Zero Waste Utility
In the kitchen, there are often leftovers that you usually cover with cellophane film, like a muffin you want to take for coffee at the office or a sandwich to take away at lunch. The used plastic film thus ends up in the trash after use…
The principle of the beeswrap is to be able to wrap our food without creating waste, while using what we already have: an old cloth, an iron and beeswax, easy to find in pharmacies if you don’t have candle leftovers. Less waste and a nice DIY to offer to your loved ones!
What you need
- A clean, dry piece of cloth – this can be a scrap of fabric, an old shirt etc., which can be used for upcycling here.
- Beeswax, broken into small pieces.
- An iron
- Baking paper, which you can keep to use next time
Method
- Cut the fabric to the desired size.
- Cut the beeswax into small granules (see photo), if it is bought in pharmacies it is normally ready to use. Beeswax has antibacterial properties, so it is important not to use just any candle wax!
- Pre-heat the iron
- Place a piece of baking paper (slightly larger than the cloth) on an ironing board, put the cloth on it and spread the beeswax granules evenly on it.
- Place the 2nd piece of baking paper on top of your fabric, and gently iron; the wax will melt and integrate the fabric, making it waxy.
- Turn your cloth over (leaving the baking paper on) and iron on the other side.
- Add a little wax if necessary
Your beeswrap is ready!
Tricks
- Wash your beeswrap in cold water with soap.
- Avoid very hot foods as they can melt the wax.
- If you need more wax, remelt it as described above.
- For hygienic reasons, it is advisable not to use the same beeswrap over 1-2 years of age.