DIY Beeswax Wraps

A Zero Waste Craft

Photo By: Annie Gonzalez

I first saw sustainable beeswax wraps in use at a local farmers market a few years ago and I thought it was a brilliant idea! They are an excellent zero-waste alternative to plastic wrap, bags, and plastic storage containers. I’m always looking for ways to be more sustainable, especially in the kitchen, so I decided to make reusable food wraps for myself. There are a number of beeswax wraps that can be purchased online, however, in my quest to be more sustainable I prefer making them myself. They are surprisingly easy to make, and there’s a charm to the homemade look that just can’t be replicated from store bought wraps.

Craft Supplies:

• 1 yard of 100% cotton fabric

• ½ lb bar of purified beeswax

• Jojoba oil

• Pine Resin (if you want fabric to stick for a tighter seal)

• An Iron

• Grader & Bowl

• Parchment Paper

• Cookie Sheet

• Scissors & Ruler

Step 1: Cut fabric into the size and shape that fits your needs. I cut 2 squares of the following sizes: 16"X16”, 14"X14”, 12"X12”, 10"X10”, 8"X8”.

Step 2: Turn on Iron (no steam. Grade beeswax block into bowl.

Step 3: Set up ironing station: Place cookie sheet on table. Layer parchment paper, then fabric swatch.

Step 4: Sprinkle beeswax and pine resin onto fabric, then drizzle jojoba oil.

Step 5: Place parchment paper over fabric, then iron to melt wax, resin and oil together. Let dry, then remove fabric and set aside until ready to use. 

Photo By: Annie Gonzalez

You can use these reusable beeswax wraps to replace plastic wrap and plastic food-storage packaging in the kitchen or for lunches. Just wash with dish soap and a sponge, and let dry between uses. They typically last for about 60 uses before they need to be re-waxed.

Give this sustainable craft a try and let me know how it goes in the comments!