Solutions from Ukraine: Ukrainian beekeepers and Cardiff University scientists create innovative packaging for extended product preservation

A group of scientists from Cardiff University, along with Ukrainian beekeepers, have created packaging that can prolong the expiration date of food items. This advancement is particularly significant in areas with unstable energy systems.

BBC reports this.

What is the problem?

As most people are aware, food can spoil quite easily in the absence of proper preservation methods.

What is the solution?

A group of researchers from Cardiff University, led by Les Bay, collaborated on developing wraps made of beeswax and various natural plants with antimicrobial properties, including sage.

"Using a beeswax wrap, which can kill insects, seems like a natural way to solve this problem," Les Bay explains.

^{Photo: BBC}

How does it work?

Scientists have developed and tested several "recipes" of packaging, combining common materials with beeswax and antimicrobial plants.

"The magic is in the mixture. A piece of cloth or even paper is mixed with beeswax and other natural antimicrobial plants such as sage to form a wrapper. Beeswax wrappers are traditionally used to extend the shelf life of sandwiches, but can be used for other products as well," Bay notes.

A team from Cardiff University worked with Ukrainian beekeepers to determine which combinations of materials were most effective.

"They have a lot of beeswax and a lot of bees. By finding the right wax with the right properties, you have a chance to extend the shelf life of food even more. This is especially important when you don't have a refrigerator and no electricity," Bay emphasizes.

Ukrainian scientists from the Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute are actively spreading the invention through the Internet and social networks, hoping that Ukrainians will be able to test its effectiveness this summer.

"The situation in the combat zone and near the front line is very difficult. In these regions, power outages occur very often. Therefore, packaging made of beeswax can be used to store bread, fruits and vegetables," Yuliia Yudina from the National University Pharmacy of the Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute emphasizes.

For reference: 

As Rubryka reported, Ukrainian honey producers can now supply their products to the People's Republic of China market.

In addition, a pioneer IT apiary has been established in the Vasylkiv district of the Kyiv region, making it the first of its kind in the world. This initiative, developed by the Ukrainian-Polish start-up AmoHive, aims to aid scientists in studying bee illnesses and the repercussions of unsuccessful hibernation.

Rubryka also reported that a delegation from Ukraine took part in the largest Apimondia honey congress.

Moreover, the Ukrainian beekeeping cooperative received a prestigious bronze award in Chile at the ApiExpo-2023 exhibition for its innovations in beekeeping.