Beeswax: Food and beyond

Abstract Honeybees ( Apis mellifera L.) are an important class of insects that are the most beneficial in terms of economy. Beeswax is the second most important bee products after honey. Its commercial importance is due to its antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory and antiseptic as well as regenerative properties. Beeswax is generally yellow or yellow‐brown, has a melting point of 61–65°C and is made of over 300 various organic compounds. Beeswax finds its applications in several areas including textiles, cosmetic, pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals and food industries. In the food industry, beeswax is used as a food additive with E number, E901. It is also used in the manufacture of gum base, pickering emulsions, active films and coatings, intelligent packaging systems, oleogels, edible foams and edible tableware such as spoon, straws, plates and tubes. The superhydrophobic property of beeswax, which supports its applications in the aforementioned products, is evident through its high water contact angle of over 110°. The plasticity, stability, sustainability, hydrophobicity, air and water vapour barrier properties of beeswax open up the door to many commercial real time applications.