Kebondalem Village, Pemalang Regency — Who would have thot that used cooking oil, which is usually thrown away because it’s considered waste, can now be made into beautiful and fragrant aromatherapy candles? This creative idea comes from Rifa Aghniya Nabila, a student from the Thematic Community Service Program (KKNT) Team 163 at Diponegoro University, who invited the residents of Kebondalem Village to process used cooking oil waste into products with commercial value. This activity was held on August 7, 2025, at the Family Empowerment and Welfare Association (PKK) at Ibu Mulyati’s house, and was attended by residents who enthusiastically listened to the presentation on the use of used cooking oil. It’s usually just thrown away. “Oh, it turns out it can be made into such beautiful aromatherapy candles,” said one of the residents while looking at the example of an aromatherapy candle being shown.
The process of making aromatherapy candles begins by filtering used cooking oil using cheesecloth and activated charcoal to remove impurities and rancid odors. The cleaned oil is then mixed with stearic acid, colored, and scented with essential oils like vanilla, jasmine, or citrus. After being poured into molds and fitted with wicks, the mixture is left to solidify. The result is an aromatherapy candle with an attractive color and a soothing aroma. This activity also received guidance and support from the field supervisor lecturers, Ibu Sri Risdhiyanti Nuswantari, S.Tr.T., M.T., and Bapak Dr. Ir. Fahmi Arifan, S.T., M.Eng., M.M., IPM., ASEAN Eng., who consistently encouraged students to present simple yet beneficial innovations for the community. This innovation not only helps reduce pollution from waste oil disposal but also opens up opportunities for home-based businesses. The manufacturing process is simple and the production cost is relatively low. Aromatherapy candles are popular for decoration, gifts, and room fresheners. Thru creativity and environmental awareness, this KKNT program proves that simple ideas can have a significant positive impact. Waste cooking oil, which was once useless, can now be transformed into aromatherapy candles as a value-added and environmentally friendly product.