What’s New in Our Trench Candle Production?
Last year, we launched serial production of trench candles, started wax donation campaigns, and managed to secure enough wax for larger-scale production. We continue this mission into the new year.
Wax Collection
The wax we use comes from generous donors:
– Schools (thank you, Eva),
– Parishes,
– Individuals who drop it off or send it to us (thank you, Kateřina),
– And we’ve also started recycling wax that would otherwise end up in landfills (thank you, Jirka P. and Adam).
Tins
Our tin supplier in Slovakia, Silgan, continues to support us by donating tins free of charge.
(Thank you, Jirka B.)
Cardboard for Wicks
We purchase cardboard for wick-making at CZK 8/kg.
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4 kg = wicks for 400 candles
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Cardboard cost for 100 candles = CZK 8 (labor excluded)
Thanks to Martin, we’ve streamlined and optimized this part of production.
Production Space: Still Cramped
We’re still assembling candles in a tight garage space, juggling between candle materials, humanitarian supplies, and finished goods.
We’re looking for a better location—but for now, we’re pushing forward, holding public events when possible, and improvising to maintain production speed.
A Friend in Need...
Unfortunately, one organization that did not support us was ČEZ, the energy provider.
At the end of 2023 and early 2024, we reached out asking for help with the high electricity costs for wax melting.
We received a denial—and a bill instead.
We Didn’t Give Up!
Thanks to Adam, we found a solution:
We opened a new workshop in Jirny, where we now melt wax using wood-burning stoves—fueled by leftover pallet wood that we collect for free.
We’re now working the old-fashioned way—but it's energy-efficient and cost-effective.
Though less ecological in terms of energy source, we now process waste materials like leftover tealight wax and contaminated wax from donations—over 270 liters so far (an entire bin of aluminum casings).
What We Can Do Now
We’re now able to produce hundreds of candles per week.
Our only real limit is time.
Thanks to the good people who help us, material and energy costs are almost zero.
We’re doing our best to maximize our support for Ukraine with what we have.
Together toward victory!
We will endure – because we must. Because we want a better world for our children.
СЛАВА УКРАЇНІ! ГЕРОЯМ СЛАВА!
Glory to Ukraine! Glory to the heroes!
