Why CandleXchange Chose to Certify as a Social Enterprise with Social Traders
At CandleXchange, our journey has always been about more than just creating delightful, sustainable home fragrances. From the beginning, we have been deeply committed to reducing our environmental impact while supporting the vulnerable members of our community. This dual focus on people and the planet has been the cornerstone of our business model. Today, we are excited to share why we chose to take the next step in our journey by certifying as a social enterprise with Social Traders.
Our Commitment to People and Planet
When we launched CandleXchange in 2021, our mission was clear: to make the luxury of home fragrances more affordable, contribute zero landfill and be accessible for everyone. Our innovative 'Return & Swap' model not only promotes sustainability by encouraging customers to return and reuse their candle containers, but it also reduces waste significantly. Additionally, we have consistently supported local initiatives aimed at uplifting survivors of domestic violence and refugees, providing them with upcycled candles to light up their new homes.
Certification: A Natural Next Step
Given our existing commitments, obtaining certification from Social Traders was a natural progression for us. It didn't require a shift in our business practices or values; rather, it was a way to formally recognise and validate the work we were already doing. Certification didn't change how we do business because we already had people and the planet at the heart of our operations.
A Commitment to Giving Back
One of the key reasons we sought certification was to provide transparency and assurance to our customers. As part of our commitment, we have pledged to donate at least 50% of our profits to UpCandle, where customers drop off other brands candle containers, which are cleaned, refilled and donated to survivors of domestic violence and refugees. By partnering with Social Traders, we have an independent body that holds us accountable to this promise, ensuring that our customers can trust that their purchases are making a real difference.
The Growing Trend of Social Procurement
Our decision to certify also aligns with a broader trend in the business world: the increasing focus on social procurement. More organisations are recognising the importance of purchasing goods and services from socially responsible enterprises. This shift reflects a growing awareness that businesses can be a force for good, contributing to positive social and environmental outcomes.
By certifying with Social Traders, CandleXchange positions itself at the forefront of this movement, demonstrating to our customers and partners that we are committed to sustainable and ethical practices. We believe that this certification will not only enhance our credibility but also inspire other businesses to follow suit.
Looking Ahead
As we move forward, we are excited about the opportunities that certification brings. We will continue to innovate, offering our customers high-quality, sustainable home fragrances while making a positive impact in our community. Our certification with Social Traders is not just a badge of honour; it is a testament to our ongoing commitment to people and the planet.
Thank you for being part of the CandleXchange journey. Together, we can create a brighter, more sustainable future for everyone.
Join the Movement
We invite you to join us in this movement towards greater social responsibility. By choosing CandleXchange, you are not only getting a beautifully crafted, eco-friendly product but also supporting a business dedicated to making a difference. Let's light the way to a better world, one candle at a time.
Our partners sharing what it means to them too
ReLove's Free Store is a safe place for people in crisis to shop for everything they need to furnish their new home. We provide furniture to help people restart their lives with the agency to choose how they want to live.
The donated candles from CandleXchange have been a wonderful addition to our homewares on offer. Each candle symbolises a fresh start and brings a sense of warmth and peace to our clients' new spaces.
CandleXchange’s commitment to sustainability and community support aligns perfectly with our values. Their beautiful, eco-friendly candles not only brighten homes but also uplift spirits during a significant life change.
We are deeply grateful for this partnership and the positive impact it has on our clients. Together, we are creating brighter futures. Jacqui Goodridge, ReLove
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At Kind Regards, we are dedicated to curating gift hampers that not only delight our clients but also make a positive impact on the world. Bundling products from social enterprises like CandleXchange with other socially responsible brands in our gift hampers aligns perfectly with our mission to promote ethical consumerism.
CandleXchange’s commitment to sustainability and community support makes their candles a perfect addition to our hampers. By including their beautifully crafted, eco-friendly candles, we offer our clients a product that stands for more than just quality—it represents a commitment to reducing environmental impact and supporting vulnerable members of our community.
Our clients appreciate the thoughtful selection and the story behind each product. Choosing to bundle CandleXchange with other social enterprises allows us to showcase the incredible work being done by these organisations, and it reinforces the idea that every purchase can contribute to meaningful change. This approach not only enhances the value of our gift hampers but also supports the growth and sustainability of social enterprises. Rachel Morris, Business Manager, Kind Regards
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