The Truth About Stockmar Crayons Ingredients

I owe my readers, as well as the other companies featured in my recent post on non-toxic beeswax and soy crayons a very big apology.  I do my best to research things as thoroughly as possible, and almost always double check things first with companies or at the very least find it in writing on their website.  But everyone makes mistakes, and I made a large one. 

I was swept up in the hype of Stockmar crayons.  Loved by all, sold on many natural toy websites as "beeswax crayons"... I am stunned and thoroughly disappointed in myself that I didn't even notice that there is no mention of beeswax in their description on the actual stockmar website.  Perhaps the idea was subliminally planted there by the list to the left with the crayons that has "Beeswax Candles" listed below it, or maybe it was just an assumption that German products are traditionally made of the highest quality non-toxic, natural materials.  I usually don't make assumptions when reporting these things to my readers.  I am embarrassed and humbled, and believe me when I tell you that I learned my lesson!

I was alerted by an astute reader (thank you!) who commented that Stockmar is "full of petrochemicals."  I do my best to investigate all comments when I have the time, and that one really stood out to me.  I immediately checked the site, and my heart sank when I made the first discovery that I already mentioned, that I saw nothing about beeswax on their site in reference to their crayons.  Then I could find nothing through googling or otherwise on an ingredient list.  I found their product information files, and noticed that under their description of what "organic" ingredients could mean, they note things that come from oil or petroleum qualify. 

Here is what eats me about this whole thing.  They very well could be "non-toxic" as they claim, and I still support the fact that from a utilitarian standpoint, they are damn good crayons!  But...and this is a huge but...if you look at their website, you will see the same thing phrased a number of ways.  This is taken from the "Stockmar Quality" page - "one thing we can promise our customers - Stockmar products have no negative effects on health or on the environment."  I would like to challenge Stockmar to find some evidence for me that proves that petroleum based products "have no negative effects on the environment."

I have copied my correspondence with Stockmar below.  I added a question about the Artemis Plant Colour Pastel Crayons from the original post, when I realized they made them too.  On what I believe to be the manufacturer's website, it says, "the chalk pastels contain plant colour extracts bound with beeswax."  His response in regards to these crayons?  "the Artemis crayons don't contain beeswax at all."  You can read more below.  This has weighed so heavily on me all day I needed to publish this as soon as possible, and amend the original crayon post.

I feel a little taken, and while their crayons may indeed be harmless in toxicity, and they really ARE superior in performance, I feel like their lack of transparency on this issue is wrong, wrong, wrong.  My sincerest apologies to all of you! 

I hope you will all help me spread the word and share this with those who are familiar with their products.

Here are excerpts from the pdf he sent me, which I have been unable to find online anywhere.  I call it, "Excuses, Excuses, Excuses" where it is evident that achieving their superior color quality is their number one goal.  Perhaps some would disagree with me, but I'm not convinced by their explanations that using oil as a resource over beeswax is better for the environment.  THE EMAIL CORRESPONDENCE IS BELOW THESE EXCERPTS.

UPDATE 8/12/13: I heard from Stockmar today, and they have now posted this document on their website for everyone to see the ingredients!  You can find it here under "Stockmar wax colours: Product Features and Quality"  They also adjusted the description of the Artemis crayons on Mercurius website!  I would like to personally thank Stockmar for making the right decision here and making their ingredients available for everyone to see.

Why Stockmar uses paraffin (microcrystalline wax) in its wax crayons

Paraffin is broadly used due to its non-toxicity and water insolubility. It is often contained in ointments, skin creams and lip balms, and is even a principle component in many skin protection creams for small children.  Paraffin is also used in foodstuffs (sweets, chewing gum, wax coatings for cheese) and in medical applications (as an antidote for poison and as a laxative). The possibility of deposition in the human body only exists in the case of constant intake of the substance.

A constant intake is highly unlikely in the case of wax crayons.

According to expert opinion, however, the detrimental effect to health in the case of paraffin does not stem from any potential deposition, but through heating to high temperatures as this could release carcinogenic substances. Accordingly, hazards to health relate to people whose work, for example, involves heating paraffin for long periods and who breathe in the resulting vapours; which naturally does not apply to consumers of cosmetics, medication and wax crayons.

