It’s hard to imagine, but tiny plastic particles—called microplastics—are making their way into the food we eat every day. From fresh produce to packaged snacks, traces of plastic are turning up in places they simply shouldn’t be. While the long-term health impacts are still being studied, early research has raised enough concern that many of us are now asking: how do I limit my exposure?
In this post, we break down where microplastics come from, how they end up in our food, and what simple swaps—like switching to reusable beeswax wraps—can do to help protect both our health and the planet.
What Are Microplastics?
Microplastics are tiny plastic particles less than 5mm in size. Some are manufactured small (like microbeads once found in personal care products), while others are created as larger plastics break down over time—think packaging, cling wrap, or water bottles slowly degrading in the environment.
These microscopic particles don’t disappear. They end up in our waterways, soils, oceans… and yes, our food.
How Do Microplastics Get Into Food?
There are a few key ways microplastics enter our food supply:
- Plastic Packaging Leaching: Many food items are wrapped in plastic. Over time—and especially with exposure to heat or oil—chemicals and microplastic fragments can leach into the food itself.
- Contaminated Water: Microplastics have been found in both tap and bottled water. Fish and seafood often ingest microplastics floating in oceans, which are then consumed by humans.
- Soil & Agriculture: When plastic waste breaks down in soil or microplastic-contaminated fertilisers are used, crops may absorb these particles through their roots. Recent studies have even found microplastics in fruits and vegetables.
- Food Processing & Packaging Plants: Industrial food facilities and commercial kitchens that rely on plastic tools, machinery, or packaging can introduce microplastics into the food during handling and storage.
Why Is This a Problem?
While research is still emerging, scientists are concerned about the potential health effects of microplastics. Studies suggest that they may disrupt hormones, damage cells, and carry harmful toxins into the body.
What we do know is that plastics are not meant to be part of our diet—and it’s in everyone’s best interest to limit how much ends up on our plate.
What You Can Do to Reduce Microplastics in Your Food
The good news? There are simple steps you can take to reduce your exposure to microplastics, and many of them are easy to incorporate into daily life:
1. Avoid Plastic Food Wraps & Containers
Cling film, zip-lock bags, and plastic takeaway containers are major culprits. Switch to reusable beeswax wraps, glass storage containers, or stainless steel options wherever possible.
At Honeybee Wrap, our natural beeswax wraps are made from 100% cotton, organic beeswax, tree resin, and jojoba oil—completely free from synthetic plastics and safe for food contact.
2. Buy Fresh, Not Pre-Packaged
Shopping at local farmers markets or bulk food stores reduces your reliance on plastic-wrapped produce and groceries. Bonus: it supports local growers and reduces carbon emissions from transport and packaging.
3. Ditch Bottled Water
Many bottled water brands have tested positive for microplastics. Use a reusable bottle with a home water filter instead—it’s better for you and the planet.
4. Be Mindful of Heat
Never microwave food in plastic containers or wraps, as heat speeds up the breakdown of plastic and the release of chemicals. Opt for ceramic or glass dishes when reheating meals.
5. Choose Natural Fibres
Plastic doesn’t just enter our food from packaging—it can come from clothing, too. Washing synthetic fabrics (like polyester) releases microfibres that enter waterways. By choosing natural fibres for things like cleaning cloths and food wraps, you cut down on overall plastic shedding.
Small Swaps, Big Impact
At Honeybee Wrap, we believe small, everyday swaps can lead to meaningful change. Choosing reusable wraps is a simple way to reduce single-use plastic, protect your health, and minimise your contribution to the growing microplastic problem.
It’s not just about what we take out of our lives—but what we put in. Clean, whole foods stored naturally and thoughtfully help us feel better and tread more lightly on the earth.
Ready to make the switch?
Explore our range of handcrafted beeswax wraps and make your kitchen a plastic-free zone—one wrap at a time.
https://honeybeewrap.com.au/collections/beeswax-wraps-all