Make Your Own Planet Friendly Beeswax Wrap

If you’re looking to replace those plastic zip-locks and are done getting tangled up in cling-film, look no further than our DIY natural beeswax wraps.

Beeswax wraps are a reusable, sustainable alternative to single-use plastics. They’re super easy to use — simply wrap them around your bowl! — and they’re just as simple to make using items you already have lying around your house. 

So how exactly does a beeswax wrap help the planet? 

  • It’s estimated that 1.3 billion tonnes of food is wasted globally each year. Beeswax is breathable, so your food stays fresh for longer, meaning less food wastage.
  • You can keep reusing your Beeswax wrap, saving you dollars — and when it’s finally time to say goodbye, the wrap is completely biodegradable! 

Here are your magic ingredients: 

  • Natural Beeswax candle (make sure it’s 100% Beeswax)
  • Unwaxed parchment paper 
  • Scraps of clean, 100% cotton fabric (this can be an old dress shirt, a forgotten pillowcase, leftovers from other projects – and organic is always best, of course)
  • Your trusty scissors and ironing board

Instructions

  1. Cut a square to preferred size, making sure the fabric fits to your ironing board with some room around the edge. 
  2. Grate your beeswax candle, stopping before you reach the edge
  3. Put your parchment paper on the ironing board and the fabric on top. Be sure you have a few centimetres on each side of your ironing board. 
  4. Sprinkle the wax on like you are making a pizza! Again, make sure to leave a little space around the edges — the wax will spread when it melts.
  5. Add another layer of parchment paper on top of your fabric. 
  6. Put your iron to high (no steam), and begin melting the wax by ironing the parchment (more wax can be added if needed but give it time to melt before adding more!).
  7. Make sure the whole surface has absorbed some wax, paying special attention to the edges. 
  8. Peel back the parchment slowly and gently lift up your wax. 
  9. Hold it up until it cools — it’s quick! 
  10. You’re ready to wrap and roll! 

Care

  • Wash in lukewarm water with mild soap, and then hang to dry.
  • Avoid wrapping meat or food with a strong odour.
  • Do not wrap food while it is hot.
  • Pro Tip: Make a dedicated wrap for onions! 

You can repeat the process to refresh older wax wraps too! Just use a little less wax than when creating a new one. What’s not to love? 

Check out our video below for a step-by-step guide.