What Is Beeswax, and Why Is It So Great?

What is Beeswax and How is it Harvested?

Beeswax is a natural by-product of honeybees, renowned for its versatility, sustainability, and beautiful golden hue. If you’ve ever wondered, "What is beeswax made from?" or "How is beeswax harvested?", this blog has all the answers. Let’s dive into the fascinating journey of beeswax from the hive to your home, and look at the benefits of beeswax candles

What is Beeswax?

Beeswax is a waxy substance secreted by worker bees from special glands on the underside of their abdomens. These industrious bees use the wax to build honeycomb structures, the backbone of their hives. The honeycomb serves vital functions for the colony, including storing honey, pollen, and nurturing young bees.

The wax is initially secreted as tiny flakes, which the bees mould to create the hexagonal cells of the honeycomb. This intricate structure is both lightweight and incredibly strong, showcasing nature’s engineering at its finest.

How is Beeswax Harvested?

Harvesting beeswax is a careful and ethical process that ensures the well-being of the bees. Here’s how it’s done:

Honey Extraction: When beekeepers harvest honey, they carefully remove frames of honeycomb from the hive. The honeycomb is usually capped with a thin layer of beeswax, which seals in the honey. This wax is removed during honey extraction.

Wax Collection: The wax cappings and any old or damaged honeycomb are collected by the beekeeper. These are then cleaned and processed to remove impurities such as leftover honey or pollen.

Melting and Filtering: The collected beeswax is melted down and filtered to remove debris. This ensures the resulting wax is pure and ready for use.

Moulding: Once filtered, the beeswax is poured into moulds or blocks for storage. It can then be used for various applications, including candle making, cosmetics, and wood polish.

Ethical Beekeeping Practices

At Ember & Flourish, we source our beeswax from ethical beekeepers who prioritise the health and sustainability of their hives. These practices include:

Ensuring bees have sufficient honey reserves for winter.

Avoiding overharvesting wax to maintain the hive’s integrity.

Supporting biodiversity and creating healthy environments for pollinators.

By choosing beeswax from sustainable sources, we enjoy its benefits while supporting the vital role bees play in our ecosystem.

Why Choose Beeswax?

Beeswax is a renewable, biodegradable material with countless uses. Its natural properties make it a superior choice for candles, as it:

Burns cleanly with minimal smoke.

Lasts longer than other types of wax.

Emits a subtle, honeyed fragrance.

By opting for beeswax products, you’re embracing sustainability and reducing your environmental footprint. Whether you’re searching for eco-friendly candles or multi-purpose beeswax blocks, it’s a step towards a greener lifestyle.

Discover the Beauty of Beeswax

At Ember & Flourish, we transform this natural resource into handmade beeswax candles that bring warmth and elegance to your home. Crafted with care in the UK, our candles are as beautiful as they are sustainable. Explore our collection today to experience the unique magic of beeswax.

We hope this post has given you a deeper appreciation for beeswax and the incredible work of honeybees. For more insights into our process or products, feel free to get in touch or follow us on social media for updates.