Paraffin Under the Microscope: A Candle Insert Broken Down to Its Core 11 September 2025
Paraffin inserts for grave candles are widely used products, most often encountered during All Saints’ Day.
Although they may seem like simple and ordinary items, they are made up of several key components that work together to ensure long and safe burning.
Let’s take a closer look at the elements needed to create a pressed paraffin insert.
Tube
The tube is a cylindrical container that holds the paraffin insert.
It is most commonly made from plastics such as polypropylene or polyethylene.
Thanks to their durability and heat resistance, these materials ensure the safety and longevity of the insert.
The size and shape of the tube are tailored to the glass candle holder to guarantee optimal burning quality.
Wick
The wick is an essential part of every insert.
Contrary to appearances, it is not just a simple string – it consists of a core made from paper, cellulose, or cotton.
The core is surrounded by cotton threads that aid in the capillary delivery of paraffin to the flame.
The thickness of the core and the number of threads help control flame size and burning time.
The wick is impregnated with a special wick wax, which ensures proper stiffness and even burning from start to finish.
Metal Base
The small metal base at the end of the wick has a key role – it keeps the wick upright.
A centered wick, with limited movement, allows the paraffin insert to burn evenly and completely.
Paraffin
The type of paraffin used in inserts depends on the production method.
Pressed inserts require harder paraffin, which enables granules to be formed into a solid shape.
Polwax offers products such as Lumina, Luxolina, and Granlux for this purpose.
Label
Although often overlooked by customers, the label contains essential safety information and the manufacturer’s details.
It is usually placed on the bottom and serves as an information carrier.
Increasingly, additional marketing labels are placed on the tube’s wall – featuring the product name, logo, burning time, and weight.
Their double-sided design allows for complete information on the inner side as well.
Special adhesives are used for these labels, allowing them to be easily removed from the tube.
Summary
A candle insert is the result of a precise manufacturing process in which every element matters.
By combining the right materials and technology, we obtain a safe, durable, and efficient light source.
The next time you light a candle with a pressed paraffin insert, remember how much knowledge and precision is hidden in such a small product.
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