Warning Label: Candle Fragrance Liquid Oil Safety

Whether you're a hobbyist or a business owner, labelling your candles correctly is crucial. Not only is incorrect labelling illegal, but it can also invalidate your insurance. Legally compliant labels help build customer trust and ensure their safety.

Candle labels must include specific information, such as a statement of identity, company name and contact information, and weight in both standard and metric measurements. Safety warning labels are also essential, providing instructions and general candle safety precautions. These labels need to be durable, withstanding extreme temperatures and temperature fluctuations.

Additionally, depending on your location, you may need to comply with specific regulations, such as the EU's Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) regulation or the US's Fair Packaging and Labeling Act (FPLA). These regulations outline the required label content, placement, and design.

For example, under CLP, scented candles are considered hazardous substances due to the presence of fragrance or essential oils, and thus require appropriate labelling. The FPLA, on the other hand, specifies the required coverage area for labels on rectangular and round containers.

Candle warning labels should include safety pictograms and be printed with a glossy finish

Candle warning labels are crucial, not only for legal compliance but also for building customer trust. In the UK, the EU's Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) regulation governs candle labelling. This regulation mandates that all new products containing hazardous substances, such as fragrance or essential oils, must be labelled accordingly.

To ensure compliance with CLP regulations, candle warning labels should include safety pictograms. These pictograms effectively communicate potential hazards to users and are an essential component of the label. Additionally, it is worth noting that if a particular fragrance oil does not trigger any warning pictograms, a yellow warning triangle must be included on the label.

The labels should also provide detailed information about the candle's ingredients and any potential allergens. This is where the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) comes into play. The SDS is a document provided by the fragrance or essential oil supplier, outlining ingredients, allergens, contact information, potential hazards, handling and storage instructions, and emergency measures. With the information from the SDS, candle makers can create accurate and comprehensive CLP-compliant labels.

In terms of presentation, candle warning labels should have a glossy finish. This finish not only makes the labels aesthetically pleasing but also provides a smooth surface for writing or printing additional information. The glossy finish allows for easy marking with a sharpie or similar writing instrument, ensuring that crucial details can be added to the label without smudging or difficulty.

Furthermore, the positioning of the labels is important. CLP labels should be affixed directly to the candle container, such as the glass, and be easily visible and readable when the package is in its usual position. If the candle is housed in a gift box, the CLP label should also be placed on the outer packaging so that customers can see it without having to touch the candle inside.

The label must be able to withstand extreme temperatures

Extreme temperatures can cause standard labels to smudge, peel off, or even melt. To ensure your warning labels withstand such conditions, you must choose the right material and adhesive. Here are some options:

Polypropylene:

This synthetic material is temperature-resistant up to 175°F and offers good chemical resistance. It is also resistant to scratching and smearing. With a thickness of 3 millimeters and an aggressive adhesive backing, polypropylene labels are a durable option.

Polyester:

Polyester is a thinner material than polypropylene but can withstand higher temperatures of up to 270-300°F. It is highly resistant to chemicals and solvents, making it ideal for long-lasting labels.

Polyimide:

For even higher temperature resistance, polyimide labels can withstand up to 500°F. They are commonly used for circuit boards as they can also withstand wave soldering, fluxes, chemical washes, and cleaners.

Anodized Aluminum Foil Labels:

These labels are made of .003” aluminum and can conform to curved surfaces. The barcode is sealed within an anodic layer, making the label durable and resistant to corrosion and temperature. These labels can withstand all levels of temperature, chemicals, and abrasion.

Metal Tags:

For the most extreme temperatures, metal tags made of thick aluminum can withstand temperatures up to 1000°F. These tags can be fastened to assets with holes and are ideal for environments with intense heat, UV rays, or other harsh conditions.

Freezer-Grade Adhesive Labels:

For freezing temperatures, special adhesive labels are required. These labels have a specialized freezer or deep-freeze adhesive that can withstand temperatures below 32°F and as low as -320°F. They are designed to resist moisture and perform well on plastic and cardboard.

When choosing a label material, consider the temperature range you need to cover, the environment your products will be exposed to, and the durability required. Some labels are better suited for freezing temperatures, while others are designed for extreme heat. Ensure you select the right option to maintain the integrity of your warning labels in extreme conditions.