For our wax crayons, we use paraffin (microcrystalline waxes) with a high melting point, that is they first melt at a temperature of around 70 °C (158 °F). Can this happen with children’s wax crayons or even wax crayons that have been swallowed by kids? 70 °C? We don’t think so. The paraffin in our wax crayons have an extremely positive impact on colouring quality. In contrast to chalky fillers, they don’t dull the colours, but rather maintain the transparency and colour intensity.  Paraffin is produced as a by-product in oil refineries and, as a crude oil product, is naturally not a renewable resource. Nevertheless, we currently have no viable alternative to paraffin that would be resourceconserving and ecologically friendly and at the same time maintain the colouring quality of the product to the extent of the high melting paraffin we use.

 

Stockmar wax colours: product features and quality

 

Other frequently used resources that are eagerly touted as renewable, such as soy and palm oil, do not produce the same product quality and in our opinion are not ecologically friendly. As a result of the increase in global demand, they lead to the creation of monocultures, in turn prompting the clearing of rainforests and disappearance of areas used for agriculture, with all the resulting negative ecological and social consequences.

Why Stockmar Wax Crayons contain 10% beeswax – no more and no less

Stockmar wax crayons contain 10% natural beeswax, which provides the right degree of transparency and gives off a pleasant beeswax scent. In addition, the essential oils in beeswax have a preserving effect, enabling us to completely abstain from using preservatives in our wax crayons. A proportion of beeswax in wax crayons that is appreciably higher than 10% would have a negative impact on colouring quality. Too little colour would be produced and the actual colour of the beeswax would distort the colour shades. As a consequence, the use of a higher proportion is not necessary.

Beeswax has advertising appeal: it’s natural, ‘renewable’, smells good and everyone admires and loves bees. Beeswax – what kind of substance is it exactly? It is a precious and limited natural product. In the interests of bees, whose numbers are under threat worldwide, any use of beeswax should be acutely conscious, measured and responsible. Any beekeeping geared towards increasing beeswax production would not constitute natural beekeeping and would have ominous consequences from an ecological perspective.

Why use more beeswax in our crayons if it wouldn’t enhance the product quality and would only unnecessarily consume a precious natural product?  That is precisely why Stockmar consciously uses 10% beeswax for its wax crayons.

Visit www.mellifera.de (most parts only in German) for more interesting information on beeswax and bees.

EMAIL CORRESPONDENCE (I have obviously removed my personal email address):
__________________________________________________________________________
Gesendet: Donnerstag, 8. August 2013 00:21:54
An: info@stockmar.de
Betreff: crayon ingredients
Diese Nachricht wurde automatisch von einer Regel weitergeleitet.

Can you please give me the ingredients of your crayons?

Thanks,
Amy 

__________________________________________________________________________

 

From:	karin.schmidt@stockmar.de
Sent:	Thu 8/08/13 1:22 AM

Dear Amy,

on the side www.stockmar.de you find productsinformation.

So you can download them.

Sincerely

Karin Schmidt 

Hans Stockmar GmbH & Co. KG

Borsigstrasse 7

24568 Kaltenkirchen

Tel. 04191-8009-0

Fax 04191-8009-22

http://www.stockmar.de  

__________________________________________________________________________

Sent:	Thu 8/08/13 10:29 AM
To:	karin.schmidt@stockmar.de (karin.schmidt@stockmar.de)

Karin,

That doesn't give the specific ingredients. I saw that and it says if you'd like further information to contact you, which is what I'm doing. I'd like to know what the specific ingredients are in your crayons?

thank you,
amy

___________________________________________________________________________

From:	stefan.rueter@stockmar.de
Sent:	Thu 8/08/13 10:47 AM

 

Hi Amy,

a short answer to your request is:

Stockmar Wax Crayons and Blocks - Ingredients

Ingredient	% approx.
Paraffin (microcrystalline waxes)	52
Stearin (plant based waxes)	30
Beeswax	10
Synthetic organic and/or synthetic inorganic colour pigments	8 or more

Hans Stockmar GmbH & Co. KG
Borsigstr. 7
24568 Kaltenkirchen

fon +49 4191 8009-0
fax +49 4191 8009-22

stockmar@ibis-project.de
www.stockmar.de

__________________________________________________________________________

Sent:	Thu 8/08/13 12:20 PM
To:	stefan.rueter@stockmar.de (stefan.rueter@stockmar.de)

 

Can you tell me what the "Synthetic organic and/or synthetic inorganic colour pigments " are?

thanks!

__________________________________________________________________________________

Hi Amy,

concerning Stockmar colour pigments:

Synthetic organic means petrol based, i.e. different hydrocarbon compounds. (Yes, these hydrocarbon compounds have a great range of colours.)

