A Leeds-based organic candle manufacturer has marked its most successful year yet and is setting ambitious plans for the future.
Skär Organics, headquartered in Meanwood, recorded a 100% year-on-year increase in candle production and saw a surge in international trade, with US consumers now comprising a third of its overall customer base. The company is now looking to scale up operations and raise awareness of its sustainable candle production methods.
Founded in 2019 by Batley-born entrepreneur Fraser Malyk, Skär Organics is the UK’s – and possibly Europe’s – only producer of certified organic candles. Frustrated by the lack of legitimate organic options in the market, Fraser set out to create candles that met strict organic certification standards.
In 2025, Skär Organics’ beeswax candles remain the first and only candles certified as ‘organic’ by the Soil Association. Every aspect of production, from ingredients like dyes, scents, and beeswax to the company’s sourcing and purchasing processes, has passed rigorous annual assessments. The brand name, derived from Old Norse, means ‘pure’ or ‘clean’—a reflection of its ethos and a nod to the region’s Viking heritage.
Speaking about the company’s impressive growth, founder Fraser Malyk said: “We’re incredibly delighted with how far we’ve come over the past year. Expanding into new markets in America has been a true highlight – proof of the passion and care we put into each and every candle. As we move forward, we’re committed to keeping that momentum going and looking ahead to what promises to be an even more exciting year.”
Fraser also highlighted the meticulous craftsmanship involved in creating their candles and the importance of educating consumers about misleading ‘organic’ claims in the market.
“Every candle is essentially ‘invented’ – there’s no off-the-shelf style or formula for our organic formulations. It’s all about mastery, skill and a little frustration. As pioneers in this field, we were navigating uncharted territory from the start,” he said.
“A big incentive for us is to educate consumers on what ‘organic’, ‘natural’ and ‘environmentally friendly’ candles – and products more broadly – truly entail. For example, soy and rapeseed used in candle wax undergo hydrogenation, a process that’s prohibited under organic standards, as it’s not natural. These are often marketed as ‘natural’ and ‘organic’, but the reality is they are not.
“Some products may appear natural and are sold as such, but it’s a tangled, often misleading marketplace. I’d say 90-95% of people – and even marketers – don’t realise that what they’re buying and selling isn’t truly ‘organic’ or ‘natural’. It’s a problem, but one we’re determined to solve. We’ll keep fighting the good fight, and our fantastic growth so far is a sign we’re heading in the right direction.”
Looking to build on its success, Skär Organics has tentative plans to double the size of its current premises while remaining in the Leeds area. The brand will also be showcasing its products at numerous exhibitions throughout 2025, including Europe’s largest trade fair for the sector, set to take place in Paris in September.
