Frequently Asked Questions

What are they and who is Little Bumble?

Little Bumble stands out as Australia's ONLY food wrap creators with technical expertise in science, agriculture and food industries, which enable us to achieve the perfect wraps with outstanding performance and longevity. This key skill set enabled our founder, Laura Eddington, to develop a unique formula that can keep avocados fresh for up to 2 weeks, cucumbers 3 weeks and celery 5 weeks. Little Bumble are going above and beyond in solving the food storage crisis in Australia which currently wastes 9 billion dollars of food annually! Proudly certified Australian made and mentioned by Choice as food wrap stars.

Little Bumble Reusable Food Wraps are an all-natural alternative to plastic wrap. They are made from 100% cotton which is washed, hand cut and hand coated in a pre-blend of naturally anti-bacterial ingredients: Australian Beeswax OR plant-based wax, Australian Jojoba Oil, Virgin Coconut Oil and Natural Tree Resin. They keep your food fresher for longer without costing the earth!

 

How do they work?

Simply use the warmth of your hands to mold Little Bumble Reusable Food Wraps around food items and kitchenware. The warmth softens the wax and allows the wrap to be shaped to seal around your food. They are naturally antibacterial and significantly reduce the amount of sweating that occurs when foods are kept airtight in plastic, therefore, your food stays fresher for much longer!

 

What can I use them for?

Little Bumble Reusable Food Wraps are perfect for all fruit, vegetables, cheese, sandwiches, baked goods, jars, bowls, plates, platters etc. Stop your cheese from sweating and keep your cucumber and celery crispy by swapping the plastic wrap for this amazing sustainable alternative.

 

What can’t I use them for?

Do not use Little Bumble Reusable Food Wraps on hot food or liquid as they will melt and the wax will wear away. They are not designed to hold liquids and they cannot be used on raw meat as they cannot be washed under hot water, only cool soapy water. You CAN use them for cooked meat such as sandwich filling and lasagne.

 

Is there any transfer of taste and smell?

No transfer of taste or smell from the wax wrap will occur. Little Bumble Reusable Food Wraps smell very faintly of fresh beeswax which is a lovely delicate scent. You may find that onions may transfer smell and taste onto the wraps so it is suggested that you use a dedicated wrap for use on onions.

 

Where can I store them?

Store your Little Bumble Reusable Food Wraps in a cool dry place such as the pantry or a draw. Keep them away from heat above 40C and direct sunlight. Alternatively clip them on the fridge with a magnetic clip so that your household remembers to use them rather than plastic! It’s best to keep the folding of the wraps to a minimum so we recommend you store them flat or better yet, roll them up and store them in a jar. Then you can easily see the different heights and sizes of your wraps for a quick grab and go station.

 

How long will they last?

Little Bumble Reusable Food Wraps will last up to 12 months with good use and care. And even well beyond that!! Heavy use over prolonged periods of time can shorten the lifespan. Avoid heat and heavy handling or scrubbing. The wraps can be given a refresh by ironing between baking paper on a low setting with no steam (be careful of the hot wax!). This redistributes the wraps and makes them look brand new! TIP: Put on old towel on your ironing board to protect it from wax.  When your wax coating on your wrap is no longer giving you ideal performance, you can easily top up the wrap with a DIY kit! Simply snap the pre-blend, iron and voila! It will keep going strong for much longer!

 

How do I care for them?

Wash in cool water with mild detergent. Lay flat to dry or place on dish rack. Once dry, smooth flat with your hands and store. If needed soak in cold water for a few minutes to remove dried on foods. Store in a cool dry place away from heat and direct sunlight.

 

Is there anything else I need to know before I start using Little Bumble Reusable Food Wraps?

Here is a few 'do nots' for you to be aware of! Wax is flammable so please keep your wraps far away from flames! Do not expose wraps to heat sources such as microwaves, ovens or dishwasher. Keep out of high temperatures above 40C and harsh sunlight. Do not use for raw meats, hot foods or liquids. Some staining may occur with brightly coloured foods like turmeric, blueberries, beetroot etc. Wash your wraps before first use. 

 

Can I refresh my wraps?

