Let’s be honest, adulting is hard. Between work deadlines, endless errands, and remembering to drink enough water (do you really get your 8 glasses a day?), it’s easy to forget the small things… like how much cling wrap we use daily without even realizing it.
But recently, I made one small switch that gave me a surprisingly big eco-win: I swapped out my plastic food wrap for Hanie Collective’s reusable beeswax food wraps, and wow… why didn’t I do this earlier?
This isn’t just about being trendy or “aesthetic” (although, trust me, these wraps are cute AF). It’s about making small, conscious choices that are good for us and the planet. So if you’ve ever wondered what the fuss is about, or how to actually use one of these wraps, let me share my little journey with you.
Meet Hanie Collective: Local, Handmade, and Heartfelt
Before I dive into how I use them, let me give a shoutout to the amazing people behind Hanie Collective. Based in Malaysia, this small brand pours big love into every beeswax wrap they create. Each one is handmade with natural ingredients like Malaysian beeswax, 100% cotton, jojoba oil, and tree resin.
What’s the result? A wrap that’s not only reusable and biodegradable but also smells subtly honey-sweet and feels soft and pliable in your hands. It’s the kind of product you feel good using and not just because you’re skipping single-use plastic.
As part of their ongoing commitment to sustainability and conscious living, Hanie Collective is proudly sponsoring ProjekWaste’s For The Ocean Tour 2025. By contributing their signature eco-friendly beeswax wraps as thoughtful doorgifts for participants, the local brand is helping to inspire low-waste habits while supporting environmental education and action across Malaysia’s coastal communities. It’s a small but powerful reminder that everyday changes like switching to reusable wraps, can be a big part of protecting our oceans.
So... What Can You Use Beeswax Wraps For?
If you’re like me, you might be wondering: Okay cool, but what do I actually wrap with this? Turns out…a lot! Here’s a glimpse into my own daily life:
Quick Monday Rush Meal
I’m always running late (oops), so I make a quick sandwich to-go. Instead of reaching for cling wrap, I grab my medium-sized beeswax wrap, fold it snugly around my sandwich, and tuck it into my bag. It holds its shape and doesn’t unravel — total win.
Weeknight Leftovers (Because I’m a Small Eater)
Sometimes, I can’t finish my dinner — whether it’s half a serving of pasta or a few spoonfuls of curry. I just cover the bowl with a beeswax wrap, press the edges down, and pop it in the fridge. No need to transfer or waste another container!
Mid-Prep Veggie Saver
I always over-chop when prepping for cooking- an extra onion half here, a bunch of chilis here and there. Instead of letting them dry out or stink up the fridge in a plastic bag, I wrap them in a small beeswax sheet. Keeps them fresh and easy to find when I cook again later in the week.
Cut Fruit for Office Snacking
I’ve started bringing my own snacks to work, and sliced apples or pears are a favourite. I wrap them up neatly in a small wrap and toss it in my bag. The beeswax keeps them from browning too quickly, and it’s way better than a plastic baggie.
How to Use a Beeswax Food Wrap: A Quick Step-by-Step
If you’re new to beeswax wraps, don’t worry. It’s way simpler than it looks. Here’s how I use mine:
Step 1: Warm It Up
Beeswax wraps are moldable when warm. Just hold it between your hands for a few seconds and your body heat softens the wax, making it sticky enough to cling.
Step 2: Wrap It Right
Cover your bowl, wrap your food item, or even fold it into a pouch. Press the edges together to “seal” it. The wax naturally sticks to itself.
Tip: Get Creative!
I’ve folded mine into snack pouches, cup lids, even used them as makeshift placemats. They’re pretty versatile!
Cleaning & Caring: Because Good Things Deserve TLC
Okay, now the part everyone always asks: How do you clean it? Answer… gently!
Step 1: Rinse with Cool Water
Use cool (not hot!) water and a little mild dish soap. No harsh scrubbing needed, just a soft sponge will do.
Step 2: Air Dry
Hang it or drape it over your dish rack. Once it’s dry, fold it and keep it in a drawer or basket, away from heat.
Precautions:
- No hot water or microwaves. Heat will melt the wax.
- Don’t wrap raw meat. It’s hard to fully clean the wrap after that.
- Avoid direct sunlight. It can dry out the wax faster.
If you treat it right, one beeswax wrap can last up to a year or more. That’s hundreds of single-use plastics not going into landfills.
Why I’m a Convert (and Maybe You Will Be Too)
Let’s be real. I didn’t grow up in a super eco-conscious household. Recycling was a “when we remember” kind of thing. But as I’ve grown older (and hopefully wiser?), I’ve realized we don’t need to be 100% perfect to make a difference. We just need to start somewhere.
And for me, starting with Hanie Collective’s beeswax wraps was the easiest, most delightful “eco-switch” I could’ve made.
- No more plastic guilt.
- No more ugly cling wrap.
- No more waste from single-use bags.
Just charming, handmade wraps that feel like a little act of care for my food, for the planet, and maybe, just maybe, for myself too.
Wanna Try It Out?
If you’re thinking of giving it a go, start with a starter pack from Hanie Collective. They usually come in a few sizes, and they last ages. Keep a few at home, stash one in your bag, and before you know it, you’ll be using them without even thinking.
So next time you reach for plastic wrap, pause. Then reach for something better.
Let’s make waste-free living a little cuter and a lot more doable. Together.
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Suzan Loo
Suzan Loo works in the creative media industry in Malaysia, where she combines her passion for storytelling with her growing commitment to sustainability and conscious living. Outside of her professional work, she actively participates in environmental initiatives, with a particular focus on ocean conservation—a cause close to her heart since childhood. Suzan is also an avid traveler who enjoys connecting with people from diverse backgrounds and learning from different cultures. Her journey reflects a deep dedication to making a positive impact, both through her creative work and her environmental advocacy.
Suzan Loo
Suzan Loo works in the creative media industry in Malaysia, where she combines her passion for storytelling with her growing commitment to sustainability and conscious living. Outside of her professional work, she actively participates in environmental initiatives, with a particular focus on ocean conservation—a cause close to her heart since childhood. Suzan is also an avid traveler who enjoys connecting with people from diverse backgrounds and learning from different cultures. Her journey reflects a deep dedication to making a positive impact, both through her creative work and her environmental advocacy.