Synthetic inorganic means mineral based. Of our colours only white and ultramarine blue are inorganic.

Concerning Artemis and beeswax: The Artemis crayons don't contain beeswax at all. They contain paraffin, japanwax and almond oil.

Find attached a pdf in which we clarify a little bit our understanding of beeswax and how we use it in our products. There you can seee that we have good reasons (quality reasons as well as sustainability and ecological considerations) not to use too much of it.

viele Grüße von
Stefan

___________________________________________________________________________________________

 

Stefan,

Isn't this your manufacturer's website for the Artemis crayons? Why does it state they are "bound with beeswax?" 

http://www.mercurius-international.com/product_info.php?cPath=21_37&products_id=2698&language=en

Amy
____________________________________________________________________________________________

Hi Amy,

our manufacturer website for Artemis is www.artemis-pflanzenfarben.de

The information with the beeswax as an ingredient in the Artemis Plant Colour Crayons on the Mercurius website seems to be corrected now.

I've read your entry from Friday August 9^thabout Stockmar in your blog The Mindful Home. I understand that you criticize the fact that we haven't published the information document which I'd sent to you on our website. I'm sorry for that. To catch up with that we've published it now also on our website:

http://www.stockmar.de/index.php?ccPath=21_61&language=en

Thank you that you've also published (at least part of) our point of view in your blog entry. And for all who are interested in more information from our side in our Wax Crayons, please read the documents listed on the page mentioned above, especially "Stockmar wax colours: product features and quality".

viele Grüße von
Stefan

 

 

Non-Toxic Crayons

The second most popular question posted on the facebook natural toys buy/sell/trade group is regarding non-toxic crayons (the first is about play kitchens, and you can find my post on those here).  Time and time again, the moms there respond with the same #1 crayon recommendation.  Most commercial crayons are made with paraffin, a petroleum based wax that is not easily biodegradable, and others may have questionable ingredients.  In the past there have been recalls and warnings for lead, asbestos, and most recently, mercury in crayons.  Here is a list of brands made with safe, natural ingredients and beeswax or soy wax instead of paraffin.  It is worth noting that beeswax has greater durability than soy wax, so beeswax crayons are less likely to break.

[UPDATE: I am leaving this post as originally written with the exception of adding this.  While Stockmar may be highly recommended for being great crayons with vibrant color, they are, in fact, MOSTLY PARAFFIN.  I found this out after writing this post, and you can read all about my findings, my sincerest apologies, and more here.  Stockmar do NOT satisfy the criteria of being either "beeswax" or soy crayons in my mind, as they are only 10% beeswax, 52% paraffin and 30% plant based stearin wax.  According to their emails, the Artemis crayons contain NO BEESWAX AT ALL, despite being listed on what I believe to be their manufacturer's site as being "bound by beeswax."]

NO LONGER "HIGHLY RECOMMENDED" - see update directly above

Stockmar

The winner of all conversations regarding non-toxic crayons is always Stockmar.  Parents far and wide hold them in high regard, and with good reason.  Made in Germany, these beeswax crayons are unparalleled in brilliant, vibrant color.  They are available in blocks and the traditional crayon shape, in a variety of sizes and combination sets.  I cannot personally attest to the durability of the traditional crayons, but we have owned the blocks for over two years now.  They have been tossed repeatedly, and used frequently, yet not one has sustained a break, and I would say they have maybe 85% left to them, so I imagine they will be used for many years to come.  As long as you can manage to keep track of them, these crayons are worth every penny.  They are long lasting and have gorgeous color.


OTHER OPTIONS:

NOTE: I have no personal experience with these "OTHER OPTIONS"- I'm merely reporting my findings of other beeswax and soy brands.  Please see the "RECOMMENDED WITH RESERVATIONS, NOT RECOMMENDED and DIY" sections for input on others I have used.



Honey Sticks

These are made in New Zealand of beeswax and non-toxic pigments.  Their short, stubby shape is designed to give an easier grip for small hands, and also prevent breakage.  I just received email confirmation from Honey Sticks that no other waxes are used, and they are made with 100% beeswax.




Clear Hills Honey Company

USA made beeswax crayons that contain USA made non-toxic pigments and clays.  These crayons are made with 100% beeswax.




ÖkoNorm Nawaro Beeswax Crayons

Made in Germany of 25% pure beeswax and vegetable and plant based waxes, these crayons are free of petroleum.  They also contain oils and stearine, lanolin, kaolin and organic pigments.  These are more readily available in Europe and Australia, the crayons carried by Stubby Pencil Studio are the same crayons, they just have slightly different packaging.