Yes, you can! For a quick face-lift, iron your wrap between baking paper on a low setting with no steam (be careful of the hot wax!). TIP: Put on old towel on your ironing board to protect it from wax. Over time the wax coating will wear down and when your wrap is no longer giving you ideal performance, you can easily replace the wax and top up the wrap with a DIY kit! Simply snap, iron and voila! It will keep going strong for much longer!

 

DIY Kit: Why do you use the ironing method?

This method makes it easier to get consistently professional results in a safer manner with minimal clean up. No messy trays or brushes! It’s also a more economical and sustainable option to use an iron rather than an oven as this uses less power. Instructions are provided with your DIY kit.

 

I lost my DIY instructions! Can I get another copy?

If you email hello@littlebumble.com.au we can reply with a pdf attachment of the instructions.

 

Do Reusable Food Wraps go bad?

The natural properties of the ingredients are ANTI-BACTERIAL! Which make them a perfect food storage solution. All the ingredients in Little Bumble Reusable Food Wraps have a shelf life of many years! So you can safely use and top up your wraps for a very long time. By following the care instructions, your wrap will be kept in good condition and it will able to be topped up and refreshed. If you are concerned that your wrap has been compromised in anyway then simply bury it so it can return to the earth without a trace!

 

Do you make pouches or bags?

There are a few reasons why Little Bumble offers sandwich wraps (medium or large wraps) rather than sandwich bags or pouches.

 1/ Bags and pouches are harder to clean because you have to turn it inside out to clean out the crumbs that get stuck in the corners. This causes the wax coating to wear down quicker than wraps. Using sandwich wraps instead of bags means it’s quicker and easier to clean and it will last you longer because there is significantly less wearing to the wax coating.

 2/ Bags and pouches have a set purpose and are not as versatile as wraps. Sandwich wraps can easily be used for a multitude of other items whereas bags or pouches limit the functionality.

 3/ Bags and pouches cannot be easily refreshed/ topped up with new wax once it wears down, so the life span is limited within the 12 months compared to a wrap that can keep going for a much longer time with a top up.

These reasons were tested and validated during early product and development at Little Bumble. It’s understandable that some prefer the sense of security that bags and pouches appear to provide, but it is unnecessary and there are much better results achieved from flat wraps.

 

How do I ensure my wrap is up to scratch?

From the very beginning Little Bumble ensures your wraps are made in the highest standards possible. We have carefully selected all ingredients to ensure highest quality reusable food wraps. Our Little Bumble work area is pristine and open to the public so you can see for yourself where your wrap is lovingly handmade. Our waxing occurs in a special stainless steel wax melter (food grade) where we apply food safety standards to the making of every single wrap. All wraps are made in the presence of a team member with a Food Handlers Certificate. We go above and beyond to provide you with an outstanding product in all aspects of production. Any handling of the wraps is done with care and they are stored and packed in a cool, clean and dry environment. To further ensure that your wrap is up to scratch from when it arrives home with you, wash it before first use. They will then be ready to begin to work wonders in keeping your food fresher for longer. The amazing thing about beeswax food wraps is that they are naturally anti-bacterial so they are perfect for food storage!  

 

Why should I bother giving feedback?

At Little Bumble we always strive to give outstanding products and services. We thrive on constructive feedback on how we can continue to improve and develop in order to better serve our customers. Feedback and reviews can be emailed to hello@littlebumble.com.au or shared on the product page on the customer review section. Should there be anything you’ve found unsatisfactory please reach out to us so we can make it right.

 

 How can I spread the word?

We are so excited when we gain new loyal Little Bumble fans who are keen to spread the word. Social media is a powerful way to give this movement a voice and we welcome you to put up pictures of how you use your wraps and the difference they make. Share your pictures, tag our products and tell your friends and family about this sustainable food storage solution that won’t cost the earth!

 

 I can’t wait to start! How long before I get my wrap?

Your wraps are lovingly handmade to order in the Little Bumble Hive Quarters. Please allow 1-5 business days for this before we post it to you. If you need to put in a rush order please email us here so we can try to accommodate your request.

Information regarding postage can be found on the Shipping Information page.

 Where do you ship to?

We ship worldwide!

 How much is international postage?

