On January 28, 2026, the time had come: at the Ideenfabrik in the Alte Tuchfabrik in Euskirchen, the Euskirchen district presented the Social Entrepreneur Award – a prize for sustainable and socially engaged companies and organizations from the region. And we were right in the middle of it.
A Pitch Like on "Shark Tank"
During the award ceremony, we had the opportunity to present our vision on stage. Our pitch: how we turn candle remnants that would otherwise end up in the trash into high-quality recycled candles, while creating jobs for people who struggle to find a foothold in the regular labor market. The jury was impressed – a comparison to "Shark Tank" was made, which naturally delighted us.
What the Award Means to Us
The Social Entrepreneur Award is more than a trophy. It's a confirmation that our model works: ecological benefit and social impact go hand in hand. For a young company from Weilerswist that not so long ago started with a simple idea, it's an incredible boost of motivation.
At the same time, the award gives us visibility. In the Euskirchen region, we're no longer just "the candle people" but a recognized social enterprise with a clear mission. That opens doors – to new partners, collection points, and supporters.
Thank You to Everyone Who Makes This Possible
This award doesn't belong to us alone. It belongs to all the collection point partners who regularly gather wax remnants. To the supporters who believe in our idea. And to the team that works every day to create something valuable from leftovers. We look forward to everything that's yet to come.
The full report is available to read at the Kölnische Rundschau.