Paraffin Wax Candle

Material Composition Assumptions

A typical paraffin wax candle weighing approximately 250 grams consists of several petroleum-derived and synthetic components. The paraffin wax itself comprises roughly 85% of the total weight at 210 grams, sourced as a refined byproduct from crude oil processing. Cotton or synthetic fiber wicks account for less than 1% at approximately 2 grams. Synthetic fragrance oils derived from chemical compounds represent about 3% or 8 grams of the composition. Glass containers contribute approximately 10% at 25 grams, while plastic alternatives may weigh slightly less. Optional synthetic colorants and chemical additives make up the remaining 1% at roughly 5 grams.

Manufacturing Geography

The majority of paraffin candle production occurs in China, which dominates global candle manufacturing with extensive petroleum refining infrastructure and established supply chains. Chinese manufacturing facilities benefit from proximity to major refineries that produce paraffin wax as a petroleum byproduct. The electricity grid intensity in China averages 555 gCO2/kWh, significantly impacting the carbon footprint of energy-intensive wax processing and candle formation operations. This manufacturing concentration results from lower labor costs, established industrial zones, and integrated supply chains connecting petroleum refineries to consumer goods production.

Regional Variation

Manufacturing Region	Grid Intensity	Estimated CCI Score	Adjustment vs Default
China	555 gCO2/kWh	62	Baseline
India	708 gCO2/kWh	67	+8%
United States	386 gCO2/kWh	56	-10%
Germany	366 gCO2/kWh	55	-11%
France	57 gCO2/kWh	48	-23%

Provenance Override Guidance

1. Submit detailed petroleum sourcing documentation specifying crude oil extraction location and refining facility carbon intensity data to adjust upstream emissions calculations.

2. Provide manufacturing facility energy consumption records with renewable electricity procurement certificates or local grid emission factors for production phase adjustments.

3. Supply transportation logistics data including shipping distances, modal split between truck and ocean freight, and fuel efficiency metrics for distribution emissions.

4. Document specific paraffin wax purity grades and processing requirements that may require additional energy-intensive refining steps beyond standard petroleum byproduct recovery.

5. Present container material specifications with recycled content percentages and alternative material compositions that deviate from standard glass or plastic assumptions.

Methodology Notes

• The CCI score represents complete lifecycle emissions from crude oil extraction through candle combustion and disposal for a standard 250-gram paraffin candle
• Scope 3 dominates at 60% due to upstream petroleum extraction and refining processes required to produce paraffin wax
• Scope 2 accounts for 25% reflecting energy-intensive manufacturing processes including wax melting, molding, and container assembly
• Scope 1 contributes 15% primarily from direct combustion emissions when consumers burn the candle
• The functional unit covers one complete candle from production through full combustion
• Excludes packaging materials beyond primary glass or plastic containers
• Does not account for indoor air quality impacts from combustion emissions
• Data gaps exist for regional variations in petroleum refining efficiency and transportation modal splits