In the US, candle labels must meet industry standards and recommendations from organisations like the NCA, FPLA, ASTM, and CPSC

FPLA Requirements:

The Fair Packaging and Labeling Act (FPLA) dictates the information that must be included on a candle's primary label. This includes:

• Statement of Identity: Clearly describe the product, including the type of wax and scent name (while not mandatory, these details help shoppers make informed decisions).
• Net Weight: Provide the weight of the candle in ounces and grams, excluding the weight of the wick, container, or other packaging.
• Manufacturer Identification: Include the brand or business name, along with the manufacturer's location (city and state).

Warning Labels:

While not legally required, safety warning labels are highly recommended and expected by consumers. The ASTM, CPSC, and NCA suggest including these critical safety statements:

• "Keep away from things that catch fire" or "Keep away from things that burn".
• "Keep away from children".
• Provide burning directions, such as trimming wicks to 1/4 inch and maximum burn times.

Additionally, the CPSC recommends including the following on safety labels:

• Burn time per use.
• Safe surfaces for burning.
• Warning to avoid burning near flammable materials.
• Instructions on how and when to trim the wick.
• Manufacturer instructions for safe usage, if applicable.

Label Design and Materials:

When designing candle labels, consider size, shape, and font to ensure visibility and readability. Choose heat-resistant and flame-resistant materials, such as biaxially-oriented polypropylene, that can withstand high temperatures and changes in temperature without melting or dissolving. Prioritise high-quality printing to ensure clear and legible information.

Compliance and Consumer Trust:

Complying with these labelling requirements is crucial for legal reasons and consumer trust. Proper labelling ensures transparency and protects consumers from misleading information. It also demonstrates your commitment to customer well-being and can be used to protect yourself in cases of product misuse.

The Fair Packaging and Labeling Act (FPLA) covers legal requirements for front-facing labels

The Fair Packaging and Labeling Act (FPLA) is a federal law in the United States that was enacted in 1966 or 1967 to protect consumers from deceptive or misleading packaging and labelling of consumer goods. The FPLA covers a wide range of consumer goods, including food, clothing, household items, and cosmetics. However, certain products like meat, poultry, alcoholic beverages, and tobacco are exempt from the FPLA and are regulated by other agencies.

The FPLA mandates manufacturers to disclose the product's identity, net quantity, and the name and place of the manufacturer/packer on all consumer goods. This includes providing a statement identifying the commodity, such as detergent or sponges, the name and place of business of the manufacturer, packer, or distributor, and the net quantity of contents in terms of weight, measure, or numerical count. These labels must use both metric and inch/pound units of measurement.

The FPLA is enforced by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FTC enforces the FPLA for most consumer products, while the FDA enforces it for food, drugs, cosmetics, and medical devices.

Violations of the FPLA can result in legal action taken by the FTC or FDA. To ensure compliance, manufacturers, packaging companies, and retailers must maintain accurate and up-to-date labelling information on their products to avoid potential penalties and protect consumer interests.

The National Candle Association (NCA) has example labels and official pictograms on its website

The National Candle Association (NCA) is a trusted source of information for candle manufacturers and suppliers. The NCA is committed to ensuring candle safety and educating consumers on the importance of candle fire-safety. The association has played a pivotal role in developing national industry standards for fire-safety labelling, candle design, and candle accessories.

The NCA website provides a comprehensive overview of candle labelling requirements. It highlights the importance of understanding the intricacies of candle label requirements for legal compliance and consumer safety. The website also emphasises the role of four groups in setting the contents of candle warning labels: the NCA, the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), the Federal Hazardous Substances Act (FHSA), and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). These labels aim to minimise potential dangers by promoting safety practices and providing burning instructions.

The NCA recommends candle manufacturers utilise the ASTM F2058 Standard Specification for Candle Fire Safety Labelling, accessible on their website. This standard includes graphic safety symbols, such as "Burn Within Sight," "Keep Away from Combustibles," and "Keep Away from Children," which are becoming increasingly prevalent on candle labels worldwide. The website provides downloadable files in EPS, JPEG, and PDF formats for these pictograms, making it convenient for manufacturers to design their warning labels.

Additionally, the NCA website offers valuable design tips and resources for creating effective candle labels. It emphasises the importance of considering label size, font selection, and legibility to ensure consumer understanding. Manufacturers are also encouraged to refer to the Fair Packaging and Labelling Act (FPLA) guidelines, which set standards for label size, font size, and other requirements. By partnering with companies like Avery WePrint, candle-makers can design custom labels that complement their brand image while adhering to relevant standards.

Frequently asked questions