Cargill NatureWax Frequently Asked Questions

If you plan on purchasing 5 pallets or more (3,750 kg or 8,260 lbs), contact us directly .

For under 5 pallet purchases (3,750 kg or 8,260 lbs), please contact your nearest distributor.

If you wish to place an order directly with us, the minimum order quantity (MOQ) varies by region:

Europe: For packed waxes the MOQ is 1 pallet (1000kg or 2.204 lbs) for the first/trial order and 5 pallets (5,000 kg or 11,000 lbs) for subsequent orders.

North America/LATAM: For packed waxes the MOQ is 1 pallet (750 kg or 1.650 lbs) for the first/trial order and 5 pallets for subsequent orders. 

APAC: For packed waxes the MOQ is 20kg.

For orders smaller than the quantities above, please contact your local distributor.

We have distributors in 19 countries, including the United States, Canada, China, Australia, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany. Many distributors will also ship outside their home country. Find a complete list of distributors here.

Orders placed directly from Cargill typically ship within 2-4 weeks depending on the region, volume, and type of product and the destination. Shipping may take longer depending on certain products and to certain countries.

For more information or questions, please contact us.

Cargill offers a wide variety of vegetable waxes under their NatureWax^® brand. These include base waxes intended to be mixed with other waxes to fully formulate, ready to pour options and everything in between. NatureWax products are specially formulated to be easy to use, have smooth appearance, and are petroleum-free. Cargill has a large portfolio of waxes, including:

• Soy wax: A popular choice, soy wax is easy to use with a longer, cleaner burn time and excellent scent throw.
• Coconut wax: A creamy texture that blends beautifully. A slow, clean burn for less waste.
• Palm wax: Visually stunning with unmatched smoothness and durability.
• Rapeseed wax: Superb fragrance retention, scent throw and burn time are hallmarks of rapeseed wax.

These waxes cater to both DIY candle makers and large-scale manufacturers. For more details, you can visit our NatureWax® product page.

Choosing the right wax for your application depends on several factors, including the type of candle you're making, the desired characteristics of the candle, and other ingredients that will be mixed with the wax.

Candle making is an art, not an exact science, and it may take lots of trial and error to figure out the type of wax and the proportion of wax to use. There is often no one right answer though as each wax has certain strengths.

You can find all this information on the data sheets page for the vegetable oil types. This page provides detailed technical sheets covering various aspects of NatureWax^® including technical specifications, packaging, storage, and shelf life.

All NatureWax^® waxes are paraffin free, made from 100% plant-based ingredients, and contain no petroleum-based or animal-derived components. This makes it a smarter choice than paraffin and other petroleum based products for candle makers who want a high performing candle and are conscious of their environmental footprint.

The ideal temperature for melting wax depends on the type of wax you're using. Here are some general guidelines:

Paraffin wax: 120-160º F (49-71º C)

Soy wax: 113-160º F (45-71º C)

Beeswax: 144-149º F (62-65º C)

Rapeseed wax: 113-160º F (45-71º C)

Coconut wax: 75-100º F (24-38º C)

Choosing the correct wick size is crucial for a proper burn. It depends on the type of wax, container diameter, and fragrance load.

Wick requirements by wax type:

Soy wax: Needs larger wicks

Paraffin wax: Works with smaller wicks

Blended waxes: Requires balanced wick sizes

Wick size chart examples:

Hot throw refers to the strength of the scent when the candle is burning. It can be improved by adjusting the fragrance load, wick size, and ensuring the candle is properly cured. If those things do not help, find a similar fragrance from another supplier.

Pour temperatures ensure smooth tops and prevent fat bloom. Some customers find 48°C works best. Proper cooling is crucial to avoid fat bloom, which occurs if the candle cools too slowly or too quickly. The suggested temperatures help manage this. Adding fragrance at the recommended temperature ensures it mixes well, but higher temperatures can cause fragrance loss.

Managing pour temperatures, ambient temperature, stirring the fragrance evenly, and allowing proper curing time help reduce imperfections like frosting and rough tops. Additives like stearic acids may be needed for certain fragrances.

The ideal pouring temperature varies by wax type.

Paraffin wax: 170-180º F (77-82º C)

Soy wax: 120-180º F (49-82º C)

Beeswax: 155-160º F (68-71º C)

Coconut wax: 160-180º F (71-82º C)

Rapeseed wax: 120-180º F (49-82º C)

Fat bloom is similar to frosting, which is common in vegetable-based waxes and appears as a crystalline or whitish coating on the candle's surface. While it doesn't affect the candle's performance, it can impact the appearance.

It is the shift from Beta prime crystal structure to Beta crystal structure. Basically, it is just another form of the same wax. Similarly, what would be seen in a chocolate bar in the freezer for a long time.

The recommended fragrance load can vary depending on the type of wax you're using. Here are some general guidelines:

Paraffin wax: 6-10%

Soy wax: 6-10%

Beeswax: 5-6%

Rapeseed wax: 6-12% 

Coconut wax: 8-12%

Sunflower wax: 6-10%

It's generally not advisable to exceed the recommended fragrance load for your wax type. Too much fragrance oil can cause issues like poor burning, separation of the fragrance from the wax, or even fire hazards. If you are to add the above recommended level, be sure to thoroughly test and validate to make sure you get the proper attributes.

Add fragrance at 75°C, then continue heating to your preferred pour temperature. Typically, wax is melted and heated to the pour temperature in a melter.

Add fragrance oil when the wax has reached the recommended temperature for your specific wax type, usually between 165-185°F (73-85°C).

Stir the fragrance oil thoroughly into the melted wax for at least 2-3 minutes to ensure even distribution.