Safety instructions, contact info, the type of the wax, the ingredients need to be visible clearly on the different labels of a candle package.
There are some guidelines for what needs to be printed on the candle label. These guidelines are set by the CPSC and the ASTM.
We tried to simplify these guidelines. We laid them out in a format that’s easy to grasp by the readers easily.
Candle Label Requirements United States
Safety standards of the U.S. apply to anything that burns wax. So, the standards apply to unscented candles, scented candles, and wax melts.
You can use both pictograms and text on the label. This presents a candlemaker with a lot of opportunities to attract eyeballs.
Company name, logo, and contact information
The name and the logo are the most important part of your candle marketing strategy. Use them to create an image of your brand in the mind of your customer.
The brand name on the label helps build recognition and trust. You can create an image in customers’ minds using the brand name and the logo.
Candle scent
You need to mention the type of scent that’s used in the candle. This helps the customer make a better choice.
Mention the type of scent clearly on the label. This is another way to create enthusiasm for your product. Give the scent a creative name to suit your branding strategy.
Candle weight
It is crucial to indicate the weight of ingredients that go into the candle. You need to mention the quantity both in grams and ounces.
The weight on the label should be of the wax structure, it should not include the weight of the container. Weigh the whole candle and then subtract the weight of the candle to get the weight of the wax candle.
Burn time
No authority asks you to print the approx. ‘Burn time’ on the label. It’s printed merely for the customer’s convenience.
It enhances the candle-buying experience of your customers. Burn some candles in ideal conditions, and record the times. Average it.
Do candles need a warning label?
Yes, the label on the candle needs to have a warning on it. It is done by every recognized candlemaker as it’s advisable to do so.
Do print the below text on the label for safety purposes.
- Keep away from things that burn.
- Keep away from things that catch fire.
- Keep away from children.
A signal word needs to be printed on the label. Print ‘Warning’ in bold at the top of the label. You might wanna print the above statements below this ‘Warning’.
Do candles need Prop 65 warning?
Candlemakers in California need to follow the guidelines of the Proposition 65 warning system.
The state government will fine the violators who don’t follow the guidelines of Prop 65. So, it’s better to print the Prop 65 warning on the label.
Do you have to list ingredients on candles?
Yes, you need to print the ingredients that go into the candle on the label. This helps the buyer make a better decision and might improve the sales figures.
It definitely helps if you craft organic candles. You can sell the candle better by letting them know how eco-friendly it is.
The type of wax must be printed for the benefit of your customer. The customer will then choose the candle if they desire to.
Do you need CLP labels for candles?
Yes, a candlemaker needs to follow the CLP instructions when they design their label. Companies that sell their candles in Europe need to follow CLP rules.
You need to add two signaling words to your candle labels. ‘Danger‘ and ‘Warning‘ need to be added to the label wherever appropriate.
Fair Packaging & Labeling Act
The U.S. government came up with a set of guidelines in this Fair Packaging & Labeling Act. They did this to keep a check on some marketing shenanigans.
This act helps the consumer while still allowing the companies to market their products fairly. I suggest you follow FPLA guidelines.
You, as a candlemaker need to follow the below guidelines for the consumer’s convenience.
- Mention product quantity and other important information.
- The consumer needs to be able to compare other products to yours.
- Use containers of the size that they’re used to using.
Consumer Product Safety Commission
Candles were the reason for thousands of fire hazards across the U.S. in the 1980s. This caught the attention of a small government agency, the CPSC.
The CPSC collaborated with industry partners, fire marshalls, and ASTM to create a set of guidelines. A candlemaker may choose to follow these guidelines for the consumer’s safety.
These are not regulations but a candlemaker can follow these to improve the safety of their product. The fire hazards due to candles have reduced after these guidelines were introduced.
You’ve already learned the guidelines of the CPSC above. We shall discuss the different types of labels in the sections below.
ASTM candle standards*
Members of the NCA, CPSC, ASTM and other safety organizations collaborated with some fire marshals to create a set of guidelines.
There are six guidelines set by ASTM. You can purchase them from their official website.
Cautionary Labeling Standard ASTM F-2058 (2014)
Standard Specification for Candle Fire Safety Labeling
Effective Since: 2000
This standard sets forth specifications for the warning label that cautions consumers to always burn a candle within sight; to keep candles away from things that can catch fire, and to keep candles out of the reach of children. Learn more about candle labeling.
Heat Strength of Glass Containers Standard ASTM F-2179 (2014)
Standard Specification for Annealed Soda-Lime-Silicate Glass Containers that are Produced for Use as Candle Containers.
Effective Since: 2002
This standard establishes scratch test and temper specifications for the proper annealing of glass containers used for candles, as well as thermal shock differential requirements.
Fire-Safety Design Standard ASTM F-2417 (2017)
Standard Specification for Fire Safety for Candles
Effective Since: 2004
This standard establishes maximum flame height, tip-over limits, secondary-ignition proscriptions, and end-of-useful life specifications.
Candle Accessories Standard ASTM F-2601 (2018)
Reference title: Standard Specification for the Fire Safety for Candle Accessories
Effective Since: 2007
This standard sets forth specifications for the fire-safety manufacture, labeling, and testing of candle accessories (e.g., candle rings, candle burners, candle holders).
*We just have a brief description of the rules. You can read the actual rules on the ASTM website.
Do candles need heat-resistant labels?
Yes, you need to stick heat-resistant labels on your candles. The labels need to stay intact when exposed to high temperatures.
Where do you want to stick the label? Do you want the label on the container or on the candle itself? This makes a lot of difference.
Most candle waxes melt at 120-160F temperature. The label needs to withstand high temperatures. The label needs to withstand a wide range of temperature fluctuations.
Can you use thermal labels on candles?
Yes, you need to use a thick biaxially-oriented polypropylene material to make the label for your candle. Use a permanent acrylic adhesive to stick this label on the candle.
It’s better to place the label on the container than on the candle. It’s hard to make labels that cling to the wax properly.
Try to make your label both durable and good-looking. You can speak to the customer only via the label, so do it right!
What do ‘candle labels’ mean?
We need to speak about all the labels that make up a candle. As a candlemaker, you need to work on three labels.
There are three labels on a container candle, viz., outer container, primary label, and the safety label on the bottom of the container.
Outer container
The outer container of the container candle is referred to as the ‘package’ by the FPLA. This is non-shipping packaging.
You can use the outer container for your branding purposes. Mention the important details about the candle.
Primary label
The primary label is what you see on the container. This label is the best route into your customer’s heart. Design it properly.
The primary label stays on the container for a long time. The FPLA refers to this label as ‘label’ or ‘principal display panel’.
Safety label
This label is found on the bottom of the container. You need to print safety instructions on this label. There are no specific rules regarding this label.
Note: The FPLA has guidelines only for the primary label. The CPSC partnered with ASTM to design guidelines for the safety label, called ASTM F2058.
Happy Molding 🙂
