Scented Soy Wax Candles

Innovation Type:

Product

Technologies Involved:

Advanced Materials

Stage of Innovation:

Market-Ready / Commercialization

Market Segment:

B2B, B2C

Impact:

Social

Team:

1) Rinchon Kashung 2) Aleks Vashum

Project Stage:

Registered Startup / Entity

Project Start Year:

2019

Competition / Event Name:

Womenpreneur for Bharat 2.0 program

About

October Pumpkin by Rinchon Kashung and her husband Aleks Vashum in 2019, is a Manipur-based venture that produces scented soy wax candles encased in handcrafted Longpi black pottery jars. Longpi pottery is a traditional craft of the Tangkhul tribal community in Manipur's Ukhrul district, made from a unique paste of ground serpentine stone and brown clay. The jars are meticulously handcrafted, sun-dried, fired, and polished with pine leaves to achieve their distinctive sheen, all without the use of a potter's wheel. This labor-intensive process not only preserves a centuries-old craft but also provides employment opportunities to artisans, especially women, in Longpi village. The venture has sold over 7,500 units across India, impacting 300 artisans from the community. Their commitment to sustainability and cultural preservation has been recognized by BITS Pilani, which selected them for ₹15 lakh funding under the 'Womenpreneur for Bharat 2.0 program'.

How it works

The process begins with artisans crafting Longpi jars by hand, using a paste of ground serpentine stone and brown clay. These jars are then sun-dried, fired, and polished with pine leaves to achieve their unique sheen. Once the jars are ready, they are filled with scented soy wax to create candles. Soy wax, being a renewable and biodegradable plant-based product, is eco-friendly and burns 50% slower than paraffin wax, making the candles more cost-effective. The combination of traditional craftsmanship and sustainable materials results in a product that is both culturally significant and environmentally friendly.

Applications

The aesthetically pleasing design of the Longpi jars makes these candles a stylish addition to any home.

• Gifts: The unique combination of traditional craftsmanship and eco-friendly materials makes these candles an ideal gift for environmentally conscious consumers.

• Cultural Preservation: By purchasing these candles, consumers support the preservation of the Tangkhul tribe's traditional Longpi pottery craft.

• Sustainable Living: The use of soy wax and reusable pottery jars aligns with sustainable living practices, appealing to eco-conscious consumers.