Infinite Industries, which specialises in recycling packaging material, provides the innovative material from which the hives are made. It is created from Tetra Pak cartons, typically used for milk and other liquids.
The packaging material is transformed into planks 14-18 mm thick, which are then used to create hives based on the classic Langstroth design.
Woodlands Dairy approached Infinite Industries in 2021 with questions about its products, then visited its factory. Since sustainability is important to Woodlands Dairy, a partnership with a company like Infinite Industries was an obvious choice, says Marisa Maccaferri, marketing manager of Woodlands Dairy and First Choice.
Thanks to their partnership and the expertise of beekeeper Gavin Botes of Botes Honey Farms, significant progress is being made in ensuring the sustainability of the Eastern Cape’s bee population, she says.
The project also reduces the amount of waste that ends up in landfills and the sea, as well as the amount of raw material needed and the carbon footprint.
According to Botes, his bees readily accepted the new hives. The temperature inside is the same as in traditional wooden hives.
“It is essential to maintain healthy swarms because the bees can then focus on honey production instead of temperature regulation, which contributes to any beekeeper’s profitability,” says Maccaferri.
“The planks are waterproof and reduce the maintenance of the hives. Wooden hives require continuous care.”
The strength and durability of the recycled material is also a bonus if, like Botes, you move the hives from time to time.
“The well-being of the swarms and the utilisation of new products in their natural environment are important factors to consider. We gradually exposed the bees to the new material. About 20 hives made entirely from the new material are currently being produced,” says Maccaferri.
“These recycled planks will last forever – and I don’t think any honey badgers will be able to break through them.”
