This is a guest article by Tom Briggs, Director at Woodcycle.
Woodcycle was started after recognising that large volumes of clean, usable pallet and packaging wood were being discarded, while most firelighters on the market were still made using kerosene, plastic packaging, or virgin raw materials.
The business was established to close that loop. By combining recycled FSC-certified wood waste with reclaimed candle wax that would otherwise go to landfill, the business set out to bring a better firelighter to the market.
What began as an idea is now a patented product being supplied nationally to retail stores, log merchants, and hospitality venues across the UK.
A New Generation of Firelighter
At the heart of Woodcycle’s product range is its patented Natural Firelighter Bag. Unlike traditional wood-wool or block firelighters, which are often messy, smelly or wrapped in plastic, the Natural Firelighter Bag contains the fuel inside a paper sachet making for a clean and easy to use product. The environmental benefits are central to the product’s design. Inside each sachet is a blend of FSC-certified recycled wood made from shredded pallets and packaging waste, while the wax is recovered from used candles collected from churches, hotels and wedding venue. The sachets themselves are made from FSC-certified filter paper normally used to make tea bags, and the outer packaging is FSC-certified and recyclable cardboard.
This “tea-bag style” format along with FSC-certified recycled wood and recycled candle wax makes the firelighters:
- Mess free
- Odour and chemical free
- Quick and easy to light
- Up to 10 minute burn time
- Only need one to light a fire
- Suitable for a wide range of appliances such as: log burners, open fires, BBQs and pizza ovens
Why FSC Certification Matters
From the outset, Woodcycle was built around responsible sourcing and transparency. Becoming FSC certified was therefore a natural step and an important strategic one.
FSC certification provides independent, globally recognised verification that the wood content in Woodcycle’s products comes from responsible sources and is handled through a properly controlled chain of custody. For Woodcycle, this wasn’t just about compliance it was about credibility.
The certification process helped formalise internal systems for traceability, supplier approval, and record-keeping, strengthening the company’s operational foundations as it scaled. For a small business, navigating the documentation and audit requirements initially posed a learning curve. However, we benefited from being part of an FSC group chain of custody scheme, which is designed to support smaller enterprises by reducing costs and simplifying the certification process through shared auditing under a single certificate. This approach makes it more affordable and accessible for small businesses to join FSC without bearing the full administrative and financial burden alone.
FSC certification has:
- Increased trust and confidence among retailers and commercial buyers
- Supported conversations with national chains and sustainability-focused distributors
- Differentiated the Natural Firelighter Bags in a crowded, commoditised market
Beyond Certification: Building a Circular Model
FSC certification is only one part of Woodcycle’s wider sustainability journey.
We prioritise:
- Local sourcing of pallet and packaging wood waste to reduce transport emissions
- Plastic-free, recyclable packaging
- Continuous product redesign to minimise material use
- Expansion of its candle-collection programme with businesses and organisations
Looking Ahead
Having recently increased our production capacity, the company is now exploring partnerships and licensing opportunities with larger manufacturers and international brands. This will enable our patented sachet technology to reach wider markets and help shift the market away from kerosene and plastic-based firelighter formats.
Visit the Woodcycle website to learn more.