Beeswax Wrap serves as an alternative to plastic wrap, ziplock bags, aluminum foil, and other single use storage means. It’s a non-toxic, and more environmentally friendly way to store your food. The best thing about bees wrap is that it’s easy—and fun— to make yourself. There’s just a few simple steps.

Supplies you’ll need: Mixing bowl/mixing spoon Iron/Ironing board Scrap fabric (cotton) Parchment Paper Clothespins  Pinking shears Towel Aluminum foil Drying rack

Ingredients you’ll need: Beeswax pellets  Food-grade pine resin (technically optional, but helps the beeswax wrap cling) Jojoba oil (also technically optional, but makes the beeswax wrap more pliable) Recipe: ½ cup Pine resin powder ½ cup Beeswax pellets ⅛ cup Jojoba oil

• Step 1: Cut up spare fabric into sections of desired size. If you don’t have any spare fabric try using an old cotton t-shirt. Try to make it big enough to hold a sandwich or cover a bowl, but be careful not to make it too large. If it’s too large it’ll become difficult to iron. *Pro-tip: Using pinking shears help to prevent the edges of the fabric from fraying. 

• Step 2: Mix together the pine resin, beeswax pellets, and jojoba oil in the mixing bowl. Mix until there are no more clumps of pine resin powder. 

• Step 3: Cover your ironing board with a large piece of parchment paper, this will help prevent the melted mixture from ruining your ironing board. *Pro-tip: Cover your ironing board with a towel (optional) in order to ensure none of the mixture accidentally drips onto your ironing board. This stuff can get pretty messy!

• Step 4: Place the scrap fabric on top of the parchment paper, and drop dime sized clumps evenly across the fabric. Don’t worry too much about being perfect, the mixture will melt and spread evenly across the fabric once the iron is applied. Be careful not to put too much! Less is more. 

• Step 5: Place a piece of parchment paper over the fabric from Step 4. This protects the iron and helps distribute the sealant evenly over the fabric. *Pro-tip: Cover the underside of your iron with aluminum foil in order to protect it from damage. 

• Step 6: Take an iron set on a low setting and place it on top of the parchment paper. As the mixture melts, use the iron to spread the liquid evenly across the fabric. If the fabric is dry in some spots, you can lift the parchment paper and add more of the mixture. 

• Step 7: Once the fabric seems fully coated, remove the parchment paper and clip it up to dry using clothespins. Hang it up on a drying rack– or wherever available. Once it is no longer sticky and wet to touch, it’s ready to use!

This recipe will make upwards of 30 pieces of beeswax wrap— depending on the size and shape of your fabric. We suggest halving or quartering the recipe for smaller batches, or host a beeswax making party with your friends and make a ton! Make sure to wash your beeswax wrap with cold water instead of hot water to protect the sealant for as long as possible. The sealant should last dozens of uses before it starts to deteriorate. Enjoy your sustainable storage method!

Don’t have an iron? Don’t worry! Check out this alternative method.