The alternative to toxic plastic film: beeswax wrappers to preserve our food

There is no doubt that bees They are the most important living beings on the planet: more than half of the world’s food production depends on them and, therefore, the entire chain that it generates. But, in addition, in times of the fight against plastic, we have one more reason to thank them, and that is that with the wax they produce it is possible to manufacture natural and reusable packaging that can replace the film, bags or tppers that we commonly use to preserve our food.

This is not a recent discovery, if we search the Internet we will find that these products have been handcrafted for approximately a decade; However, in our country less than a year ago someone dared to produce these packages to sell.

Her name, Natalie Luy, an industrial engineer from the Catholic University of Peru, who in 2018 met the beeswax wrappers via Internet. He loved the product and, after researching and doing several tests, he produced his first packaging made with totally Peruvian supplies and that due to its quality can last up to a year. Thus was born Beewe, the natural and reusable product that she makes herself at home and to which she dedicates herself full time today.

How was Beewe born?

At the end of 2018 I discovered this product on the Internet because I was looking to improve my habits and stop using plastic in my house. I got to know the product, I decided to buy it and I found it of different qualities. I realized that there were good and not so good qualities, and I saw the opportunity. I knew that there were very good Peruvian inputs such as organic pima cotton, beeswax, tree resin, and so I decided to do tests. It took me about 4 or 5 months until I achieved the product that was ideal for me, which can last between 6 months to a year. Because the idea is that it last, that it be washable and reusable. And that’s how Beewe came about, I launched it in September 2019.

Didn’t you think about importing the product?

I evaluated it at the time. Do I import it from China or do I produce it here, which is five or ten times more work? But I thought doing it myself was the right thing to do. I started to produce it in my kitchen at home doing tests, it was a very long and even frustrating process, I am an industrial engineer so I am very demanding with which the product. Now nobody believes that I do it myself, it seems imported.

What is Beewe made of?

Made from organic pima cotton, natural beeswax, tree resin and jojoba oil. Therefore, it is also compostable.

What uses does the product have?

Its main use is to preserve fresh foods such as fruits and vegetables. Half fruits, for example, which is what we normally keep in the fridge. Wrapped with Beewe, a half avocado can last up to three days in the fridge because it slows down oxidation. Also great for covering food containers. Many people stopped using the film and migrated to the containers, but we are of the idea that it is still plastic, and it is not totally hygienic. The Beewe molds to containers and is more practical, does not combine odors, does not combine flavors and is antibacterial. So to wash it it is not necessary to use detergents, only water. Of course, it should only be used to cover cold products to keep the wax.

What are people saying about the product?

People show that they do want to implement changes in their habits. It is difficult to change but you do not have to think about a radical change, but step by step. Our purpose is to try to commit people to being responsible with the environment, that is what we always try to communicate through our social networks or when we talk with people at fairs.

This is how Beewe is used

DATA

Each Beewe package comes with three square wrappers of different sizes: 18, 25 and 33 centimeters.

You can order your Beewe through their website beewefoodwraps.com

Price: 59 soles.

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