Plastic Wrap vs Beeswax Wrap: A Carbon Emission Comparison that Might Surprise You!

Did you know? The global plastic industry emits more carbon gases from plastic than an airplane, and that plastic is used only once. When it comes to sustainability, people often turn a blind eye and do whatever is easier and practical. Little do they know, those small actions accumulate to a bigger impact. 

Sustainability isn’t always visible and most people don’t calculate carbon or see immediate waste piling up. Plastic feels convenient as it’s cheap and easy to find. One of the easiest places to start is by looking at the humble food wrap.

In fact, to truly understand the impact of our everyday choices, we need to dig deeper and see it from a bigger picture–especially when it comes to carbon emissions. Let’s take a closer at how plastic wraps compare to beeswax wraps when measured through the lens of a carbon footprint.

Let’s look at the estimated carbon emissions of 100 metres of wrap, around what an average household might use in 1 year:

• Plastic Wraps
  Material: Low Density Polyethylene
  Carbon Emission/kg: ~1.0-2.5 kg
  Lifespan: Single-use
  Total Emissions: ~1-1.25 kg
  
  To put that into perspective, it is equal to a garbage truck driving for 20-30 hours, just for a single-use plastic bag.
  
  
  
  
• Beeswax Wrap
  Material: Organic Cotton, Beeswax, Tree Resin, Jojoba Oil
  Carbon Emission/wrap: ~0.3-0.6 kg
  Lifespan: ~1 year of regular use(replaces 1-2 rolls of plastic wrap)
  Total Emissions: ~0.3-0.6 kg
  
  
  
  

Final Result:

Even though beeswax wraps have a more complex material sourcing, it emits roughly 50-70% less carbon dioxide over a year than single-use plastic wraps–especially when reused consistently.

Additionally, plastic is a forever chemical that breaks down into microplastics that can remain in the environment and affect the seafood you consume. Recycling is also extremely limited due to food contamination risks and mixed materials. Unlike plastic, beeswax wraps are compostable at the end of their life, making it a truly circular product. Not only is it compostable, it brings nutrients to the ecosystem during composting.

It may be hard to forecast our environmental footprint without zooming out, but as more people grow curious and conscious, these small changes ripple outward. Swapping plastic wraps for beeswax isn’t eco-trendy, it's carbon smart.

Interested in getting a beeswax wrap now? Check out our products and purchase on now here!

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