| Beeswax thermal profile |
Beeswax commonly melts at approximately 62–65°C. Candle deformation may occur well below the melting point when prolonged heat softens the wax. |
Treat sustained exposure above 40°C as a heat-risk condition and use rigid support, ventilation, and temperature monitoring. |
Review wax specification and conduct a controlled heat-exposure test on the finished candle. |
| Inner packaging |
A close-fitting carton or molded insert should limit movement and prevent contact between candles during vibration and handling. |
Use dividers, paperboard sleeves, or molded pulp supports around the candle body and wick area. |
Check fit, compression, abrasion, and product displacement after simulated handling. |
| Outer shipping carton |
Corrugated fiberboard protects against stacking and impact, but its strength decreases when exposed to high humidity or moisture. |
Select a suitable board grade, minimize empty space, use edge protection, and seal cartons against moisture ingress. |
Perform carton compression, vibration, drop, and humidity-conditioning tests based on the shipment profile. |
| Pallet configuration |
Pallet loads are exposed to compression, vibration, tilting, and shifting during truck, rail, air, or ocean transport. |
Use a level pallet base, aligned cartons, corner boards, stretch film, and straps that do not crush the candle cartons. |
Inspect pallet stability and measure carton deformation after vibration and restraint testing. |
| Temperature exposure above 40°C |
Containers, trailers, warehouses, and loading areas can experience temperatures above ambient conditions, especially in direct sunlight. |
Avoid direct sunlight, use shaded staging areas, reduce dwell time, and select temperature-controlled transport for high-risk routes. |
Place temperature data loggers at the top, center, and outer edges of representative cartons. |
| Thermal barrier materials |
Reflective films and insulated liners reduce radiant and conductive heat transfer but do not actively cool the shipment. |
Use insulated pallet covers, reflective outer wraps, or thermal liners with sufficient air space where appropriate. |
Compare internal temperature profiles with and without the barrier under the planned route conditions. |
| Container loading |
Container sidewalls and roofs can transfer heat, while tightly packed cargo can restrict airflow and increase localized heat accumulation. |
Keep cartons away from direct container walls when feasible, avoid over-compression, and maintain a stable load pattern. |
Review loading diagrams and compare logger results from wall-side, center, and door-side positions. |
| Humidity and condensation |
Temperature changes may cause condensation, which can weaken paper packaging and affect labels or surface appearance. |
Use moisture-resistant outer packaging, desiccant where suitable, and avoid sealing visibly wet products. |
Conduct humidity exposure and packaging inspection tests before dispatch. |
| Temperature monitoring |
Single-use or reusable data loggers can record temperature history during international transport. |
Use calibrated loggers with recorded start time, stop time, location, and shipment reference. |
Review maximum temperature, exposure duration, and logger position against the approved acceptance criteria. |
| Shipping route selection |
Long transit times and outdoor handling increase cumulative exposure to heat, sunlight, vibration, and humidity. |
Prioritize shorter transit routes, covered handling, seasonal planning, and reduced transfer points for hot-weather shipments. |
Create a route risk assessment using transit time, climate, handling stages, and historical temperature data. |
| Pre-shipment quality inspection |
Finished candles should have a stable shape, centered wick, clean surface, secure packaging, and legible handling marks. |
Photograph pallet condition, carton labels, seal integrity, and representative candle appearance before loading. |
Record inspection results and retain samples for comparison at destination. |
| Destination handling |
Cargo may remain on docks, in vehicles, or in receiving areas after arrival, extending total heat exposure. |
Move shipments promptly into a cool, dry, shaded storage area and avoid placing cartons near heaters or windows. |
Inspect for softened wax, leaning pillars, surface marks, carton deformation, and moisture damage. |
