Frequently Asked Questions
What are beeswax and vegan wraps?
Beeswax and vegan wraps are a fantastic alternative to using single-use plastic such as cling wrap. They are made by hand and of all-natural ingredients – 100% cotton fabric, jojoba oil, tree resin and either pure Australian beeswax or candelilla wax. While many wraps are made of wax alone, the inclusion of tree resin increases tackiness, while jojoba oil reduces the chance of cracking increasing the longevity of your wraps.
What can I use my beeswax or vegan wraps for?
Beeswax and vegan wraps are can be used to wrap or cover most foods. They can be used for sandwiches, leftovers, snacks, veggies, cheese… The list goes on! Please DO NOT use with raw meat, chicken or fish, or to cover hot food. Allow food to cool before covering with your wraps.
How do I use my new beeswax or vegan wraps?
Cover your food, bowl or container with the wrap and press firmly to mould, the warmth of your hands will soften the wax and make your wraps malleable, and form a seal.
Why should I use beeswax or vegan wraps?
Beeswax and vegan wraps are a natural and eco-friendly alternative to single-use plastic. Every year, over 6 million tonnes of rubbish is dumped into our oceans with plastic making up 80% of this. While plastic is fast becoming an inevitable part of our convenient lifestyles, reducing single-use plastic use (think straws, takeaway cutlery, plastic bags and wrap) is a brilliant start to reducing our impacts on the environment. Remember, small changes have big impacts.
How do I look after my beeswax or vegan wraps?
Simply wipe with a warm cloth or wash in luke warm or cold water with a mild detergent. Washing in cold water will ensure the wax is stiff, providing a more stable surface to clean. Please do not use hot water. Avoid scrubbing or picking at stubborn food as this may also remove some wax. Leave this to soak in COLD water and wipe clean. Air-dry flat or blot dry with a tea towel. Your wraps will discolour with time and use. Dark foods and liquids may permanently discolour your wraps. So only use darker coloured wraps for things such as beetroot or red wine. Keep away from sources of heat – ovens, microwaves, hot foods and direct sunlight.
Can I put my wraps in the dishwasher?
No, please wash by hand only as outlined above.
Can I put my wraps in the freezer?
Yes, simply wrap your food as normal to create a tight seal and pop in the freezer. Wax will become stiff with the low temperature however will soften again with the warmth of your hands.
How do I store my beeswax or vegan wraps?
After washing your wraps and letting them air dry, store them in a cool place in either a drawer or shelf where they can lay flat. Constant creasing will wear the wax faster in these areas so storing the flatter the better!
What do I do if my beeswax or vegan wraps crack?
Wax wear is inevitable. If you notice your wax beginning to crack, simply place between two sheets of baking paper and gently iron. The heat will melt the wax allowing it to reabsorb into the cotton fabric.
How long will my beeswax or vegan wraps last?
The longevity of your wax is very dependent on use and care. Wraps that are used lightly and cared for correctly may last beyond 12 months, however heavier use will reduce this. By taking good care of your wrap will extend its life.
What do I do with my beeswax or vegan wraps at the end of their lifespan?
When your wraps no longer seal with the warmth of your hands, they have reached the end of their life. Please do not throw these in the bin. Your wraps are made of 100% natural ingredients and are fully compostable. Please place these in your compost bin and let nature break them down. Alternatively, why not get your hands on some wax and rewax them yourself?
Will my beeswax or vegan wraps have a scent?
The smell of your wraps depends on your choice of wax. Both beeswax and candelilla wax have a subtle scent which will reduce with time and use. But don’t worry, this will not transfer to food.
I have an allergy to honey, can I use beeswax wraps?
All beeswax comes into contact with honey. As a result, it is recommended that if you have an allergy to honey you do not use beeswax wraps. However, our vegan wraps are made using candelilla wax which is derived from the candelilla plant and are safe for those with honey allergies.
What is candelilla wax?
Candelilla wax is derived from a species of small drought-tolerant shrub of the spurge family. Native to Texas and New Mexico in the United States, and various regions of Mexico, Candelilla forms an upright clump of slender, waxy grey-green stems. The wax is used in many products including candles, soap, polish, ointments, and of course, our vegan wraps.
Why do you use tree resin and what kind do you use?
We only use dammar resin so our wraps are 100% pine resin-free (also known as rosin, rosin gum/gum rosin, colophony or pine gum). Dammar resin (also called dammar gum or damar gum) is derived from two trees – Shorea (Dipterocarpaceae) and Shorea javanica. It is harvested through cuts on the trunks of live trees, reducing deforestation. We use this for a few reasons. It raises the melting temperature of the wax, makes our wraps tackier than wax alone and most importantly, may not cause allergic reactions or adverse effects like pine resin. While pine resin has been classified in Australia as a hazardous material due to its potential to cause skin reactions, dammar resin is classified as non-hazardous.
What are reusable produce bags?
Our reusable produce bags are a sustainable alternative to single-use plastic bags. Like our wraps, they are made of all-natural ingredients – 100% organic cotton mesh fabric, natural hemp cord drawstring and cotton thread. Each is cut and sewed by hand, and double-stitched, providing you with an eco-friendly and versatile bag alternative.
