waste, but everything that's wrapped around it. Packaging makes up a significant share of landfill, so we use packaging that can be reused, recycled, or composted.
When you buy your first CandleXchange candle, the candle comes in a reusable pouch that is ethically handmade from plants.
When you swap your candle, we ask that you do so using this pouch or another protective bag of your own.
Paperless collateral
We've moved most of our collateral online, making it easy to access when you need it and less to recycle.
Simply scan the QR code on your candle lid to access everything you need to know about burning, cleaning, and swapping your candle.
Locally made
We're proud to source many of our materials from Australian companies and hand-pour all our candles in Brookvale, on Sydney's Northern Beaches.
We pack your orders plastic free
Delivery boxes are reused where possible, and protective material is either reused or a combination of biodegradable bubble wrap and kraft hex paper.
Carbon neutral shipping
Our courier partners offset carbon emissions for every delivery.
Environmental Impact
We believe luxury shouldn’t cost the earth. By refilling and reusing candle containers, we’ve diverted tonnes of waste from landfill and extended the life of materials that would otherwise be discarded.
2022
1.3 Tonne of candle containers diverted from landfill
2023
1.4 Tonne of candle containers diverted from landfill
2024
1.8 Tonne of candle containers diverted from landfill
2025
2.4 Tonne of candle containers diverted from landfill
Target by 2030