This is dependent on location and the weight and size of your order. At the checkout you will be given an quote for international shipping. Please refer to the Australia Post – International Post Guide for more details.

 

Can I post them to WA?

Little Bumble Reusable Food Wraps ARE PERMITTED entry into Western Australia as we use REFINED wax which is free of extraneous matter. Basically, it has been filtered and purified so that it is clean and free from any impurities. No excessive heating or treating of the wax is necessary as it could damage the beeswax. Prohibited entry in Western Australia applies mainly to honey, bees and hives.

 

What if you have allergies?

If you are allergic to bee products or plant products, or have unknown allergies, you should consult with your health professional before you consider using reusable food wraps.

Little Bumble Reusable Food Wraps are made with all natural ingredients: 100% cotton, Australian Organic Beeswax OR plant-based wax, Virgin Coconut oil, Australian Jojoba oil and Natural Pine Resin. They all play an integral part in producing outstanding beeswax food wraps.

 

What’s the go with pine resin?

Pine resin or Gum Rosin as it’s also known as, is a completely ALL-NATURAL and ANTI-MICROBIAL product. Pine resin is tree sap extracted from particular species of pine trees much like maple syrup is extracted. It’s used in our food wraps to raise the melting point of the beeswax and makes it less brittle for folding and reduces cracking which crucial in making your Little Bumble Reusable Food Wraps work so effectively. 

Don't fall for the misinformation about pine resin out there in cyber space. One misleading blog, written by someone without a science background, has to be true right?! However, it's good to address this bloggers misleading information about pine resin so you can be 100% assured of our toxic free food wraps which are ALL-NATURAL, ANTI-BACTERIAL, FOOD SAFE, and just plain FANTASTIC!

Pine Resin (gum rosin) is used as an ingredient in chewy gum so there’s a high chance you’ve enjoyed chewing on this natural product already! In ancient times they used to chew on it in its raw form. This may not have tasted fantastic but it has amazing anti-microbial properties which would have aided in good oral hygiene!  Pine Resin is also used on violin bows and also on the shoes of dancers to prevent them slipping. You'll find forms of gum rosin on the back of stamps and also in some soft drinks and ice-cream. When you next watch Jurassic Park look at the scene which shows the encased mosquito in amber and you'll be looking at Pine Resin!

In its raw form, powdered pine resin is not good to inhale so great care needs to be taken with handling it. Same is true for many other natural products like the cinnamon in the kitchen we cook with. Powdered pine resin should be handled and stored appropriately by someone trained in science who understands, and correctly interprets, Material Data Safety Sheet (MSDS). Our founder Laura, has science qualifications and technical expertise which means she has thorough understanding of science and handling natural compounds appropriately.  

Only in its RAW form, and with very PROLONGED direct skin contact, pine resin MAY cause minor irritations for those with sensitive skin. Much like prolonged or frequent use of detergent or soap! However, in our wraps and pre-blend it's not in its raw form, is diluted significantly, and unless you start wearing our wraps!, it's not in prolonged contact with skin! If you do have extreme skin sensitivities or allergies it is always wise to seek health professional advice.

According to google, tree resin searches sometimes mention the word turpentine. Turpentine is extracted from tree resin and is a natural extract that can be used in natural insect repellent and anti-inflammatory remedies. This type of compound (extracted from pine resin) is vaporised by heating the fresh pine resin so you can be assured that our wraps are food safe and free from any harmful compounds.

There are different types of tree resin but they are all very similar in their properties. Some wrap makers use Dammar Resin as an ingredient as it's a slightly paler colour. We have chosen to use Pine Resin as pine trees are a heavily logged species and we would rather help sustainable forestry where it's needed the most. We end up with beautiful pine resin and prevent logging of the most affected species so it's a win win! 

It's easy to get caught up in the misinformation surrounding this wonderful ingredient. If you are reading this it's because you care about your health and that is a great thing indeed! We care as well and that's why we are very proud to offer a premium food safe product that is much healthier for you than exposing your body to chemicals found in plastic food storage. 

 

Can you tell me your recipe?