What can I use my produce bags for?
Our produce bags are very versatile and can be used to reduce single-use plastic use when shopping for and storing your delicious fruits and veggies. They are great to store those items that sweat when in plastic either in the cupboard or the fridge – think green beans, brussels sprouts, carrots. These can also be used as lunch bags to take your day’s food and afternoon meal on the go, and as wash bags to keep your delicates protected in the washing machine.
Why should I choose a reusable bag shopping bag?
Each year, in Australia alone, we use 4 billion plastic bags, with 30 to 50 million of these making their way into our oceans and the environment. Reusable shopping bags are a great way of reducing this number. By taking your own bag to the shops, you can save over 170 plastic bags a year. Even better, our shopping bags are made of natural canvas fabric and are hand screen-printed with a range of designs to choose from. Like our produce bags, they are very versatile. Use them as beach bags, swimming bags, to take to work or school. Whenever you need to carry something, these are the bags not to leave home without.
Will my shopping bag look exactly like the picture?
Each bag is printed in very small batches, generally with 1 to 4 bags printed at a time, which are then hand stamped, left to dry for a couple of days and ironed to heat-seal the image. While we endeavour to create each image the same, the hand screen-printing process means subtle differences may exist between bags. This results in no two bags being identical.
How do I place an order?
While we do not take orders through our websites, you can find our Etsy store at https://www.etsy.com/au/shop/TheOceanCalls. We also welcome orders via email at theoceancalls@outlook.com. We endeavour to respond promptly to all orders and enquiries and can provide further images of wrap and shopping bag designs on request. Once an order has been placed and payment has been received, your order will be shipped and an email confirmation of its dispatch sent to you.
Do your prices include postage?
Yes, our prices include postage within Australia, however, shipping outside of Australia is not included and is calculated per order.
Do your products contain plastic?
All of our products are plastic-free. From our wraps and produce bags, to our packaging and business cards, we strive to use natural materials. Even our postage satchels are compostable!
What do I do with my postage satchel?
Our postage satchels are 100% Australian certified organic from Compost-A-Pak. They are made from completely natural plant-based material without any nasties and break down into non-toxic components that can actually add to soil quality. Please do not throw away in your rubbish, either reuse or pop them into your compost bin.
How can I get in contact with you?
Have a question? Want to provide feedback? Place an order? Or just say hi? We’d love to hear from you! Please email us at theoceancalls@outlook.com. Want some ocean inspiration or to learn about all things marine? Check us out on Instagram @the_ocean_calls. Also keep an eye on our website for all upcoming markets and news.
Beeswax and vegan wraps are a fantastic alternative to using single-use plastic such as cling wrap. They are made by hand and of all-natural ingredients – 100% cotton fabric, jojoba oil, tree resin and either pure Australian beeswax or candelilla wax. While many wraps are made of wax alone, the inclusion of tree resin increases tackiness, while jojoba oil reduces the chance of cracking increasing the longevity of your wraps.
What can I use my beeswax or vegan wraps for?
Beeswax and vegan wraps are can be used to wrap or cover most foods. They can be used for sandwiches, leftovers, snacks, veggies, cheese… The list goes on! Please DO NOT use with raw meat, chicken or fish, or to cover hot food. Allow food to cool before covering with your wraps.
How do I use my new beeswax or vegan wraps?
Cover your food, bowl or container with the wrap and press firmly to mould, the warmth of your hands will soften the wax and make your wraps malleable, and form a seal.
Why should I use beeswax or vegan wraps?
Beeswax and vegan wraps are a natural and eco-friendly alternative to single-use plastic. Every year, over 6 million tonnes of rubbish is dumped into our oceans with plastic making up 80% of this. While plastic is fast becoming an inevitable part of our convenient lifestyles, reducing single-use plastic use (think straws, takeaway cutlery, plastic bags and wrap) is a brilliant start to reducing our impacts on the environment. Remember, small changes have big impacts.
How do I look after my beeswax or vegan wraps?
Simply wipe with a warm cloth or wash in luke warm or cold water with a mild detergent. Washing in cold water will ensure the wax is stiff, providing a more stable surface to clean. Please do not use hot water. Avoid scrubbing or picking at stubborn food as this may also remove some wax. Leave this to soak in COLD water and wipe clean. Air-dry flat or blot dry with a tea towel. Your wraps will discolour with time and use. Dark foods and liquids may permanently discolour your wraps. So only use darker coloured wraps for things such as beetroot or red wine. Keep away from sources of heat – ovens, microwaves, hot foods and direct sunlight.
Can I put my wraps in the dishwasher?
No, please wash by hand only as outlined above.
Can I put my wraps in the freezer?
Yes, simply wrap your food as normal to create a tight seal and pop in the freezer. Wax will become stiff with the low temperature however will soften again with the warmth of your hands.
How do I store my beeswax or vegan wraps?
After washing your wraps and letting them air dry, store them in a cool place in either a drawer or shelf where they can lay flat. Constant creasing will wear the wax faster in these areas so storing the flatter the better!
What do I do if my beeswax or vegan wraps crack?
