Reusable Beeswax Wraps: Have you heard the Buzz?

In the last couple of months, there's a bit of a buzz (sorry couldn't resist!!) about reusable beeswax wraps that pop up a lot online and in shops as an eco-friendly alternative to cling film, sandwich bags and other types of food storage. Are you wondering if the colourful fabric squares covered in beeswax really hold up to the task? Or whether they are as convenient to use as their plastic counterparts? Then read on – we bee-lieve you will love them just as much as we do!

What is the Problem With Cling Film or TIn Foil?

Cling film, tinfoil, and similar products have been staples in kitchens because they are cheap, easy to use and super convenient so why would you even want to replace them? Here's why in a nutshell:

• The type of plastic cling film is made of, is one of the worst single-use plastics there is. Due to its formulation it is not recyclable, which means most of it will end up in landfill where it will not decompose and instead will leach harmful chemicals into the environment forever. Additionally there are some serious health concerns after surfacing in recent years, suggesting that cling film might leach carcinogenic substances into your food.
   
• Many people stay away from cling film for above reasons and use tin foil made from aluminium instead, which can be reused a number of times before being thrown out so may seem more sustainable and eco friendly. However, the process of producing tin foil uses a huge amount of energy and produces an enormous amount of waste. And even though aluminium is technically recyclable, tin foil mainly ends up in landfill and takes about 400 years to break down.

There is only one solution: Avoid cling film and tin foil and invest in some eco-friendly and reusable alternatives, that are just as easy to use and convenient – reusable beeswax wraps!

Reusable Beeswax Wraps: The What and How:

In terms of ingredients beeswax wraps are pretty simple - they are made from a sheet of cotton fabric, which is covered in beeswax, jojoba oil and some type of resin.

In the case of Hanna’s Beeswax Wraps, which are handmade in Ireland, the jojoba oil is organic and she uses pine resin for all her wraps. For even more convenience the lunch wraps have a little button to keep your food securely tucked in the wrap until you need it!

The finished product feels like very thick and sturdy fabric with a slight waxy touch to it. As soon as you hold one of the wraps in your hand you will feel it getting softer as it gets warmer. You can now mould it to any desired shape in order to cover bowls and containers or wrap fruit, veg, and sandwiches. It acts just like cling film and will keep your food fresh for longer.

Top tip: They are perfect to stop cut apples from turning brown in lunchboxes or food getting dry in your fridge or food cupboard! And unlike cling film, your beeswax wraps are very easy to unwrap and re-shape.

When you are finished using your wrap, you simply clean it with cold or lukewarm soapy water, let it dry and it is ready for its next use! In order to not melt the wax off the fabric, it is important that your water isn’t too warm though. Once they come to the end of their lifespan, you will notice them being less sticky. Now you can either re-wax them using beeswax bars or just can cut them up and compost them or use them as fire starters.

Good to know: Reusable beeswax wraps aren’t suitable for freezing food and for hygiene and food safety reasons you shouldn’t use them to wrap raw meat or poultry!
 

Reusable Beeswax Wraps: Make it Vegan

You like the idea of reusable beeswax wraps and would love to give them a try but the fact an animal product is used stops you? No problem - a vegan option exists!

Instead of beeswax, these wraps use a combination of soy and candelilla plant wax to achieve the same waxy and sticky texture as you would expect from beeswax wraps but without using any animal products whatsoever.

Reusable vegan wraps are available in a pack of three kitchen wraps for leftovers, fruit, and veg and a pack of two sandwich wraps, which also come with a handy button fastening to keep sandwiches nice and fresh!

Reusable Beeswax Wraps: Top 5 Reasons to try them today:

1. Eco-friendly

Reusable beeswax or vegan wraps take only a small amount of energy to be produced and are made from natural ingredients. They are reusable many times and even when they are not usable anymore, they can be re-waxed or composted.

2. Cheaper in the long run

Even though the initial price might look a good bit more expensive than cling film or tin foil, reusable wraps last a lot longer, which means you will save lots of money in the long run!

3. Easier to use

Ever get frustrated using cling film, because the ends stick to each other before you are able to wrap your food properly? This doesn’t happen with beeswax wraps! You can simply mould and re-mold them to make sure they form a proper cover for your food.

4. Cute prints

Cling film might be practical in many situations. But beeswax wraps are just as practical AND nice to look at. They come in many different colourful and fun prints, which is always a plus – especially when you have children.

5. Support small businesses and local beekeepers

When you buy beeswax wraps made in Ireland using beeswax from local beekeepers, you don’t just support a small Irish business, but also help to protect our bee population.

Have you tried them yet? We would love to know what you think of them and any tips you have!