The Story of BLF Private Label: Over 100 Years of Expertise in Candles and Ambient Fragrance

A candle-making expertise cultivated over decades, evolving into one of the leading manufacturers in the world of candles and fragrances.

Since 1902, BLF Private Label has embodied French excellence in the candle and fragrance industry. From its artisanal roots to its position as an industrial leader in contract manufacturing, the company has successfully combined tradition and innovation to support both small and large brands in developing their home fragrance lines.

It all began in Cholet, in western France, with the creation of Bougies la Française, a family-run company driven by a passion for wax and fragrance. Initially artisanal, the business grew over the decades, fueled by a love for the craft, technical precision, and a taste for refinement. The quality of the products quickly attracted a diverse clientele: decorators, perfumers, and specialized distributors.

In 2018, the excellence of this expertise was recognized with the Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant (EPV) label, an award granted by the French government to companies with exceptional artisanal and industrial skills.

In response to growing demand from brands wishing to launch their own candle and ambient fragrance collections, the company created a dedicated B2B (Business to Business) entity: BLF Private Label. This strategic shift marked the beginning of a new era: the manufacturing of custom candles designed to meet the specific needs of luxury brands, mass-market perfumery, fashion, and retail. Today, BLF Private Label has become a leading manufacturer of personalized candles and diffusers in France and globally, offering a complete service from creative brief to turnkey manufacturing.

To ensure impeccable quality and high responsiveness, BLF Private Label relies on a fully integrated industrial system, spread across several factories in France (Carquefou, Cugand, Bourgtheroulde, Limoges). This industrial network allows for flexibility, production capacity, and complete control over the manufacturing process. Clients benefit from a state-of-the-art machine park:

• 3 semi-automated candle filling lines
• 5 automated candle filling lines with automatic cartoner
• 1 manual pouring line for small series of handmade candles
• 3 manual pouring lines for decorative candles
• 3 decorative candle presses, scented or not
• 1 line dedicated to cosmetic candles
• 3 liquid packaging lines for sprays, bouquets, refills
• 1 packaging line for automatic gift set production (candle x diffuser)
• 1 line for ceramic impregnation (dry diffusers)

Each type of product – molded candles, poured candles, car diffusers, ambient sprays, gift sets – is produced in compliance with the strictest standards, with full traceability and rigorous quality controls at each stage.

At BLF Private Label, innovation is not limited to production lines: it is also reflected in a strong CSR commitment and exemplary regulatory expertise.

Products are developed in compliance with the most stringent European standards (EN15426, EN15493, EN15494), including systematic tests on combustion, soot emission, flame height, and fragrance miscibility.

Each client receives expert support on CLP (Classification, Labelling, and Packaging) regulation and product labeling. Analytical tools such as LCA (Life Cycle Analysis) and the BLF-Ecoscore® indicator help optimize the environmental footprint of developed ranges.

Staying true to its excellence DNA, BLF Private Label has begun a transformation toward Industry 4.0, with digital tools designed to accelerate and streamline clients’ projects.

• A 3D configurator developed with Sketchfab and EPIC allows clients to visualize their candle in a realistic 3D render in real time from the initial brief stage.
• Mixed reality is used to co-develop projects remotely, from the initial brief to prototype validation.
• Digitized tracking tools ensure agile management of orders, stock, and logistics flows.

These tools available to clients enable deep customization and provide significant responsiveness throughout the development process.

In over 100 years, BLF Private Label has built strong partnerships with French and international brands known for their high standards in quality, design, and fragrance.

This trust is built on a results-driven culture, uncompromising quality commitment, and the ability to turn a creative vision into a high-performing finished product.

Present at major trade shows (Maison & Objet, PLMA, Luxe Pack…), the company continues to showcase its expertise internationally.

Combining artisanal heritage, industrial power, and responsible innovation, BLF Private Label is more than just a candle manufacturer: it is a human-sized partner for all brands looking to design scented candles and fragrance products that reflect their image. Do you have a project? BLF Private Label offers its unique expertise to turn your ideas into exceptional products.