Do you want to know if beeswax wrap eco-friendly? We look at how beewax paper is manufactured, how to dispose of it, and whether it’s a good way to store food that’s also good for the environment.
Beeswax wrap is a more ecologically friendly alternative to plastic cling wrap or aluminum foil for food storage. Beeswax paper is constructed of biodegradable materials that decompose in landfills, making it an excellent zero-waste wrap option.
To ensure that your beeswax paper use is environmentally beneficial, you need first understand the many varieties of beeswax wraps, how they’re created, and how to dispose of them at the end of their lives.
Are you curious about whether beeswax wrap is environmentally friendly? Let’s get started!
Note: Affiliate links may be used in this post. I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you if you use my affiliate link. Full disclosure policy here.
Table of Contents
What is beeswax wrap and how does it work?
Beeswax wrap is a natural food wrap paper consisting of beeswax and cotton that may be used to wrap and store food. It has a beeswax covering and other naturally occurring substances, making it an excellent alternative to plastic cling wrap for the environment.
Beeswax paper is a wonderful eco-alternative to single-use plastic wrapping because of its non-stick and water-resistant characteristics. Because of its natural contents, it may be readily cleaned and reused multiple times (some producers claim up to one year) before decomposing.
Running beeswax sheets and wraps under warm (not hot!) water softens the wax, which is then molded to the edge of bowls, pans, and containers to seal in food and keep it fresh.
How to make beeswax wraps and paper
Beeswax is a natural substance used by bees to construct their hive. The wax is used by the bees to build the hive’s cells and to seal the cells with beeswax after they are filled with honey or pollen. The beeswax is gathered from the hives, melted, and screened to eliminate contaminants.
Cotton is covered with food-grade beeswax, coconut or jojoba oil, and rosin to create a beeswax wrap. The end product is a flexible, somewhat sticky substance that works well as a natural alternative to plastic wrap. Its versatility allows it to simply wrap around bread, fruit, vegetables, cheeses, deli goods, and other things, keeping air out and the food fresh.
Beeswax wrap is formed by sandwiching beeswax between two pieces of fabric, also known as beeswrap or bees cloth. The beeswax may be purchased as blocks or pellets, which are then put on the cloth and heated with a hot iron to fuse the beeswax to the fabric. The beeswrap is ready to use after it has cooled.
How can you get rid of beeswax products?
Though beeswax wraps and sheets are manufactured from natural substances that will degrade with time, there are a few things to keep in mind before discarding them. Using wax paper again
The benefit of beeswax wrapping materials is that they are reusable and may be used to replace single-use items such as cling wrap, which is not a naturally occurring substance and cannot be composted like beeswax.
Simply wash the beeswax wrap in cold water and hang or lie flat to dry to reuse it. Reuse until the wrap no longer holds its shape or begins to degrade, then compost. Beeswax wrap for composting
Because beeswax wraps are often constructed from all natural substances such as beeswax and cotton, they are biodegradable and may be tossed in your compost bin after being cut into thin strips to speed up the decomposition process.
However, it should not be composted if the cotton used in the paper or fabric is not organic or includes non-organic elements. It’s also worth noting that if the paper or fabric includes inorganic colours, it shouldn’t be composted. Wax paper should be discarded.
You can put old beeswax paper in the garbage as a last option. It will be disposed of in a landfill, but it is biodegradable and will decompose over time. This isn’t the most environmentally friendly solution, but unlike many plastic wrap options, it will degrade quickly.
Are you looking for some beeswax wrap?
EarthHero is a online sustainability store that features eco-friendly zero waste products.
You can find many kitchen items made of beeswax on Amazon
Check out our other cuisine and kitchen tips!