What packaging is used for candles?

You've perfected your candle's scent and pour, but now it's sitting naked on your desk. The wrong packaging can make it look cheap, or worse, allow it to break before it ever reaches your customer.

The most common and effective packaging for candles is a rigid or folding paperboard box¹. This box is often custom-sized for a snug fit, and may include an interior insert for protection or a die-cut window to showcase the candle.

As a packaging maker, I've seen candles arrive in everything from simple bags to elaborate gift sets. The box is more than just protection; it's the first thing your customer experiences. It sets the tone for the scent and the quality within. A well-designed box elevates a simple candle into a luxurious gift. It communicates your brand's story through sight and touch before the customer even gets to the scent. Let's look at how to get that experience right.

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How do I package my candles?

You have a fragile product that needs protection, but you also want it to look beautiful on a shelf. It's a tough balance to strike, and you're not sure where to start.

Start with a custom-fit folding paperboard box² that is sturdy enough to protect the vessel. Consider adding a window to show the product³ and an internal insert to prevent movement during shipping.

When my clients come to me for candle packaging, we focus on both protection and presentation. For retail, presentation is key. Generally, customers will choose paper boxes with a window to display the candle, adding a PDQ for bundled sales . A PDQ, or "Product Display Quickly⁴," is a retail-ready tray that holds multiple candles. A gift box with a window lets you see the candle inside. When you put that inside a PDQ, you can sell dozens of candles at once. This is important because our customers often buy more than 10 candles at a time, so they need a PDQ to package and display the candles .

Common Candle Packaging Methods

Method	Description	Best For
Simple Folding Box	A standard, enclosed paperboard box.	E-commerce, subscription boxes, minimalist brands.
Box with Window	A box with a die-cut opening (usually covered with clear film).	Retail settings where customers want to see the product.
Box with Insert	A box containing an inner cardboard structure to hold the candle securely.	High-end or irregularly shaped candles, shipping.
Box with PDQ	Individual boxes placed within a larger display tray.	Wholesale, big-box retailers, point-of-sale displays.

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What type of container is best for candles?

You're focused on the box, but the candle vessel itself is critical. Choosing a material that cracks from heat or leaches chemicals will ruin your product and your brand's reputation.

Non-porous, heat-resistant materials are best. Glass jars, glazed ceramic pots⁵, and seamless metal tins⁶ are the safest and most popular choices for candle containers because they won't crack, leak, or absorb the wax.

The container is part of the product. It has to be safe, and it has to match your brand's aesthetic. Glass is a classic for a reason. It’s non-porous, so the fragrance oil won't seep through, and customers can see the beautiful color and texture of your wax. High-quality, thick glass can handle the heat without any problems. Ceramics offer a more earthy, handcrafted feel, but you must ensure they are properly glazed on the inside to prevent the wax from absorbing into the porous material. Metal tins are great for a rustic or modern look and are very durable for shipping. Never use plastic containers, as they can melt. Also avoid any glass that isn't made for heat, like old drinking glasses, as they can shatter.

Candle Container Comparison

Container	Pros	Cons
Glass Jars	Looks premium, shows off the wax, widely available.	Can be heavy and fragile.
Ceramic Pots	Unique, high-end, artisan feel.	Must be glazed, can be expensive.
Metal Tins	Durable, lightweight, good for travel candles.	Can get very hot to the touch.

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What are the legal requirements for candle boxes?

You're ready to sell, but you're terrified of legal issues. Missing a single required warning label could result in product recalls or, even worse, a lawsuit if an accident happens.

Legally, your candle packaging must have a warning label with fire safety symbols⁷, your business identity and location, and the net weight of the product⁸ in both ounces and grams.

This is not something to guess about. The rules are in place for safety, and following them protects you and your customers. While regulations vary slightly by region (like CPSC in the US and CLP in the EU), the core requirements are consistent. You need what's often called a "cautionary label⁹." This isn't just text; it must include specific universal pictograms that show the main dangers. Think of it as a simple checklist. If you have the warning, the weight, and your address on every candle, you have covered the most critical legal bases. I always tell my clients to print this information directly on the bottom of the box so it can never get lost. It's a small detail that shows you are a professional and responsible brand.

Essential Labeling Checklist

Element	What It Is	Example
Warning Statement	Text outlining basic safety rules.	"Burn within sight. Keep away from things that catch fire."
Safety Pictograms	Universal symbols for fire hazards.	A flame symbol, a symbol for keeping away from children, etc.
Net Weight	The weight of the wax, not the whole candle.	Net Wt. 8 oz / 227 g
Identity & Location	Your company name and city/state.	Your Brand Name, New York, NY

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What is the 84 rule for candles¹⁰?

You keep hearing other candle makers mention the "84 rule," and it sounds important. You feel out of the loop and worry it's a critical safety or design standard you're missing.

The "84 rule" has nothing to do with packaging or safety. It is a simple pricing formula some makers use to calculate wholesale and retail prices by multiplying costs by 2.2, then again by 2.2.

Let's clear this up right now: this is a business rule, not a safety rule. It's a quick and dirty way to figure out how much to charge for your candles to ensure you make a profit. It's not an official industry standard or a legal requirement. The formula helps you account for not just your material costs, but also your time, labor, overhead, and profit margin. Many small businesses use it as a starting point before adjusting their prices based on their specific brand positioning and market. If you are a luxury brand¹¹, your multiplier might be higher. If you are a budget brand¹², it might be lower. Don't worry about it for design or safety; just think of it as a helpful business tip.

The "84 Rule" Pricing Example

Step	Calculation	Example
1. Total Cost of Goods (COG)	(Vessel + Wax + Wick + Fragrance + Label + Box)	$5.00
2. Calculate Wholesale Price	COG x 2.2	$5.00 x 2.2 = $11.00
3. Calculate Retail Price	Wholesale Price x 2.2	$11.00 x 2.2 = $24.20

Conclusion

Packaging your candles in sturdy, well-designed boxes with windows and retail displays is key. Always use safe containers like glass or ceramic, and never forget the legally required safety labels on every box.

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