“Homboon Aun Lok” (literally meaning “Fragrance of Merit, Warmth to the World”) is a natural incense and candle product created by students from the Environmental Science and Technology Program, Faculty of Science and Technology, Rajamangala University of Technology Phra Nakhon (RMUTP). The project stems from their desire to apply academic knowledge and practical skills to develop useful innovations for local communities. By integrating lessons related to art and culture, the students successfully developed incense and candles made entirely from biodegradable natural materials that are environmentally friendly, burn longer with a steady flame, emit a pleasant fragrance, and are safe for health. The students have donated their products to Wat Nakhon In Temple for further religious use.
Ms.Naphat Seneewong Na Ayutthaya (Milk), a second-year student in Environmental Science and Technology and the project representative, shared that incense and candles are long-standing symbols of religious faith. However, the incomplete combustion during their use often produces smoke and fine particulate matter harmful to both health and the environment. To address this, the team developed “Homboon” natural incense — a smokeless incense made from eco-friendly materials that ensure cleaner burning. These include charcoal powder, calcium carbonate, bamboo sticks, and rubber tree powder. Laboratory testing showed that the product produces very little to almost no smoke while maintaining its intended fragrance. It is environmentally safe and helps reduce PM 2.5 emissions from traditional burning processes, making it suitable for indoor use.
This innovative work was carried out as part of the Ecology course, under the supervision of Dr.Phatrika Soongsombat, Head of the Environmental Science and Technology Program, and Assoc. Prof. Dr.Duangrutai Nikomrat, who served as the project advisor.
Ms. Naphat Seneewong Na Ayutthaya further explained about the “Aun Lok” (Warmth to the World) candle, highlighting its uniqueness: the candle is made from soy wax, a natural product derived from soybean oil. The process involves transforming liquid oil into solid wax. When burned, it produces cleaner combustion and emits minimal black smoke. Due to its low melting point, soy wax quickly melts into a pool of oil, allowing the fragrance of essential oils to diffuse more effectively.
In actual use, the candle is safe for health, smoke-free, free from harmful chemicals, easy to clean, and environmentally friendly. Naphat expressed her pride in being able to apply classroom knowledge to develop a solution for an everyday environmental problem—reducing pollution caused by traditional incense and candle burning. “Although this may be just a small beginning,” she said, “if everyone becomes aware and takes environmental issues seriously, pollution can be reduced in the future.” The “Homboon Aun Lok” project — Natural Incense and Candle Products — was carried out by a dedicated student team consisting of Mr.Natthawut Prachanban, Ms.Phitchayada Thirawut, Ms Naphat Seneewong Na Ayutthaya, Mr.Norawit Jaijorn, Ms.Kanyavee Janthawong, Ms.Yosita Yiamphanit, Ms.Sirapassorn Mainak, Ms.Alisa Narintorn, and Mr.Kritchasak Weerasuk
