The Scented Candle: A Minimal and Functional Design Made in Germany

Uniquely Designed by Simon Freund

German designer Simon Freund has created a scented candle that stands out from the rest. With a focus on minimalism, functionality, and sustainability, this candle offers a unique experience for users.

The inspiration for this design came from Freund's desire to produce everything locally in Germany. After discovering a company in Limburg that produces Weißblech tins, Freund decided to use these tins as the main packaging for the candle. The label with the branding is not only informative but also serves as the packaging itself, eliminating the need for an extra box.

What sets this candle apart is its commitment to being entirely made in Germany. From the tin to the wick and the opener, every component, except the scent, is sourced and produced in Germany. This dedication to local production makes the candle truly unique in an industry where materials are often sourced worldwide.

The candle comes in a metal tin, which can be repurposed as a pen holder, ashtray, or similar item after use. It includes a special tin opener attached to a white leather cord, adding a touch of elegance and functionality. The candle is available in three different flavors: rosemary, mountain pine, and lemongrass.

The production process involves collaborating with various German companies. The Weißblech tin is made by a company in Limburg, while the label is printed by an old-school print company in Berlin. The wick is sourced from the westdeutsche Dochfabrik, a specialized wick producer in Germany. The wax used is rapswachs, blended with natural oils, and the scent is dependent on the origin of the fragrance, such as mountain pine from Tirol, Austria.

Operating the candle is an experience in itself. It requires opening with the custom opener, and before lighting, the label should be removed for aesthetic reasons, revealing the candle's simplistic design. Once the candle has burned down, the tin can be repurposed, adding to its sustainability.

Freund and his team faced several challenges during the design process. Finding a different approach to a scented candle, other than the traditional glass container, was a creative challenge. Additionally, producing everything in Germany proved to be difficult due to the limited number of manufacturers in the country. However, their commitment to environmental friendliness led them to source locally and find the most sustainable wax option.

Since its initial production run in Berlin, the scented candle has gained recognition for its unique design. It has been awarded the Iron A' Design Award in the Packaging Design category in 2015. This prestigious award recognizes well-designed, practical, and innovative creations that meet professional and industrial requirements.

Simon Freund's scented candle is not just a candle; it's a statement of German craftsmanship, functionality, and sustainability. With its minimal design, local production, and reusable packaging, this candle offers a truly unique and environmentally friendly experience for users.