Palm Wax — Frequently Asked Questions

By cooling slowly. Palm wax forms large, visible crystals as it sets, and a slow, undisturbed cool allows those crystals to grow into the feathered or snowflake pattern across the surface and through the body of the candle. Cooling quickly suppresses crystal growth and gives a plain finish, so the effect is controlled by the cooling regime rather than by an additive.

The higher bands, typically 52 to 54 degrees Celsius and above. Palm wax is harder and higher melting than soy or rapeseed at equivalent grades, so it will stand as a free-standing pillar without additives and holds shape better in warm conditions. The lower bands, from 42 to 44 degrees, are container grades.

Yes. RSPO certification is available under segregated, mass balance and book and claim models, and it is a standing requirement for most buyers given the scrutiny palm supply chains attract. The certification model should be specified at enquiry, since the three differ in traceability and in cost.

It shrinks noticeably on cooling. As the wax crystallises it contracts away from the mould wall, which breaks the adhesion and allows the candle to drop out without a release agent. That same shrinkage is why a second top-up pour is often needed to fill the sink hole that forms around the wick as the candle sets.