Quality of Beeswax in the Context of Sustainable Beekeeping: Technological Factors of Formation and Ensurance

Abstract

Beekeeping has long been an important branch of traditional rural production and a source of valuable products such as honey, beeswax, royal jelly, propolis, pollen, bee venom, and drone brood homogenate, which are widely used in the food, pharmaceutical, and veterinary sectors. Among bee products, beeswax occupies a special place as a complex multicomponent organic substance containing more than 300 compounds, including esters and alcohols of higher fatty acids, free fatty acids, saturated hydrocarbons, minerals, vitamins, and natural aromatic components. Its physicochemical properties determine the possibilities for its application in various industries, particularly in the production of foundation sheets, cosmetic products, and pharmaceuticals.

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of processing methods and the grade of raw wax material on the quantitative yield and quality of beeswax. The experiment involved different grades of wax raw material (Grades I, II, and III) and processing methods, including solar and steam wax melters, as well as the modern Kulakov wax press. The physicochemical parameters of the wax (water and mechanical impurity content, iodine value, and saponification value) and organoleptic characteristics were assessed.

The results demonstrated that processing technology has a significant impact on both the quantitative yield and quality of beeswax. The highest yield (98.5%) and the purest product were obtained from Grade I wax raw material using a solar wax melter, whereas processing Grade II and III raw materials with the modern Kulakov wax press ensured high yields (92.6–95.3%) along with improved physicochemical indicators. Wax obtained using the wax press was characterized by higher iodine and saponification values, indicating superior quality and compliance with established standards.

The obtained data allow recommending the use of mechanized methods for processing wax raw materials at apiaries in order to increase product yield and improve physicochemical and organoleptic characteristics. The results have practical significance for wax producers, contribute to the optimization of technological processes, and enhance the competitiveness of products in both domestic and international markets.