Why Reusable, Beeswax Food Wrappers Are Perfect for Zero Waste Lunches, Picnics, and Leftovers

Reduce your waste with reusable beeswax wraps for  packing sandwiches, storing leftovers, and keeping food fresh easier without disposable plastic wrap.

With busy lives comes packing lunches, saving leftovers, and meal prepping. But something those all generally have in common is plastic food wrappers. If you’re attempting to live a zero waste lifestyle, then you’re probably on the lookout for more zero waste, plastic-free food wrappers for sandwiches, snacks and more. 

Reusable beeswax food wraps are an easy way to keep your food covered without creating more single-use waste. They're flexible, washable, and can be used for everything from wrapping sandwiches to covering bowls of leftovers in the fridge. 

Plus, they come in fun patterns that make your lunches for you or the kiddos a little more exciting. 

Today we’ll chat about how beeswax wraps work, why they're worth trying, and a few easy ways to use them around your kitchen.

What Are Beeswax Food Wrappers?

Beeswax wraps are reusable food wrappers made from cotton fabric coated with beeswax, natural oils, and tree resin. The combination creates a flexible, slightly tacky material that can be molded around food, bowls, and containers.

The warmth from your hands softens the wax just enough to help the wrap fold and stick to itself. Once it cools, it holds its shape, making them extremely versatile in the kitchen.

Unlike disposable plastic wrap, you can wash beeswax wraps and reuse them for months.

They're also breathable, making them especially handy for wrapping bread, cheese, produce, and other foods that benefit from a little airflow in the fridge. 

Why Switch to Beeswax Food Wrappers?

If you’re looking for an easy alternative to plastic wrap or plastic sandwich bags, beeswax is a great option for a wide variety of kitchen uses!

Less Plastic Waste

Replace disposable cling wrap, plastic tupperware, and sandwich bags with something you can use again and again. If you’re looking for a more plastic-free option, these are the way to go!

Easy Food Storage

Less clutter in your drawers and cabinets is always a win-win. These wraps can be stored flat easily, reducing clutter in your kitchen storage systems. 

Natural Materials

Beeswax wraps use cotton, beeswax, oils, and tree resin instead of plastic film, so you can feel good about what is making direct contact with your food for a healthy, non-toxic lifestyle. 

Long-lasting Materials 

Beeswax wraps are made from high-quality, natural ingredients. A single wrap can last up to a year, depending on how often you use and wash it.

Money Saving

Instead of buying endless rolls of plastic wrap and boxes and boxes of various sized single-use plastic, you can use a single beeswax food wrap over and over again! 

Reusable Beeswax Food Wraps Worth Trying

If you're ready to swap your plastic wrap for something reusable, ZeroWasteStore has you covered!

ZWS Essentials Beeswax Wraps

The ZWS Essentials Beeswax Wraps are made from organic cotton coated with beeswax, jojoba oil, and tree resin.

They're flexible, breathable, and easy to mold around different foods and containers. You can choose from four nature-inspired patterns: Honeycomb, Pollinators, Fruit, and Veggies.

They also come in several sizes:

• Small (7" x 8"): Great for cut fruit, cheese, or small snacks.
• Medium (10" x 11"): Perfect for sandwiches, bowls, and everyday leftovers.
• Large (13" x 14"): Handy for bigger bowls, produce, and baked goods.
• Bread Wrap (17" x 23"): Made for wrapping whole loaves of bread.

The assorted three-pack gives you one small, medium, and large wrap, so you can try a few different sizes, perfect for everyday uses. 

These wraps can last up to a year with regular use, and once they're worn out, you can cut them into strips and add them to your compost for a sustainable end of life!

How to Use Beeswax Wraps for Lunches, Picnics, and Leftovers

One of the best things about beeswax wraps is how versatile they are. You don't need a special technique or complicated setup, they’re very intuitive. Just wrap, fold, and press!

How to Pack a Beeswax Wrap Sandwich

If you’re a healthy and economical individual, you’ve probably packed yourself a sandwich for lunch on more than one occasion. A beeswax wrap sandwich is a perfect alternative for school lunches, work lunches, and snacks on the go!

To wrap up a beeswax wrap sandwich of any kind, just place it in the center of a medium or large wrap, fold the sides over, and gently press the edges together.

The warmth from your hands helps the wrap hold its shape, keeping your sandwich neatly tucked inside.

Keep Picnic Snacks Fresh

Beeswax wraps are especially handy for picnics, road trips, and afternoons at the park. Use them to wrap muffins, cover a bowl of fruit, or pack snacks for the family.

They're lightweight and easy to fold, so they won't take up much space in your picnic basket.

Just keep them out of direct sunlight and away from hot surfaces, since heat can soften or melt the wax. And remember to keep perishable foods chilled, and never use beeswax wraps for raw food. 

Cover Bowls and Store Leftovers

Have half an avocado, a cut onion, or a bowl of leftovers sitting in the fridge? You can press a beeswax food wrap over the top of a bowl, fold it around a piece of produce, or wrap a block of cheese.

They're particularly useful for foods you reach for regularly, since you can simply unwrap, use what you need, and cover everything again without throwing anything away each time. 

Just don't use beeswax wraps directly on raw meat or fish. For those foods, stick with a washable, leakproof container.

How to Wash and Care for Beeswax Wraps

Keeping your reusable beeswax food wraps clean is pretty simple.

After using one, rinse it with cool water and a little mild dish soap. Gently wipe away any food residue, then let it air dry before putting it away.

A few things to remember:

• No hot water. Heat can melt the beeswax coating.
• Don't microwave them. Beeswax wraps aren't made for heating food.
• Keep them out of the dishwasher. A quick hand wash is all they need.
• Let them dry completely. Store them folded or flat in a cool, dry spot.
• Replace them when they're worn out. Once the coating stops sticking or the fabric becomes damaged, it's time for a fresh wrap.

With a little care, you can keep using the same wraps for months instead of reaching for a new piece of plastic every time you pack lunch!