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St. Eval Candles: Small Steps, Big Impact on Sustainability
Nestled on the North Cornish coast, St. Eval Candles is a shining example of how thoughtful, consistent action can create lasting environmental change. With over 70 team members and a strong focus on the independent gift trade, the company has built sustainability into every part of its business, from renewable energy and creative problem-solving to empowering staff to make small, meaningful changes.
Who is St. Eval?
St. Eval is a Cornish candle maker blending craft, creativity, and conscience. With a growing online presence and strong local partnerships, the business remains rooted in its community while embracing renewable energy through solar, wind, and biomass.
How self-sufficient is your energy use?
Today, St. Eval generates over 70% of its own power through solar panels, wind turbines, and biomass heating. This commitment reduces their carbon footprint while showing customers and partners what responsible business looks like in action.
Where did your sustainability journey begin?
Fifteen years ago, St. Eval began by examining its energy use, focusing first on achievable, high-impact steps. That initial wind turbine installation set the tone for everything that followed: thoughtful investment, long-term commitment, and steady progress.
How can sustainability inspire creativity?
A practical need for a water tank became an opportunity to create something beautiful. A pond that supports wildlife and reflects the company’s belief that environmental responsibility can go hand-in-hand with innovation.
How do you bring the team on board?
For St. Eval, sustainability is as much about people as it is about the planet. From improving recycling systems to encouraging team involvement, the company focuses on “hearts and minds”. Making change easy, visible, and shared by everyone.
Can sustainability save money too?
Yes, and St. Eval proves it. By partnering with a supplier who reuses and launders cleaning rags, the business reduced waste and costs. Every positive change benefits both the planet and the bottom line.
What advice would you give to other businesses?
Start small, find early wins, and build momentum. Success inspires teams, and measurable progress shows that even modest actions can drive meaningful, long-term change.
St. Eval’s story is a reminder that sustainability isn’t achieved overnight.
It’s the result of small, thoughtful steps taken consistently over time. By putting people, planet, and purpose at the heart of their operations, St. Eval continues to demonstrate what good business truly looks like.
