Upcycling candle business helping to promote tourism on the North Coast

An upcycling candle business is aiming to promote tourism at Northern Ireland’s North Coast. 

Candle Bottle Bank, founded during the pandemic, holds the value of educating the public and tourists on keeping the environmental landscape of the North Coast clean while promoting the picturesque landscape. 

A business value of Candle Bottle Bank is upcycling. This is the act of taking an object or product which no longer is in use or has lost its purpose, turning this object or product into something new and with a new function or purpose. 

The environmental benefits of upcycling include it reduces landfill waste, supporting local and actively doing your bit for the environment.  

Patrick, of Candle Bottle Bank, said they get all their bottles from the Deanes' Restaurants. 

He said: “We were actually at a birthday party which took place at the Deanes at Queens restaurant last summer and saw that they had some pretty cool bottles. We decided to ask the manager if they would be able to keep some bottles for us and showed them some photos of our candles. This led us securing a supply of bottles from Deane’s restaurants which has been so helpful for our business.”

The Co-Founders of Candle Bottle Bank grew up visiting the North Coast frequently.

They explain: “When we think of the North Coast, we think of a feeling of calmness. We have both been lucky enough to go up to the north coast with our families from a young age and associate it with being a second home that helps us to take some time out, relax and be at one with nature.

“We would describe our Causeway Coast range candles as a slice of the Causeway Coast, in candle form, that either tourists who are visiting Northern Ireland or local people who live here can have in their home, as a reminder of the scenic beaches of the North Coast when they cant be there in person.”

Self reflecting on their own childhood memories on the North Coast, spending countless hours outside on the beaches and on the beautiful landscapes, - they hope to ‘inspire’ children to be outside rather than be on technology.

Co-founder Patrick explains: “I used to collect shells along the North Coast from a young age, so it is so nice that we are now able to do this through our business.”

A business idea which was born from the love of the North Coast and built upon with the memories of collecting shells as a child. Candle Bottle Bank is only getting started. 

Candle Bottle Banks has previously attended the Creatives Collective Market in Belfast - which gives small businesses the opportunity to reach new or existing customers.

“In 2023 we aim to continue to grow our business as much as we can. Customers can expect a new range of candles, a continued increase in our online presence, and collaborations with new stockists. We will also be attending more craft fairs to help get our brand out there,” they said, adding: “We are always researching and collecting new found plastics.” 

You can stay updated on Instagram @thecandlebottlebank. Buyers can expect a range of high-quality candles promoting eco-friendly methods and tourism to Northern Ireland’s North Coast.