Bolsius invites students to develop a completely wasteless and CO₂-neutral candle (when burned) for our current Bolsius Cleanlight collection. The Cleanlight system includes a glass holder and a wax refill with a wick. The only part that creates waste is the wick plate, which holds the wick in place. Right now, consumers need to remove this piece before they can safely refill the candle, making it the only physical waste in the product. The goal is to create a refill candle for our Cleanlight system that is primary 100% wasteless and secondary 100% bio-based, without compromising the emotional and symbolic value of candlelight.
Why this challenge?
As one of Europe’s leading candle manufacturers and a proud B Corp, Bolsius is committed to shaping a better future. Candles are deeply connected to emotion, rituals, and atmosphere, but they also involve raw materials, energy, and emissions. How can we minimize this impact while preserving the magic of candlelight?
What to consider:
Bolsius is a family-owned company and one of the largest candle manufacturers in Europe. Founded in 1870 in Schijndel, the Netherlands, Bolsius has been crafting candles for over 150 years, creating billions of moments that bring people together. From joyful celebrations to quiet reflections, from births and baptisms to weddings and moments of remembrance, our candles have illuminated life’s most meaningful experiences across generations.
Our products are more than just candles, they are symbols of hope, comfort, and reconnection. Whether it's the warmth of a flame or the subtle fragrance that fills a room, Bolsius candles help people reconnect with themselves and their loved ones, both in everyday life and in extraordinary moments.
As a European market leader, we take our responsibility seriously. We are committed to contributing to a better planet, now and for generations to come. In 2023, Bolsius proudly became a certified B Corporation. We believe this is just the beginning.
Becoming a B Corp marks a new chapter in our journey of continuous improvement and collective action. It reflects our ambition to leave the world better than we found it, and to inspire others to do the same.