We frequently get enquiries about our formula and if we would be willing to share this information. This is becoming increasingly common as it becomes more widely known that Little Bumble wraps stand out as quality wraps and also the fact that there is so much more to it than wax alone. However, the short answer to requests for sharing our recipe is no and here are some of the reasons why.

Laura, the Founder and Director at Little Bumble, completed a 4 year science degree with honours and put her skills to use to develop our unique formula targeted to premium performance and longevity. She alone specifically creates each batch of blended ingredients to maintain consistency and quality control of our popular pre-blend. Laura also has qualifications in the food industry and an understanding of food safety which ensures customers are purchasing a high quality, food grade product, one which stands out from the pack and which customers can be confident in placing their trust in Little Bumble.

The Little Bumble formula was scientifically developed over a long period of time with extensive trialling and testing conducted using appropriate scientific procedures. Considerable time went into researching the individual naturally occurring compounds that make up the ingredients and how they behave and react together. It’s not only a delicate balance of ingredients that leads to quality results, but the way they are carefully incorporated. Each ingredient has very different properties and melting/ burning points so their integrity can easily be negatively affected while being incorporated together. A deep understanding of why this occurs was crucial in developing the perfect formula. After all, baking a cake with nothing but ingredients alone, doesn't make for a good cake! Methods matter! 

Being able to correctly interpret Material Safety Data Sheets was also key in knowing how to use, handle and store ingredients safely. There is always the risk that if ingredients are not handled appropriately it could be a risk to personal safety as well as safety of consumers. Little Bumble manages this risk with appropriate measures to ensure all risks are eliminated and managed accordingly. Our wraps come into contact with food and as such, we only provide pre-blend which is food safe and backed by food experts to use as an alternative to plastic food storage (see below).

As it stands, there is currently no legislation or regulations in this area of food storage. The manufacturing of reusable food wraps that are to be utilised by the general public, should only be conducted by those with high level of expertise and technical understanding of what makes for a high quality, food safe reusable wrap and their appropriate care and use to instruct consumers correctly. Eventually this industry will be regulated and Little Bumble is eagerly awaiting for such an important change. We often get new customers that have been disappointed by other wraps and are truly amazed at the difference in the quality and performance of Little Bumble wraps. It’s concerning when we see sub-standard wraps being sold to the public and we hear their creators advising they are safe for raw meat, which is certainly not true and dangerous to tell consumers! The food authorities from Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) have given guidelines on the appropriate use and care of beeswax food wraps and these are the only directions correct instructions that should be followed. Here is the link below for further details: https://www.facebook.com/Food.Standards/photos/a.281651821862481/2447518788609096/?type=3&theater

We strongly encourage you to use our DIY kits which allow you to make your own wraps with a professional finish. Then you can be certain of high quality food grade products that are safe for the whole family and will help you keep your food fresher for longer. Any requests we get regarding our formula we take as a compliment because we (and our customers) have confidence that we have achieved the perfect formula! We understand that it may seem like a simple process of throwing ingredients together but there is much more to it than that, careful considerations and processes are involved. Each batch of Little Bumble pre-blend is carefully created so a lot of love and effort goes into providing our high quality reusable food wrap blend. The dedicated Little Bumble team then carefully hand-dip each individual wrap and pour out DIY kits and they are incredibly meticulous with their efforts to create beautiful reusable food wraps for all households. We’ve done all the hard work so you can just enjoy our amazing wraps and in doing so, you are backing the Little Bumble Team who are whole heartedly dedicated to providing our valued customers with the best. Support us in helping every household make a difference one wrap at a time by purchasing our DIY kits and wraps!

  

How much are workshops and masterclasses?

We tailor all our workshops and masterclasses specifically to fit needs of schools, private events, corporate groups. Please see 'Classes & Events'

 

Do you accept exchanges?

Little Bumble  can only refund or replace damaged or faulty products. Please see out Refund Policy for more details.

 

How can I pay for my wraps?

We accept Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Paypal, Apple Pay and EFT for all orders. Afterpay is available for orders over $50.

Please note that orders paid for by EFT will only be processed once funds have cleared. 

Order confirmation with tax invoice/receipt will be emailed to you immediately. 

Transaction details will appear as: SP * LITTLE BUMBLE

If you experience any payment processing issues please email hello@littlebumble.com.au