A, B, Wax: we tell you something special

Wax, four letters to say something eternal. Did you know that wax has been around for a very long time?

From the candles of the Etruscans to those of Versailles, which were placed next to mirrors so as to increase their light, beeswax was used mainly by the wealthy given its high cost of production.
Beeswax also burned more slowly and, in addition to illuminating, gave off a pleasant honey smell.
In the 1850s it was discovered that kerosene, made from petroleum derivatives, was suitable for candle making because it cost less than beeswax, or tallow, and gave off a brighter, purer light.
That’s why 90 percent of candles on the market today are made of kerosene.
But how many and what types of wax are there?

Wax, A to Z

Any substance that meets these parameters can be called wax:

1. Malleability at room temperature;
2. Low melting point (around 45°C);
3. Relatively low viscosity following melting;
4. insolubility in water;
5. hydrophobia.

But how many types of waxes are there then? We could distinguish between two major qroups, that of natural waxes and that of artificial waxes, but only the former includes those used in candle making.
Natural waxes include: waxes of animal origin, such as the aforementioned beeswax; waxes of vegetable origin, such as palm or soy wax; and waxes of mineral origin, such as kerosene precisely.

Kerosene explained

Kerosene is a by-product of the fuel and lubricant manufacturing process, so it is related to petroleum refining.
It is also an extremely stable substance that does not react with any chemicals; the environmental impact of kerosene is practically zero.
Kerosene appears as an odorless and colorless oil, but it can also be solid or powdered, and is highly valued for its well-known emollient properties, so much so that it is used to create cosmetics, baby creams and… chewing gum!
When is it of quality? When it is pure, that is, when its melting point varies from 44 °C to 60 °C and its free oil content is more than 1 percent; the weight of the kerosene can also indicate its durability.Cereria Pernici relies only on paraffins that comply with the current RAL mark, which goes beyond the standards and legal requirements because it covers many other aspects such as environmental protection, safety, cost-effectiveness and durability. These certifications, which are public, offer a high standard of transparency and protection for the end consumer.
The continuous research that takes place in Pernici’s laboratories gives the public collections that are always new and designed to give you true olfactory treasures.

Plant waxes Cereria Pernici

Vegetable waxes, which have been much sought after in recent years, can only be considered BIO when the entire supply chain is organic: from the soybean fields to the materials used by the wax maker, including fragrances and wicks.
Speaking of fragrances, plant waxes retain scents very well and make them survive for a long time, although they can only be used for filler candles (think glass candles) because of their malleability.
Finally, plant waxes require careful and skillful craftsmanship.
It is no coincidence that Pernici has chosen soy wax for the Les Sens collection , which was created to offer a total sensory experience: the vegetable waxes used are free of animal by-products and always ensure the best combustion, longest life, and total non-toxicity; the wicks can be made of pure cotton, lead- and nylon-free, or wood, while the natural essences and aromas are chosen with great seriousness.
All to enhance the atmosphere of the environments.

We have always paid attention to the environment and its welfare, it is one of our core corporate values, and we call it green instinct.