Old Mill Candles (Etsy) Jumbo Handmade

These are made primarily with beeswax, with a little soy wax added and they are colored with food grade pigments.  The 8 colors (rainbow + black and brown) and handmade and come in this canvas case.

Wee Can Too Veggie Crayons

The general consensus about these crayons seems to be that they make an excellent first crayon for those concerned about children putting them in their mouths.  However, the colors and markings are not as great as other crayons, so these are great if your focus is primarily on ingredient safety.  They are made with organic soy wax and are colored with organic fruit and vegetable powders.  They are also made in the USA.



Artemis Plant Colour Pastel Crayons

According to this Mothering.com review, these are softer than traditional crayons and feel more like an oil pastel.  They have natural waxes and plant pigments and are made in Germany.
SEE UPDATE ABOVE!  THESE ARE NOT BEESWAX CRAYONS EITHER!



 eco-crayons by eco-kids®

These crayons are available in six colors, made in the USA with 25% beeswax and 75%  fruit, plant and vegetable extracts. 




Earth Grown Crayons on Etsy

These handmade crayons are made of soy wax and are tinted with non-toxic minerals and organic pigments.  They come in a variety of shapes, colors and sizes. 



RECOMMENDED WITH RESERVATIONS:

Brilliant Bee Beeswax Crayons by International Arrivals

These seem like they would be an affordable option, and were recently given to us by some wonderful friends for my daughter's birthday.  The colors are quite vibrant and beautiful, and while I cannot fully attest to their durability since we just received them days ago, they seem thick and strong and I don't foresee breakage to be an issue.  My only reservation is that they are made in China, and their ingredients are not explicitly noted.  I'm still waiting on a response from the company for more information, and will update if I receive any.

Faber-Castell Jumbo Beeswax Crayons

I have had some parents contact me and say that they love these crayons, and they are more affordable than some of their competitors.  However, I have been in contact with Faber-Castell and they have not been very forth coming with their ingredients, but at least they responded, unlike the the maker of the crayons directly above.  The most I got out of them is that they are made in China, the beeswax is sourced in China, and "the additional raw materials are palm oil based," but they do not contain petroleum/paraffin.  Something to consider is that like petroleum, palm oil comes with its own set of environmental issues like deforestation and the consequential diminishing orangutan population.  When I inquired about the pigments, I was told, "I am unable to provide that information as it is proprietary." 


NOT RECOMMENDED:

Crayon Rocks®

A great concept, but besides the fact that these need to be used with older children because they are a choking hazard (despite that they are designed to fit in very small hands), they are not impressively vibrant, and most importantly, these have been the least durable crayons we've owned.  I swear if you look at them wrong they will break!  In a matter of a few months we were left with nothing but shards.  Maybe if you had a much older child who could take good care of them, but again, these are very small so I'm not sure how ergonomic they'd be for a larger child. 



Clementine Art Natural Crayons

These soy crayons had great color, but again, broke very, very quickly.  Not durable and in my opinion, not worth the money.  They also make crayons in a rock shape, but given my experience with their brand as well as rock shapes of another brand, I'd be very skeptical about those as well. 


P'Kolino

When I contacted P'Kolino regarding more specifics on the ingredients listed as "color wax" and "natural ingredients" for these crayons that are advertised as "non-toxic" and touted that they are made in Europe, I received this response: "Here is the list of ingredients in our crayons: wax, metallic stearates, carbonates, polietilene, pigments" I pressed them about what type of wax, and got no response.  Upon further investigation, "polietilene" is polyethylene!  Not only is polyethylene petroleum based, but I don't know about you but I wouldn't want my child eating plastic if they happened to gnaw on it. 


DIY:

For those willing to try making your own, Wee Folk Art has a great tutorial.  I ended up having to make similar adjustments that are noted in the comments.  Unfortunately, it was long ago so I can't remember exactly what I did, but I believe it was that I had to add a little bit of water to hold the emulsion.  They came out decent, but I had to wait to use them until my daughter was a little older (she was only a year old) because they were harder than store bought crayons so you needed to apply more pressure.  I already had beeswax on hand, and any number of things can be used for molds, but I purchased this mold and it was very useful.  I figured it could be used for homemade candy in the future.  I didn't want to spend anymore money, so I used my mom's food dyes from her large collection for cake decorating.  However, there are natural pigments and dyes available if you're interested.  This is the photo of our results.