InfoSAWIT, KUALA LUMPUR — Few would have anticipated that candles—a simple product associated with pleasant aromas, tranquility, and festive occasions—would hold such a significant global market value. By 2024, the global candle market is projected to reach US$ 8.4 billion, with palm oil emerging as a key ingredient driving this surge in demand.
In her latest review, Hajar Shamsudin from the Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC) reveals how palm oil, derived from renewable plant sources, plays a crucial role in the modern candle industry. Not only does it serve as an eco-friendly alternative, but it also offers significant technical advantages over paraffin-based waxes.
North America and Europe Lead Global Candle Consumption
Geographically, North America stands as the largest consumer of candles, commanding 40% of the global market share. The tradition of using candles for home decoration, gifts, and religious occasions like Christmas significantly contributes to the high demand.
Europe follows closely with a market share of around 30%. Countries such as Germany, the UK, and France are witnessing a growing trend among consumers who are increasingly conscious of eco-friendly products. According to the European Candle Manufacturers Association, the average EU citizen consumed approximately 1.69 kg of candles in 2023, with half of them using candles at least once a week—women being the more frequent users compared to men.
Asia is also emerging as a rapidly growing region for candle consumption, driven by rising incomes in countries like China, India, and Japan.
Palm Oil: A Key Ingredient in Modern Candle Production
Palm oil is not just an additional raw material; several essential components of candles are derived directly from palm oil fractions that serve specific functions:
Palm Stearin: This solid fraction of palm oil has a high melting point and crystalline structure, providing strength and stability to candles, especially in warm climates.
Palm Kernel Stearin: Harder than palm stearin, this material is suitable for blending with other waxes to adjust melting characteristics and durability.
Fatty Acids and Fatty Alcohols: Such as stearic acid and cetyl alcohol, play a vital role in hardening candles and enhancing the quality of wax blends for greater stability and longevity.
Glycerin: A byproduct of palm oil, often used as a moisturizer in wax blends to prevent cracking and maintain moisture. Glycerin also helps evenly distribute fragrance in scented candles.
As reported by InfoSAWIT from MPOC on Saturday (July 5, 2025), compared to paraffin wax derived from petroleum, palm-based candles offer tangible advantages: longer burn times, reduced soot production, and freedom from harmful chemicals like benzene and toluene. These characteristics make them safer for indoor use, including for aromatherapy and decorative candles.
Palm wax also has excellent scent-absorbing properties and produces a smooth texture and aesthetic appearance suitable for various candle forms, from container candles to pillars.
One of the main selling points of palm oil-based candles is their sustainability. Palm oil is a renewable resource and significantly more environmentally friendly than fossil-based paraffin. Malaysian palm oil products are generally certified under the Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) standard, ensuring that they are produced sustainably and traceably.
“With a continuously growing market, especially among environmentally conscious consumers and enthusiasts of natural products, palm oil-based candles have a tremendous opportunity to become a preferred choice worldwide,” Hajar Shamsudin noted in her analysis. (T2)
