Virtual Booth

Improper disposal of waste cooking oil contributes significantly to environmental issues such as water pollution, including water contamination, clogged drainage system, and potential fire hazards. This study presents a sustainable solution by formulating a candle using recycled cooking oil and lemongrass extract. The objective of this research is to formulate and evaluate an eco-friendly aromatherapy candle while assessing its performance characteristics.  The candle was produced by blending filtered used oil with soy wax, crayon for colouring, and lemongrass essence. Three different soy-wax-to-used cooking oil ratios were evaluated which are 50:50, 60:40, and 70:30. The results showed that the 70:30 ratio was the most effective because it provided the most effective performance in terms of scent intensity and fragrance retention. While the 50:50 ratio demonstrated the longest burn time which is 1 hour 40 minutes, it was too weak to release a noticeable fragrance. Although the 70:30 ratio produced a rougher surface due to faster cooling, it successfully trapped and released the lemongrass aroma more efficiently than the oil-heavy blends. In conclusion, the 70:30 soy wax-to-used cooking oil ratio is recommended as the optimal formulation for producing a functional and sustainable lemongrass-based candle. This study highlights the potential of recycling waste cooking oil into value-added products, contributing to environmental sustainability and waste reduction.