BEESWAX

Beeswax is the creamy-coloured material from which bees build the combs that make up their nests. Comb is beautifully constructed by honeybees. The close packed hexagonal cells in ordered array makes optimal use of space and beeswax, and are remarkably strong.

The combs serve as the home of adult bees, and individual cells are used as containers for food storage (pollen and honey) and in the brood box - the combs will contain developing larvae.

Beeswax is made by young worker bees, produced as a liquid from eight glands on the underside of the bee's abdomen. On contact with the air, the drops of liquid harden into 'scales' of wax and these tiny scales of wax are then chewed by the bee and used to build comb. It takes millions of these tiny scales of wax to build even a small area of comb. Bees must consume about 8kg of honey to produce 1kg of wax. You can understand why pure beeswax candles cost some much!

Uses of beeswax by man

Cosmetic industry

Beeswax is used in the production of many face creams and lipsticks and indeed, the cosmetics industry is the largest user of beeswax.

Pharmaceuticals

This industry is the second largest user of beeswax, for coating pills, in ointments and in some production proecesses.

Wax candles

In former times the Church required that all candles were made of beeswax. Beeswax candles are reputed not to smoke ar give off unpleasant odours, and to burn for longer than candles made from cheaper substitutes.

Other Uses

Wax polish for wooden furniture and musical instruments. Lost-wax casting. In dentistry. In electronics. In lithographic and engraving materials. In armaments and in confectionery.