From Hive to Hand: How Abel Liberia Processes Beeswax After Honey Extraction

Bees are among nature’s most efficient workers — producing not only golden honey but also beeswax, a natural treasure with countless uses. At Abel Liberia, our passion for beekeeping goes beyond harvesting honey. We ensure that every part of the hive is valued, including the wax left behind after the honey is extracted.

In this post, we’ll walk you through how we carefully process beeswax from the comb after the honey harvest.

Step 1: Collecting the Wax Cappings

When honey is ready for harvest, we uncap the honeycomb to release the honey inside. The thin layer of wax cappings we remove is the starting point for beeswax production. These cappings are rich in aroma and contain traces of honey, which adds to their quality.

Step 2: Cleaning and Sorting

After the honey is drained, the wax cappings are separated from any leftover honey, propolis, or debris. At Abel Liberia, we do this by gently rinsing the cappings in clean, warm water. This helps remove impurities while preserving the natural color and scent of the beeswax.

Step 3: Melting the Wax

The cleaned cappings are then placed in a solar wax melter or gently heated in a double-boiler system. Direct high heat can damage the wax, so we use a slow, controlled melting process. This preserves the wax’s natural golden hue and delicate scent.

Step 4: Filtering for Purity

Once melted, the liquid wax is passed through fine filters or cloth to remove any remaining debris. This step ensures the final beeswax is smooth, clean, and ready for use.

Step 5: Molding and Cooling

The filtered wax is poured into molds — often simple blocks or pellets — and left to cool naturally. The result is pure, solid beeswax, ready for storage or further crafting.

Step 6: Transforming Beeswax into Useful Products

At Abel Liberia, processed beeswax is used to make a variety of eco-friendly products, including:

• Natural lip balms and skin creams

• Beeswax candles with a natural honey scent

• Wood polish and leather conditioner

• Protective food wraps as a sustainable alternative to plastic

Sustainability at Heart

Processing beeswax is not just about creating products — it’s about respecting the work of the bees and ensuring nothing goes to waste. By fully utilizing the wax left after honey extraction, Abel Liberia promotes sustainable beekeeping practices that benefit both people and the planet.

Final Thought:
From the hive to your hands, beeswax is a gift from nature that carries the hard work of thousands of bees. At Abel Liberia, we’re proud to turn this gift into something beautiful and useful, all while supporting healthy bee populations in Liberia.