AFRICAN BEEKEEPERS LIMITED
Beeswax Collection and Processing
Beeswax is a valuable product of beekeeping that can be recovered from old combs, hive scrapings and wax cappings collected during honey processing.
African Beekeepers Limited has designed a solar wax melter that uses heat from the sun to separate reusable beeswax from comb material without depending on electricity or direct flame.
SOLAR BEESWAX RECOVERY
Solar Wax Melter
The ABL solar wax melter is designed to process honeycombs harvested from Kenya Top Bar and traditional hives, as well as wax cappings collected from Langstroth beehives.
Under suitable sunny conditions, solar radiation passes through the transparent cover and raises the temperature inside the enclosed chamber. The wax melts and separates from debris before flowing into a collection area.
The enclosed system protects the melting wax from direct contact with flames while reducing dependence on electricity, gas or firewood. This makes it especially useful for apiaries and rural honey-processing operations with reliable sunlight.
Suitable Wax Materials
- Wax cappings collected during honey uncapping
- Old or damaged honeycomb
- Comb from Kenya Top Bar hives
- Comb recovered from traditional hives
- Clean wax scrapings collected during hive maintenance
Key Features
- Uses freely available solar energy
- Requires no electrical power during operation
- Enclosed melting chamber
- Transparent cover captures and retains solar heat
- Raised frame provides a convenient working height
- Supports separation of wax from comb debris
- Suitable for apiaries and honey-processing centres
VALUE FROM EVERY HARVEST
Recovering a Valuable Bee Product
Wax generated during uncapping and hive maintenance should not be discarded. When it is collected and processed carefully, it can become an additional source of value for beekeepers and honey enterprises.
Recovered beeswax may be prepared for appropriate uses such as making comb starter sheets, candles, polishes and other beeswax-based products.
- Reduces the loss of usable wax during honey processing
- Encourages productive use of hive by-products
- Creates opportunities for value addition
- Reduces reliance on fuel-powered wax processing
- Supports cleaner organization of wax residues
BASIC OPERATING PROCEDURE
Using the Solar Wax Melter
- Collect and sort the wax, removing stones, wood, wire and other unsuitable material.
- Place the wax or comb material in the designated melting section.
- Close the transparent cover securely.
- Position the equipment in direct sunlight on stable and level ground.
- Allow the enclosed chamber to heat naturally as the wax melts.
- Let the melted wax flow into the designated collection area.
- Allow the wax and equipment to cool before removing the processed wax or remaining debris.
- Clean the chamber and collection section before processing another batch.
SAFE OPERATION
Handling Heated Wax Safely
- Place the melter on firm and level ground.
- Keep children and unauthorized persons away during operation.
- Do not touch heated metal or melted wax with bare hands.
- Use suitable protective gloves when handling hot components.
- Open the transparent cover carefully after heating.
- Keep water away from hot, melted wax.
- Allow the equipment to cool before cleaning or moving it.
- Store the melter under cover when it is not in use.
BEESWAX VALUE ADDITION
Make Better Use of Your Beeswax
Contact African Beekeepers Limited for solar wax-processing equipment and practical guidance on collecting, handling and adding value to beeswax.
