Importance of using suitable materials for indoor candle containers

Brussels (7 April 2022) – Indoor candles with plastic containers have become increasingly popular with consumers for some time already. Plastic containers allow a clear view of the flame during burning, and they are typically lighter than containers made of other materials. Such benefits should never come at the expense of an increased fire risk, however. Therefore, not all plastics are equally suited for candle containers. Highly flammable plastics are considered an unacceptable fire risk for indoor candles, even if they have other benefits, like being renewable or compostable for example. Explicit information warning consumers of this risk is not enough to reduce this risk to an acceptable level.

The safe use of candles is of paramount importance to the candle manufacturers organized in ECMA. They have worked on European standards for indoor candles, which have made a significant contribution to increase the level of safety of both domestic and imported candles, for more than 20 years. They cooperate with expert suppliers to make sure that their indoor candle plastic containers comply with relevant safety standards, like EN 15493 Candles – Specification for fire safety or ASTM F2417 Standard Specification for Fire Safety of Candles for example.

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The European Candle Manufacturers Association, ECMA, is a non-profit organisation representing European candle manufacturers, national associations of candle manufacturers, and suppliers and service providers to the European candle industry. As the candle industry´s collective voice, it makes sure that the candle makers´ interests are heard and understood. ECMA promotes the safe use and enjoyment of candles, increases the knowledge and safety of candles and takes an active role in developing the regulatory and normative environment.