Sustainability & Ingredients
A transparent look at what goes into our products and why it matters.
At Hampden Candles, we believe beautiful things shouldn’t come at the expense of the planet. That’s why we’re committed to balancing craftsmanship and creativity with mindful material choices. Whether you’re working with us on a one-off project or a full white label range, we’ll always be honest about the options available and help you make choices that align with your goals and values.
Our Commitment
We work with clients who care about their brand, their products, and the impact they leave behind. Sustainability is never an afterthought. From wax selection to packaging choices, we’ll guide you through the best options available for your vision, highlighting where eco-friendly alternatives exist and when compromises might be needed to meet your design, scent, or performance goals.
Waxes We Offer
We offer a range of high-quality waxes, each with their own characteristics. Below is an overview of our core waxes but if you’re after something specific, we’re happy to explore custom options.
Soy Wax
Natural, plant-based, and biodegradable. Grown primarily in the U.S. and processed without harmful additives. Long, clean burn.
Sustainability: Renewable, biodegradable, vegan.
Best for: Eco-conscious brands, soft scent throws, subtle aesthetics.
Coconut Wax
Made from cold-pressed coconut meat and often blended for stability. Soft and creamy texture.
Sustainability: High coconuts are a rapidly renewable crop.
Best for: Premium products, clean burn, luxury branding.
Beeswax
Harvested from honeycomb. Naturally sweet scent and golden hue.
Sustainability: Natural and toxin-free, though not vegan.
Best for: Heritage brands, artisanal and high-end gifts.
Rapeseed Wax
Rapeseed Wax Locally grown in the UK/EU, biodegradable and vegan.
Sustainability: Excellent low transport emissions, supports local agriculture.
Best for: Low carbon footprint, European-based brands.
Paraffin Wax
Petroleum-based, widely used in commercial candles.
Sustainability: Low non-renewable and non-biodegradable
.
Best for: High scent throw, vibrant colour, event pieces.
Palm Wax
Hard, crystalline finish. Only available RSPO-certified.
Sustainability: Controversial — we only use palm wax from certified sustainable sources.
Best for: Rustic aesthetics, textured candles.
Blended Waxes
We also work with proprietary blends designed for better scent throw, burn time, or structure. We’ll always disclose what’s in them.
Wixs We Offer
Wick selection affects burn style, scent throw, and sustainability. We’ll help you choose the best option for your product.
Cotton Wix
Clean-burning, classic, and widely compatible.
Wooden Wix
sustainably where possible, offer soft crackle sound.
Eco-Wicks
Made from cotton, paper or hemp. Non-toxic and often self-trimming.
Fragrance Oils
The fragrance is often what lingers longest in memory and it’s also one of the most complex areas for sustainability. At Hampden Candles, we are committed to crafting signature scents that not only evoke emotion but do so responsibly. That means choosing ingredients and blends that are kinder to both people and the planet.
Minimising Environmental Harm
Some fragrance ingredients especially natural ones can come at a heavy environmental cost. Overharvesting botanicals like sandalwood or rose can harm biodiversity and local communities. That’s why we work with suppliers who are committed to ethical sourcing and sustainable farming practices. Where synthetic alternatives are safer and lower impact, we choose them carefully always balancing sustainability, scent quality, and safety.
Safer Blends for People and Planet
All of our in-house fragrance oils are IFRA-compliant and phthalate-free, and we always favour low-toxicity, skin-safe blends. These are designed not just to smell beautiful, but to meet high standards of environmental and consumer safety. We also offer biodegradable options for clients who want an extra low-impact product.
Bespoke, But Responsible
When developing a custom scent for a client, we approach it with the same care and responsibility. All bespoke fragrances must meet our internal safety and sustainability standards and we’re happy to advise on ingredient choices that align with both brand vision and environmental values. We also accept client-supplied fragrance oils, as long as they meet our safety criteria. Learn more about this on our Quality & Compliance page.
Packaging & Presentation
We offer a wide range of packaging styles to suit your product and brand, from biodegradable and recyclable options to luxury finishes. We work closely with trusted UK-based suppliers who share our commitment to ethical sourcing, sustainability, and quality. Whether you're looking for minimal, eco-friendly packaging or a more premium unboxing experience, we’ll help you choose materials that reflect your values without compromising on performance or design.
What We Recommend
We’ll always suggest the most sustainable option available as long as it doesn’t compromise your product’s quality or performance. Some waxes, fragrances, or packaging materials are less eco-friendly but may better suit your goals. Where that’s the case, we’ll be honest and help you weigh your options.
Safety, Testing & Certifications
All our products meet or exceed current UK and EU safety standards, including:
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IFRA UK (International Fragrance Association)
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REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals)
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CLP Regulation (Classification, Labelling & Packaging)
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UK Trading Standards
For more detailed information on our safety procedures, documentation, and regulatory compliance, please visit our Quality & Compliance page.
We’d love to hear about your project.
Whether you’re developing a new product line, planning a corporate gift, or organising a creative event, we’ll make it simple, seamless, and beautifully made.