Wax wear is inevitable. If you notice your wax beginning to crack, simply place between two sheets of baking paper and gently iron. The heat will melt the wax allowing it to reabsorb into the cotton fabric.
How long will my beeswax or vegan wraps last?
The longevity of your wax is very dependent on use and care. Wraps that are used lightly and cared for correctly may last beyond 12 months, however heavier use will reduce this. By taking good care of your wrap will extend its life.
What do I do with my beeswax or vegan wraps at the end of their lifespan?
When your wraps no longer seal with the warmth of your hands, they have reached the end of their life. Please do not throw these in the bin. Your wraps are made of 100% natural ingredients and are fully compostable. Please place these in your compost bin and let nature break them down. Alternatively, why not get your hands on some wax and rewax them yourself?
Will my beeswax or vegan wraps have a scent?
The smell of your wraps depends on your choice of wax. Both beeswax and candelilla wax have a subtle scent which will reduce with time and use. But don’t worry, this will not transfer to food.
I have an allergy to honey, can I use beeswax wraps?
All beeswax comes into contact with honey. As a result, it is recommended that if you have an allergy to honey you do not use beeswax wraps. However, our vegan wraps are made using candelilla wax which is derived from the candelilla plant and are safe for those with honey allergies.
What is candelilla wax?
Candelilla wax is derived from a species of small drought-tolerant shrub of the spurge family. Native to Texas and New Mexico in the United States, and various regions of Mexico, Candelilla forms an upright clump of slender, waxy grey-green stems. The wax is used in many products including candles, soap, polish, ointments, and of course, our vegan wraps.
Why do you use tree resin and what kind do you use?
We only use dammar resin so our wraps are 100% pine resin-free (also known as rosin, rosin gum/gum rosin, colophony or pine gum). Dammar resin (also called dammar gum or damar gum) is derived from two trees – Shorea (Dipterocarpaceae) and Shorea javanica. It is harvested through cuts on the trunks of live trees, reducing deforestation. We use this for a few reasons. It raises the melting temperature of the wax, makes our wraps tackier than wax alone and most importantly, may not cause allergic reactions or adverse effects like pine resin. While pine resin has been classified in Australia as a hazardous material due to its potential to cause skin reactions, dammar resin is classified as non-hazardous.
What are reusable produce bags?
Our reusable produce bags are a sustainable alternative to single-use plastic bags. Like our wraps, they are made of all-natural ingredients – 100% organic cotton mesh fabric, natural hemp cord drawstring and cotton thread. Each is cut and sewed by hand, and double-stitched, providing you with an eco-friendly and versatile bag alternative.
What can I use my produce bags for?
Our produce bags are very versatile and can be used to reduce single-use plastic use when shopping for and storing your delicious fruits and veggies. They are great to store those items that sweat when in plastic either in the cupboard or the fridge – think green beans, brussels sprouts, carrots. These can also be used as lunch bags to take your day’s food and afternoon meal on the go, and as wash bags to keep your delicates protected in the washing machine.
Why should I choose a reusable bag shopping bag?
Each year, in Australia alone, we use 4 billion plastic bags, with 30 to 50 million of these making their way into our oceans and the environment. Reusable shopping bags are a great way of reducing this number. By taking your own bag to the shops, you can save over 170 plastic bags a year. Even better, our shopping bags are made of natural canvas fabric and are hand screen-printed with a range of designs to choose from. Like our produce bags, they are very versatile. Use them as beach bags, swimming bags, to take to work or school. Whenever you need to carry something, these are the bags not to leave home without.
Will my shopping bag look exactly like the picture?
Each bag is printed in very small batches, generally with 1 to 4 bags printed at a time, which are then hand stamped, left to dry for a couple of days and ironed to heat-seal the image. While we endeavour to create each image the same, the hand screen-printing process means subtle differences may exist between bags. This results in no two bags being identical.
How do I place an order?
While we do not take orders through our websites, you can find our Etsy store at https://www.etsy.com/au/shop/TheOceanCalls. We also welcome orders via email at theoceancalls@outlook.com. We endeavour to respond promptly to all orders and enquiries and can provide further images of wrap and shopping bag designs on request. Once an order has been placed and payment has been received, your order will be shipped and an email confirmation of its dispatch sent to you.
Do your prices include postage?
Yes, our prices include postage within Australia, however, shipping outside of Australia is not included and is calculated per order.
Do your products contain plastic?
All of our products are plastic-free. From our wraps and produce bags, to our packaging and business cards, we strive to use natural materials. Even our postage satchels are compostable!
What do I do with my postage satchel?
Our postage satchels are 100% Australian certified organic from Compost-A-Pak. They are made from completely natural plant-based material without any nasties and break down into non-toxic components that can actually add to soil quality. Please do not throw away in your rubbish, either reuse or pop them into your compost bin.
How can I get in contact with you?
Have a question? Want to provide feedback? Place an order? Or just say hi? We’d love to hear from you! Please email us at theoceancalls@outlook.com. Want some ocean inspiration or to learn about all things marine? Check us out on Instagram @the_ocean_calls. Also keep an eye on our website for all upcoming markets and news.
