Most candles end the same way. The wax runs out, the jar goes in the bin and you buy another one.
Coconut shell candles are different. The vessel is a real coconut shell. When the candle is finished, the shell stays. It becomes something else in your home.
That is the reason we built Qilin Candles around them.
What is a coconut shell candle?
A coconut shell candle uses a whole, polished coconut shell as its vessel. The shell is cleaned, shaped and finished by hand. It holds a full candle pour, complete with a wooden wick, fragrance and natural coco-soy wax.
Every shell is a slightly different size and shape. No two are identical. That is the nature of using a natural material rather than a mould.
At Qilin Candles, our coconut shell candles are hand-poured in Melbourne using 100% Australian coco-soy wax. They are vegan, phthalate-free and cruelty-free. Burn time is up to 55 hours.
What happens when the candle is done?
This is where coconut shell candles separate from every glass jar on the market.
Once the wax is gone, the shell is yours to reuse. It does not need to be recycled. It does not need a second life programme. It is already a functional object.
Common second uses include a holder for jewellery or rings on a bedside table, a small planter for succulents or herbs, a dish for hair accessories or cotton buds in the bathroom, a bowl for potpourri or incense cones, a desk tidy for coins or keys or a bird seed feeder in the garden.
Nothing goes in the bin. The shell is designed to stay.
How is this different from a glass jar candle?
Glass jar candles are the standard in the candle industry. They work but once the candle is finished, the jar is surplus. Most end up in a cupboard or in the recycling. Few people reuse them consistently.
A coconut shell has a natural, organic shape that suits a home. It looks intentional on a shelf, a bathroom vanity or a coffee table, whether it holds a candle or not.
The material is also biodegradable. If the shell eventually wears out, it breaks down naturally. A glass jar does not.
Why coco-soy wax?
Coco-soy wax is a blend of coconut wax and soy wax. It burns cleaner than paraffin, produces less soot and holds the fragrance well. It is plant-based, renewable and non-toxic.
Paraffin wax, used in most mass-produced candles, is a petroleum byproduct. Coco-soy is the opposite: plant-derived, biodegradable and vegan.
Paired with a wooden wick, coco-soy wax produces an even, steady burn with a soft crackle. No synthetic additives.
Why wooden wicks?
Wooden wicks burn wider than cotton wicks. This creates a larger melt pool, which means better fragrance throw across the room.
They also produce a gentle crackling sound as they burn. It is subtle but noticeable in a quiet room.
Wooden wicks are a natural material. They contain no lead, no zinc and no metal cores of any kind.
Who are coconut shell candles for?
Anyone who wants a candle that does more than smell good for a few weeks.
They work as a personal purchase for your own home. They work as a gift because the recipient keeps the shell long after the candle is gone. They work as corporate gifts because they are distinctive, practical and unlikely to be thrown away.
Qilin Candles supplies coconut shell candles for corporate hampers, staff gifts and client appreciation. If you are looking for a workplace gift that stands apart from the usual options, our coconut shell range is worth considering.
About Qilin Candles
Qilin Candles is a Melbourne-based, Australian-made candle business. Every candle is hand-poured in our home studio.
The Qilin is a creature from East Asian mythology that represents health and prosperity. That meaning sits behind everything we make.
Our range includes coconut shell candles, glass vessel candles and reed diffusers, available in a range of fragrances. We ship Australia-wide with free shipping on orders over $50.
Shop our coconut shell candle range at qilincandles.com.au
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