We’ve learned that we use a variety of products that come from bees—from honey to propolis to beeswax products. There is an infinite number of ways to incorporate bee products into daily life…and one of those ways is by using beeswax wraps!

What are beeswax wraps?

Beeswax wraps are wraps used in the kitchen to seal food products and food containers. They’re made out of pieces of fabric, usually organic cotton, with a layer of beeswax, pine resin, and jojoba or coconut oils to form a waxy, grippy coating.

Beeswax wraps are touted as easy, eco-friendly alternatives to plastic wraps because they are reusable, unlike plastic wrap, and are created from natural ingredients that aren’t harmful to the environment. Because beeswax wraps are tacky, allowing them to easily mould to a container opening or around food, they are touted to work just as well as plastic wrap, and they last longer—they can last up to a year with proper refreshing every few months.

When did beeswax wraps get so popular?

As the DIY community continues to flourishes, many people who seek to become more environmentally friendly and incorporate natural ingredients in their daily products gravitate toward making their own beeswax wraps.

Google Trends shows that the search for “beeswax wraps” started gaining traction in 2017 and continued increasing up until 2020. One of the earliest stores specializing in beeswax wraps, Bee’s Wrap, started in 2012, with several other stores—Meli Wraps, Superbee, Khala & Co., and The Beeswax Wrap Co.—popping up in 2015 and the following years.

How are beeswax wraps made?

Beeswax wraps are made using organic cotton, food-grade beeswax pellets, pine resin, and coconut or jojoba oils. The cotton is usually cut into square pieces with pinking shears so the edges don’t unravel. The piece of fabric is then laid on parchment paper on a cookie sheet.

Depending on how large the cotton piece is, certain amounts of oil, pine resin, and beeswax pellets are sprinkled evenly over the cotton. The cookie sheet with the beeswax wrap is then “baked” in an oven until the ingredients melt. A paint brush is used to smooth over the mixture into a thin layer and remove any excess before it is left to dry.

Because these wraps are reusable, they can be washed with soap and cool water, then left to air dry. Beeswax wraps should be “refreshed” or “revived” every 1-3 months by popping them back into the oven under low heat. The wax then melts again and fills in any creases left by frequent use. Once the wax resets, your wrap will be as good as new!

How much are beeswax wraps?

On Etsy, another popular marketplace to purchase beeswax wraps, beeswax wraps vary by price based on size and set. For example, a set of three wraps can range from $10 to $15, with larger sets going up to $20. Sets of two wraps can be priced as little as $7.

If you’re on the search for a friendly, reusable alternative to plastic wrap, it might be worthwhile to check out beeswax wraps. If you’re feeling crafty, you can even make them yourself and customize them based on your preferences! Either way, you won’t be losing sleep over preserving your leftovers in a way that is friendlier to the Earth.

Sources:

• https://blog.mountainroseherbs.com/the-complete-guide-to-diy-beeswax-wraps-including-a-beeless-vegan-food-wrap
• https://superbee.me/taking-care-of-your-reusable-wax-wrap/
• https://mommypotamus.com/diy-reusable-food-wrap/
• https://www.thekitchn.com/the-pros-and-cons-to-bee-s-wrap-should-you-diy-your-own-beeswax-food-wraps-247056
• https://www.beeswrap.com/pages/our-story
• https://www.sbs.com.au/food/article/2018/07/19/how-use-and-revive-beeswax-wraps
• https://trends.google.com/trends/explore?date=today%205-y&geo=US&q=beeswax%20wraps
• https://www.theartofdoingstuff.com/reviving-old-beeswax-food-wraps/
• https://abeautifulmess.com/2018/08/make-your-own-beeswax-food-wraps.html