Soybean wax
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Soybean wax, often referred to simply as "soy wax," is hydrogenated soybean oil. It was created by inventor Michael Richards in 1993, who was looking for a cheaper alternative to beeswax, thus becoming the first wax innovation in the candle industry for over a hundred years. It can be used as a replacement for paraffin wax in the candle, packaging, and medical fiber industries.
As a vegetable wax, it offers a more sustainable alternative to traditional paraffin wax, which is a petroleum product. It provides a boost to agricultural economies, and is generally thought to release fewer toxins into the air when burned as a candle. Unlike paraffin, it is biodegradable. An indirect environmental benefit of the use of soy wax is its ability to be dissolved with soap and water, thus eliminating the need for toxic solvents.
Its main disadvantage is lower melting point, resulting in candles which deform easily in hot weather and drip readily when burning.
Categories: Soy | Waxes
