Thai society BeeConscious has created beeswax coated cotton films that can be cut and shaped to make eco-friendly packaging.
The films SuperBee (this is the name of the product) are washable and reusable for up to two years.
The beeswax acts as a natural antibacterial, while the addition of coconut oil and resin help the film hold its shape by adapting to the food.
BeeConscious CEO Antoinette Jackson adds that it's not just about sustainability: the foil also keeps food fresher than its plastic counterparts.
We tested it on lettuce, mint, avocado and lemon. The plastic suffocates them, but the wax lets them breathe just like an outer peel.
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How is SuperBee made?
To create the special film, we start from certified organic cotton. The fabric is then washed, dried and cut into strips, then finally into squares using special zigzag blades.
"The zigzag blades make the fabric more resistant and functional," says Jackson. “The special cut allows the wax to create an ideal covering, which strengthens the film and makes it more suitable for food”.
Precisely, the final part is the "bath" in the wax, in a protected environment so as to preserve the total absence of bacteria throughout the process.
The film is available in four sizes, from small to extra large, and also pre-packaged as an envelope. In case of scratches or damage there are small "sticks" of wax to melt on the fabric to repair it.
Ah! I almost forgot. Are beautiful.
BeeConscious policy
All products are handmade in the BeeConscious studio in Bpang Yang, a village in northern Thailand. The company's policy is also ethical: wages are higher, free loans and other benefits are granted to employees. And not only.
"We believe that generosity brings well-being," says Jackson. "By allocating 20% of profits to smart projects and social coverage for our staff, we hope to set a good example for the country and the community by providing products that introduce positive habits."
