Reusable Food Wraps – Beeswax fabric

Inside: learn how to make reusable food wraps from fabric and beeswax. This fabric wrap can be use to store and transport food. Perfect for packing lunches and offering a reusable option for plastic wrap.

**Originally post 2017, updated 2/2024**

I first saw reusable food wraps in a video a few months ago… then that same afternoon my brother asked if I’d ever seen beeswax food wrap and would I make him some. I said I would check it out… so I found a source to order some wax and now I’m ready to share my version of reusable wrap. This fabric wrap with wax is reusable for many months and perfect for packing lunches and food storage.

Reusable food wraps with beeswax and fabric

Have you seen the new reusable food wraps? Beeswax fabric food wrap is a fun new way to save your leftovers and help the environment.

I’m excited to show off my project here today. I’ve got some photos and a video to walk you through making your own reusable food wraps PLUS I’ll tell you where to buy the beeswax.

I used narrow elastic to make some bands for holding the fabric wrap closed. I just made a few elastic bands of different lengths and it works to close a sandwich wrap, or even hold the reusable fabric wrap on a bowl.

Other reusable food storage ideas to make:

• Reusable Snack Packs
• Personalized snack boxes
• Portion control bags
• DIY insulated lunch bag

Common questions about reusable food wrap

Can I use wax paper?

Wax paper will make a mess on your iron, I would avoid using if possible.

Do you put beeswax on both sides of the fabric?

You do not need to put wax on both sides. The heat will melt the wax and it will soak through the fabric, fully coating both sides of the fabric. If it doesn’t soak through, add more wax.

How do you wash them?

I use a damp cloth for most cleanings, you can also wipe with soap and rinse under cold water. Do not use hot water or the wrap will melt.

How long do they last?

My beeswax wraps last about a year and then I make more. The wax rubs off and they do get worn down. You could always re-wax the same fabric, but I usually start from scratch.

Does the fabric fray?

Not much. You can use pinking shears on the edges if you want to, but I also use a rotary blade and the edges stay pretty well with the wax.

Does it stick to itself?

Have you seen these advertised online and they just fold over and stick to themselves? I have found that they don’t stick well enough for an airtight seal, so I use the elastics to help with this.

Does the wax crack after folding?

Yes it does. If the wax is thicker it will crack more easily. If it’s very thin and just soaked through the fabric it doesn’t crack. The wraps I’ve had for months does get cracked, but it doesn’t affect the use.

How many can you make from a pound of wax?

I don’t have a number, but you can make so so many!! I would say you can make 50+ 10″ x 10″ wraps. I actually have never used a full bag. I’ve giving wax pellets away and I keep it from year to year to make new wraps as well. Once you are set up, you will be making wraps for years to come.

Can bacteria grow on beeswax?

I do not use for meat, but beeswax is a safe coating for fabric.

“Beeswax is known for its antibacterial properties and has been used as a natural preservative for centuries. While it is possible for some types of bacteria to grow on beeswax wraps, the risk of bacterial growth is generally low if the wraps are used and stored properly.” Source

Reusable food wraps video:

How to make reusable beeswax food wraps

Want to make some? Gather your supplies to start:

• Organic beeswax pellets {pellets can be very fine, or larger pieces.. both work great}
• Parchment paper
• cotton fabric cut in squares
• Thin elastic or elastic cording

Make sure your parchment is larger than your fabric to protect your iron from the wax.

Sprinkle a thin layer of the wax pellets over the paper.

Spread evenly… I had a little helper for this part {haha}

Place another sheet of baking paper over the fabric and wax, then completely melt the wax with the iron. You can see when the wax melts as the color changes from white to clear. Check out the video below to see the change. Let cool for a minute, then remove the top sheet of baking paper. Let cool another minute then take the fabric off the bottom sheet. Let cool on a flat surface, then you can use. The fabric should no longer feel like fabric, but feel like wax paper.

Cut a few elastic ties to use for the fabric wrap binding. I used narrow 1/4″ elastic but wider would work as well. Wrap sandwiches, apple slices, crackers, cover bowls, use really in any way like you would plastic wrap.

The beeswax fabric food wrap is SO easy to clean too. Just wipe with a damp cloth to clean and then fold to store.